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!