Foodies of New York will have their cake, and eat it too, at this year’s Food Network Food and Wine Festival, while giving back to victims of hunger. The 6th annual event, with a motto of ‘Eat. Drink. End Hunger,’ will host some of the world’s most renowned chefs and wine producers began on Thursday and runs through Sunday, October 20.
“Everyone who supports the Festival – the talent, attendees, sponsors, venues and partners – are all helping us eat, drink and end hunger, which is something everyone can be proud of,” says Food Network Food and Wine Festival founder, Lee Schrager.
For New Yorker’s who have not attended the festival before, this is an opportunity to attend a few of last year’s most popular events, including the Blue Moon Burger Bash, which is hosted by Rachael Ray, where attendees sampled some of the most innovative burger creations. Tacos and Tequila, hosted by Bobby Flay, showcases many types of tacos paired with Olmeca Alta premium Tequila.
Several new events will take place this year. Last year’s big craze, the Cronut, will see a resurgence when its creator Dominique Ansel takes an active role in the Jets’ Tailgate party, an event that can reach 3,000 people. “I love the energy and spirit of this festival because New Yorkers are so passionate about their food,” says Ansel, a respected pastry chef, who appreciates the length that this festival has grown in its first five years. “This brings out an entirely new side of many attendees.”
The festival’s cause is also near and dear for Ansel, who advocates for several hunger causes around the city. “Alleviating hunger is very important to me. I remember spending many nights hungry while growing up,” said Ansel. “It’s important that efforts continue to be made.”
For big food enthusiasts, willing to pay top price, the Food Network is offering the ‘Absolut Best Bloody Mary Brunch,’ which includes a brunch hosted by the cast of Chopped, a televised cooking competition where bartenders compete to make the best Bloody Mary using Absolut Vodka.
The Festival will also offer discussions and workshops, including ‘How to Turn Your Love For Food into a Successful Culinary Business,’ an intimate seminar with a panel of established experts such as Tyler Florence.
A portion of all proceeds will support the Food Bank for NYC, which helps fight hunger in the five boroughs, and Share Our Strength, a charity that ends childhood hunger in New York. “We have raised more than six million dollars to date for these hunger-relief organizations,” says Schrager. “It is an integral part of our mission.”
To enjoy a Food Network Festival event and to help extinguish hunger in New York, visit www.nycwff.org.
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