NYCWFF: Saturday Sees Cheese Angel Heads, Way Too Many Tacos

Glory be

By James Mulcahy

Ah, Saturday. Normal people are having brunch and running errands, while attendees of the New York City Food and Wine festival are recovering from their Burger Bash hangovers at the Grand Tasting. Like the other shindigs this year, it was more packed than ever, and more boozy. There was a smaller proportion of chefs in attendance, their tables replaces by wine purveyors pouring sips into necklaces that doubled as glasses. We heard an incognito Kathy Griffith was in the room knocking some back and we spied Zagat 30-under-30 honoree Justin Warner holding court with his crew. We also overheard more than a few fellows, perhaps dealing with playoff-related hangovers of their own, say things to the effect of "My wife is a real foodie, she makes me come every year." Oh, and we found this angel head sculpted out of Parmesean cheese. Rad.

Burrell works the room

In the evening it was on to Tacos and Tequila, the annual Mexican-themed bacchanal. Festival die-hards were getting weary at this point, but the public's appetite showed no sign of abating (this event apparently sells faster than any other). Alex Stupak had his intense game face on (even though there was no trophy to be won), we spied Brad Farmerie chatting with Ming Tsai and Anne Burrell worked the crowd, deftly balancing a margarita in her hand as she greeted well wishers (why are we not surprised). Our favorite taco of the night was a Peking-duck ditty from Buddakan, which went well with all those margs being made with Avion tequila. Oh, yeah, and about those Burger Bash hangovers - cured is probably a strong word. "Delayed until Sunday" is probably more accurate.