It was the perfect early autumn New York morning— the sun was blazing, there wasn’t a single cloud in the bright blue sky and a brisk chill swirled through the crisp October air—as I hungrily headed down to Pier 54 to start Day 2 of my NYCWFF adventure. Saturday kicked off with book signings and tastings at the Welcome Center. A few of the Food Network Chef-lebrities were there—Alton, Rachel, Giada, Tyler—promoting their latest cookbooks and chatting with crowds of swarming fans.

Guy Fieri gettin’ fired up in the kitchen

My afternoon brought an adrenaline-fueled cooking demo with my favorite Guy (Fieri, of course) at the Tishman Auditorium at The New School. I figured he’d be one of the hottest demos of the weekend, and man did he turn up the heat! With as much animated enthusiasm as he brings during every greasy bite on Triple D, Guy pumped up the crowd with a serious dose of non-stop energy and laugh-out-loud jokes, all while making duck fried rice and a heavy-handed strawberry-rhubarb vodka concoction. Everyone had a killer time—it was totally off the hook, as only Guy knows how to bring it.

Adour’s caramelized apple, calvados cream & granny smith granite at SWEET

As night fell on the Big Apple, I basically skipped like a schoolgirl down to the weekend event that I was most thrilled about (surprise, surprise)–SWEET. This treats-celebrating evening blowout was hosted by Sandra Lee and Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes. The sprawling event space at la.venue was filled with tables upon tables of the most decadent desserts and confections from renowned NY restaurants and celebrated pastry chefs.

Champagne flowed freely as the sugar-obsessed crowd sampled delicious delicacies and mingled with chefs, reality stars and pastry mavens (Johnny Iuzzini even hand fed me a chocolate bomb on a stick). Clinton Street Baking Co. took home the GODIVA fan favorite trophy for their Warm Pear Upside Down Cake—definitely one of the best, and most classic, desserts of the night…the moist, delicious cake had perfectly caramelized pears and was topped with pecan ice cream and a smooth salted caramel sauce. Amazing.

After an incredibly fun-filled day, SWEET was icing on the cake and my night culminated in a sugar-filled state of bliss.

Pics from Day 2:

The Food Network pumpkin patch served as the book signing backdrop

Candlelight & confections fill la.venue for SWEET

Pear upside down cake from Clinton Street Baking Co.—the crowd favorite

Cupcakes and treats from Billy’s Bakery

Jelly Belly’s cupcake-crazed display

Park Avenue’s white chocolate and passion fruit marshmallow lollipops

Spot Dessert Bar’s candlelit chocolate & tapioca display

I was up half the night after eating all those sweets, but it was worth every sinful bite. More to come on Day 3…