festivals and events
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the sweet scoop
Get On Board: The Travel + Leisure Global Bazaar!
Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 05:08 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) commentsImagine traveling the globe in a single weekend, without ever leaving New York City.
The 2nd Annual Travel + Leisure Global Bazaar is an exciting multi-cultural extravaganza taking over NYC’s Lexington Armory from September 28–30. During this fun-filled weekend of events, you’ll feel like you’re being transported from region to region around the world — as you enjoy authentic international cuisine and beverages, cultural performances, live music, artisan shopping and tons of interactive experiences.
TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE GLOBE
Savor mezcals from Mexico, spices from Morocco, rums from Barbados, global street food from some of NY’s most popular food trucks and so much more! And at select sessions, you can sample flavors from celebrity chefs including José Andrés, Scott Conant, Michael White, Masaharu Morimoto, Tim Love, Johnny Iuzzini and Jose Garces.
I’m honored that Travel + Leisure asked me to be an official Global Bazaar Ambassador. Join me for an international experience like none other by purchasing your tickets here. And for schedule info, visit TravelandLeisure.com. Hope to see you there!
And be sure to stay connected with me on Facebook and Twitter — I’ll be giving away 4 VIP All Access Tickets within the next few weeks!
Don’t Miss Meatopia 2012: Bigger, Better & Beefier!
Monday, August 13, 2012 at 12:08 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) commentsCarnivores, get your appetites ready! Meatopia is back and it’s better than ever.
On September 8, the massive meat celebration presented by Whole Foods will feature the most ambitious line-up of chefs and entertainment in the event’s history. “For as long as I’ve been putting this event on, this is the coolest one by far,” says founder Josh Ozersky. “…we have the greatest chef roster that’s ever come together preparing dishes that aren’t available in their restaurants… You go there to eat and drink and learn about the joys of progressive meat-eating.”
Highlights from Meatopia 2011:
This year’s carnivorous carnival will showcase a best butcher competition, live music, unlimited samples of all natural, humane meat dishes from more than 40 of the country’s most celebrated chefs (including Michael White, Adam Perry Lang, Marc Forgione, April Bloomfield, Sean Brock, Aaron Franklin and Michael Toscano), premium beer, wine and spirits, and Pat LaFrieda of Food Network’s Meat Men cooking up a whole, 1000-pound Creekstone steer. Hungry yet?
All the meaty madness is happening at Randall’s Island Park and tickets (which include a ferry ride to and from the event) are available at Meatopia.org. Get yours today!
And check out my recap from last year’s Meatopia here.
SOBEWFF’s Salute to Swine & Wine at The Biltmore
Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 02:03 PM - Posted by Megan - (2) commentsOn SOBEWFF‘s last day, a smokin’ hot new event made its mark on the weekend lineup. Hosted by Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos from the Cooking Channel’s hit show Extra Virgin, the Festival’s first ever Swine & Wine took over The Biltmore Hotel‘s elegant outdoor courtyard. This swine-celebrating evening soiree brought together more than a dozen celebrated chefs who served their tastiest version of whole roasted pig.
Each pit master spent the day preparing all natural, farm-raised Duroc and Hampshire breed hogs using a variety of techniques. Whether smoked, stuffed, roasted, glazed or rubbed down, succulent pork was spotlighted and paired with a selection of sides, wines and heavy-handed mojitos.
Representing six of the fourteen tasting stations, New York chefs had a strong showing at the swine showdown. Nick Anderer dished out tender Maialino al Forno, Marc Murphy carved up Southern-style porchetta stuffed with cornbread and andouille, and Michael White presented porchetta tigelle with pesto di lardo and salsa verde. Seamus Mullen smoked juicy Berkshire pork jowl and whole suckling pig, while Yuhi Fujinaga paired suckling pig with heirloom bean casoullet, morcilla dip and chicharrón, and Jonathan Waxman rolled out tangy blood orange pig tacos with creamy avocado.
In between savory bites, the crowd enjoyed the Biltmore’s dessert buffet, puffed Padron and La Flor Dominicana cigars, danced to live Latin beats from the Chirino Sisters and voted for their favorite pork dish. In the end, celebrichef Ingrid Hoffmann—Miami restaurateur and host of Food Network’s Simply Delicioso—snagged the coveted crown for her savory-meets-sweet mini pulled pork tacos with guava salsa negra and pickled mustard seeds.