Everything but the Kitchen Sink - NY Wine & Food Fest edition

New York Wine & Food Festival
I was lucky enough to score a ticket to one of the Grand Tastings of the first annual New York Wine & Food Festival. It does help to have a roommate in high places...thanks MB!! I didn't really know what to expect, but I had no doubt this was going to be a very cool NYC foodie adventure!

In a giant tent on Pier 54 in Hudson River Park, dozens of restaurants and wine suppliers set up tables offering samples of their cuisine.

Some of the highlights included:

A mushroom dumpling in a truffle sauce from Wakiya
A mini Pannetone cake with apricot and raisins
Pineapple salsa and Chipotle tomato soup from Rosa Mexicano
Manchego rice and grilled vegetables from Pamplona
A sampling of cheeses from Murray's

I got to meet some of the executive chefs from fantastic restaurants all around the city, and also got to schmooze with Rocco DiSpirito, who was there to help promote the Bertolli pasta area.