Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs & Celebrations
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Citymeals-on-Wheels’ 25th Anniversary event, “Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs & Celebrations” to honor James Beard in Rockefeller Center. More than 40 great chefs came out to prepare some of their most beloved signature dishes at the event to benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels.
I don’t even know how to begin describing just how special this event was last night. It was wonderful to see so many chefs come together for such a great cause. Citymeals-on-Wheels is a non-profit organization, co-founded by Beard and food critic Gael Greene, which “raises private funds to ensure no homebound elderly New Yorker will ever go a day without food or human company.”
The event was really swanky! I’m not going to lie, I felt pretty lucky being invited.
Live music and dancing added to the festive and upbeat mood of the night.
Look who I bumped into at the event: Sabrina!!! I was so excited to have a buddy to enjoy the night with.
Sabrina and I were in foodie heaven! Everything that I tried was absolutely amazing. I definitely left with a very full belly.
Joe Ng, Chinatown Brasserie (New York)
Sirloin Tart with Curry Coconut Sauce
Steamed Watercress & Shrimp Dumpling with Kaffir Lime Leaf & XO Sauce
Richard Leach, The Hurricane Club (New York)
Lime in the Coconut Number 17 shot
I had 3 of these Lime in the Coconut shots over the course of the evening. They were light, refreshing, and fun!
Melissa Kelly, Primo (Rockland, ME/Orlando/Tucson)
Pork Belly, Pickled Vegetable
I had no idea that I liked pork belly! Delicious!
Daniel Boulud & Jean François Bruel, DANIEL (New York)
Chilled Watercress Soup with Lobster Gelée & Porcini
Jonathan Benno, Patina Group Restaurant at Lincoln Center (New York)
Crostini con Fegatini di Pollo (Chicken Liver Pâté with Arugula and Fennel-Raisin Semolina Bread)
I also had no idea that I liked chicken liver pâté. Who would have guessed? Also, excellent.
Franck Deletrain, Café Centro (New York)
Smoked Halibut, Sea beans, Tomato Confit, Cracklings
Jimmy Schmidt, Rattlesnake/Morgan’s in the Desert (Detroit, MI/La Quinta, CA)
Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Roasted Fennel & Shaved Fennel Salad, Many Mustard Sauce
This was probably the best crab cake I have ever eaten. It was so flavorful and fresh.
I’m not sure what was in these fruity gin drinks, but they were perfect for a hot night in New York City– refreshing and sophisticated.
After making the rounds and tasting a little bit of everything, Sabrina and I took a load off in the VIP lounge, where we enjoyed a glass of champagne and some good conversation.
Then, it was time for the final push: dessert! But, first, we sampled a few brews from Southampton Publick House. I enjoyed them all, but I know my husband would be a really big fan of these beers!
François Payard, François Chocolate Bar (New York)
Roasted Strawberry Tiramisu with Candied Fennel
Jacques Torres, Jacques Torres Chocolates (New York)
Assorted Chocolates and Cookies
Silvana Vivoli, Vivoli Il Gelato (Florence, Italy)
Assorted Gelati & Sorbetti
Claudia Fleming & Gerry Hayden, The North Fork Table & Inn (Southhold, NY)
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Nature’s Pride Honey-Oatmeal Crumb & Goat Cheese Cream
I loved the Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp! I still can’t believe it was made with Nature’s Pride bread!
Wolfgang Puck
Flourless Chocolate Cake Cookies
Oh my gosh, these were a little taste of heaven– they practically melted in my mouth! I must have eaten at least 5 of them. They were easily my favorite of the entire evening.
Among the chefs who displayed their culinary magic last night:
Nobu Matsuhisa
Wolfgang Puck
Jimmy Schmidt
Todd English
Todd English was really friendly in person. He was definitely flirtatious with his female fans– Sabrina and me included!
A complete list of the chefs at the event can be found here.
Many thanks to Margherita of Citymeals-on-Wheels for the invitation! I really enjoyed the event. Plus, it was a GREAT reason to visit New York City!
Tags: Citymeals-on-Wheels, Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs & Celebrations
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) — June 15, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
What a blast! You’ve had so many fun, foodie opportunities and I’ve enjoyed reading about them along the way.
Bethany — June 15, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Ah-Mazing!!!! I think I would have died from happiness with all of that food!!
Jessica @ How Sweet — June 15, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
This looks like one of the best events you’ve ever blogged about. Amazing!
diana(mymarblerye) — June 15, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
RIDICULOUSLY delish event…jealous. All those chefs are ones on my food “bucket list”. Next time try to get another ticket for a blog giveaway!!!
Lisa(LaH) — June 15, 2010 @ 12:56 pm
How amazing! Such a great experience. Glad you had fun
Evan Thomas — June 15, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
So cool! Who would have thought they could set up Rockafeller plaza like that?
Heather (Heather's Dish) — June 15, 2010 @ 12:59 pm
oh, i am so jealous! looks like your work day is WAAAAAAAAAAAY more enjoyable than mine
have a little fun for me out there!
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter — June 15, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
Ahh! I am SO jealous! I can not believe Wolfgang Puck was right there. OMG. I would have died
Carrie @ TV and Dinners — June 15, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
This is so incredible! Can you feel the jealousy radiating off of my words?!?
It’s so great to get to experience it through your beautiful pictures.
I want that pork belly in MY belly. Wow.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) — June 15, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
What a great event! So glad you went and shared it with the rest of us!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday — June 15, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
Bacon is universally delicious so must be pork belly
Jessica Lee — June 15, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
what an awesome night. sooo much food. i think having little samples is even worse (for the fullness factor) than having a meal because there is soooo much to try so after a LITTLE of EVERYTHING, you’re left stuffed. but happily so
hope you had a good time!!
Kelly — June 15, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
Wow that looks seriously amazing! I can’t even imagine how good all of that food must have been. Now I really can’t wait to get to NY on Thurs!
Jenny — June 15, 2010 @ 1:16 pm
I’d be leaving that event with a very full belly, too! And you look GORG in that shirt!!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs — June 15, 2010 @ 1:16 pm
Oh my days – I can’t even begin to comment on how amazing everything looks! You. Are. So. LUCKY!!! Enjoy the rest of the day
Marilou @ Mostly Healthy — June 15, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
Wow, what a great night!
BTW, that fuschia shirt really makes you glow!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] — June 15, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
WOW! 10 star food! You look very slim in your pictures – Lose the Dough seems like a success : )
Heather Rose — June 15, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
That looks like such a fun event…I’m totally envious b/c I <3 NYC! That chilled watercress soup looks so interesting.
Kelly — June 15, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
Lucky girl! I would love love love to go to an event like that. Also, Marilou is right on. Pink is your color!
Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) — June 15, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
Wonderful pictures Tina!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers — June 15, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
how fun!! and that chef definitely LOOKS like a flirt in that pic of you two.
quite the suave guy, huh? 
Annie@stronghealthyfit — June 15, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
You are so freakin’ lucky!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life — June 15, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
I absolutely love looking at food that people take all that time to prepare and present. It really makes such a difference…it all looks fantastic! And those desserts? Holy YUM!
Tina, looks like your BodyPump is paying off, judging by the pic of you sippin’ on that coconut shot! Way to go girl!
Lisa — June 15, 2010 @ 1:46 pm
WOW! Look at all that awesome food! It’s so beautiful looking.
kristen — June 15, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
I’m not sure jealous is even a strong enough word. That looked awesome. At least I can live that party in pictures
Danielle (Runs on Green) — June 15, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
Saying everything looks delicious would be an understatement
And shots out of a lime peel would have to be the best idea ever!
Kaz — June 15, 2010 @ 1:52 pm
Oh, wow! That looks like the ultimate foodie heaven!
Jo — June 15, 2010 @ 1:53 pm
I’m forever jealous of you for going to this! Why did you not bring me with?
Tanya — June 15, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
OMG
shannon (the daily balance) — June 15, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
what an incredible event – those DESSERTS!
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt — June 15, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
I have a HUGE crush on Todd English. Love how smooooth his is. Oh, and the shirt worked perfectly! Good choice.
Sana — June 15, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
What a great event! I love food tasting events- I always wish i could take the extra samples home
! hehehe
Jess — June 15, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
So funny! I just read an article about how Todd English was macking on some girls at an after party a few weeks ago in NYC. It was in the NY Post!
Miranda @ Mirandasjeans — June 15, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Not gonna lie. So envious! Looks like an amazing event and all in the name of a good cause too, can’t beat that winning combination.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman — June 15, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
That event looks amazing. Did you almost burst from all of that great food? I’d need a wheel barrel to roll me out of there after that.
steff (steffsays) — June 15, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
what a great looking event. that food all looks wonderful…especially the desserts!
Cali — June 15, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
All that food looks unbelievable. What an awesome event!
Annie — June 15, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Tina, your arms look great! Is that just from body pump? I am having a hard time losing my “batwings” and am kind of intimidated by weights (I have a more bulky disposition). I am hoping cardio will help!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine — June 15, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
WOW this looks like such a fun evening!! Hot pink is a great color on you, by the way
Those flourless chocolate cookies sound wonderful, I would have indulged in them too! Hope you had a safe trip home!
Elina — June 15, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
This sounds like such an amazing event. I wish I could attend it. I love NY. My heart will always belong there.
Check out my giveaway when you’re back. I think you may like it with all the baking you do on a whim.
Kellie — June 15, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
The desserts are amazing! I would have stood by the tables all night long!
Elina — June 15, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Ha, just saw Annie’s comment – your arms DO looks sick.
I need to get back into body pump. I miss it!
runnerforever — June 15, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
Wow, I think some of the food would have been a bit too crazy for me, but I would have been in awe for sure!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — June 15, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
i hear chefs are total flirts!
Kelly — June 15, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
Haha thats funny that he was “too friendly” – though a little weird I’m sure. Looks like an awesome event though- so much yummy food!
Veggielady4life — June 15, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
What a wonderful day! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to attend that event!
Erin @ Cooking and the City — June 15, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
That looks like such an amazing night and those might be some of the best pictures you’ve taken, I’m drooling!!
S @ extremebalance.net/blog — June 15, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
You say “Silver Spoons”, I hear “Ricky Schroeder”! The flourless chocolate cake cookies look brilliant… don’t you wish they handed out recipes?
The Wife of a Dairyman — June 15, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
Wow! What a fun event to be invited to! The food looked amazing:)
Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com — June 15, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
You’re making me stomach growl! And I just ate!
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) — June 15, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
Fabulous!!!! Worth the trip huh?
Beth @ DiningAndDishing — June 15, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
What an amazing celebration!! I would have tried AT least one of everything
Amber K — June 15, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
Fun! I’d be all over those desserts. Mostly because I wouldn’t have eaten about 90% of those appetizers. But also because I just love dessert!
Laura Jane — June 15, 2010 @ 4:09 pm
Looks like fun. All those pictures of that food is making me hungry – especially the desserts!
Helen — June 15, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Wow what a great event! I love the fact that all the food portions were small so you could sample them all without getting too full. Everything looks really delicious, especially the dessert! I would so love to be invited to an event like that. Also your top looks fab!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss — June 15, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Oh my gosh, fabulous!! I bet seeing those famous chefs in real life was a treat. Heck, the whole night was a treat!
Julie @ Pickley Pear — June 15, 2010 @ 4:32 pm
Wow super cool event! I bet the food was amazing!
Christy — June 15, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
Wow, what beautiful displays and food!
Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries — June 15, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing with us. I am so happy you got to attend such a lovely event for a great cause!
Cassie — June 15, 2010 @ 5:26 pm
Wow the food and dessert look to die for! Jealous!!
Kath — June 15, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
New phrase: “So swankin’ cool”
Katherine — June 15, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Wow! All this food looks amazing, especially the cocktails.
Krista (kristastes) — June 15, 2010 @ 5:50 pm
Looks like lots of fun and tasty food! I love your shirt – I have two like that with the thin frilly fabric from the gap and I get complements on them all the time
Naomi — June 15, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
hahaha thats too funny about todd english! my mom has met him a few times because she provides the coffee for olives and some of the tood english restaurants, she said he was nice in a swanky, suave way
all of the food looks amazing and those lime shots look so fun!!
Margherita — June 15, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
Tina–you did a fantastic job capturing the event! Your pictures are wonderful and I am glad you made the trip down. I also feel the same way as you about the pork belly–it looked amazing and tasted even better….
Lisa @ Early Morning Run — June 15, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
Looks AMAZING! What a great event! I just finished reading “The United States of Arugula” and read about many of the chefs you mentioned. Glad you had such a great time!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) — June 15, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
Oh my – Tina what an amazing experience! It all looks so wonderfuL!
By the way – how do you remember all the finer details of the dishes you tried? Do you take notes? I would be horrible at just going off my memory
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ — June 15, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
Sounds like such an amazing night, glad you were able to go. And the food, amazing!!!!
Emilyeatsclean — June 15, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
WOW…..that is amazing!!! What an awesome experience and opportunity you got to partake in!
maxinthegym — June 15, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
Oh my goodness! All that food! Everything looks wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself
Simply Life — June 15, 2010 @ 7:49 pm
wow, what a fun event!
Hannah — June 15, 2010 @ 9:04 pm
OMIGOD!!! I just went to Il Vivoli in Florence in April, and had the most DIVINE meringue gelato!! (I blogged it, too
) I’m completely hyperventilating over here, when I was already excited about the sea beans, candied fennel, goat cheese cream you got to eat. What an aamzing night, thank you for sharing. Il vivoli, florence, hurrah!!
Andrea — June 15, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
WOW! Can I just say how AMAZING your arms look in that picture where you are taking a drink. What is your secret??? Those are the arms I dream about! I have always gain weight in my arms and I hate it!
*Andrea* — June 15, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
love all the pics! you look so beautiful!!! sabrina too – your arms look fab and your smile shows through how happy you are
i wish i could live life more like you!
Tina — June 15, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
@Annie: Yep! The key is to lift heavy weights!
Tina — June 15, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
@Andrea: Body Pump 2-3 times a week.
ida — June 15, 2010 @ 11:49 pm
looks like a stellar event! so cool that you saw all those celeb chefs. And i agree with the other commenters- your arms look awesome!
Wei-Wei — June 15, 2010 @ 11:56 pm
Man, I am jealous. Wolfgang Puck!! O_O I’ve seen him on Iron Chef… it’s so cool that you saw him in person! I would definitely love to try everything in this post. Gah I’m dying from jealousy! X(
Wei-Wei
erica — June 16, 2010 @ 2:53 am
What a fun blog. Those pictures are so amazing, it’s like I could taste everything just by looking at them! The only thing I love more than fashion is food!
Quinn — June 16, 2010 @ 6:56 am
What an awesome event! Super jealous of all those fabulous eats!
Marissa — June 16, 2010 @ 10:13 am
Wow, what a bunch of fancy food! That strawberry rhubarb crisp looks delicious, but meeting Wolfgang Puck would have been the highlight of the night for me!
Still Life in Southeast Asia — June 16, 2010 @ 10:34 am
Thank you for sharing this event with us. I am so happy that you got to attend, and I also feel like you’ve given us the privilege of attending.
Patrick — June 18, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
What a great coverage! Appetite For Good was there too
I wish we were able to meet up! Maybe next time 
Beautiful pictures you have tho!
Jerome — July 2, 2010 @ 2:51 am
That’s so awesome that great chefs come together for a wonderful cause and their food is so delicious! I wish I was invited there.