Now, I know the NYC Food & Wine Festival was now more than two weeks ago, but I was too lazy busy concocting other fabulous dishes to post about it and am doing so now. So… now that my indolence has been aired out in the open, I feel perfectly fine speaking about the event as if it were yesterday. Not to mention, the streak of client lunches at work (going on six in a row, which I am almost certain is a record) has left me in a perpetual food coma, all while yearning for healthy brown bagged lunches. I realize that the adage “the grass is greener on the other side” could not be any apter at this moment, but sometimes, there really can be too much of a good thing. Hummus sandwiches, anyone?
Anywho, on to the good stuff. There were a TON of events that I would have loved to go to (a few including demonstrations by Tyler and Giada, and a Times Talks Q&A with Ina). I would have so gone to the Ina one if it had been a cooking demonstration, but I ended up going to the Bobby Flay cooking demonstration instead. I must say, Bobby did not disappoint one bit. The demonstration was at Comix, a comedy club venue in NYC, whose intimate size and classroom-style setup made for a great venue – no matter where you were sitting. The show started with an introduction by the founder of the Food & Wine Festival, Lee Brian Schrager. It was awesome (and inspiring) to hear him talk about the roots of the festival – and how 100% of the ticket proceeds go to the Food Banks of NYC and Share our Strength, which is something I did not know prior to. We also learned that this years winner of “The Next Food Network Star,” Melissa D’Arabian, would be along for the ride, which was an exciting surprise!
Bobby welcoming the audience to the festival
The demonstration itself was full of wonderful smells and great cooking tips. On the menu for the day was a Pomegranate Glazed Roasted Chicken, Roasted Mushrooms, Roasted Brussel Sprouts in a Vanilla Infused Butter and finally, German Chocolate Cake! All of it was delicious (and of course so easy to prepare when all the prep work had been done previously), but I learned some interesting tips and techniques that I intend to follow up on soon. I can’t think of how else to say them but in list form, so here it goes…
1) Brussels Sprouts – now, I know they are good for you, but I have never been a big fan. But hey, a little butter + vanilla bean makes everything taste good, right? Great, now I sound like Paula Deen.
2) Pomegranates – super yummy, but a PAIN to deseed. Bobby brought up the interesting technique of slicing it in half and hitting it with a knife (so that the seeds just fall out)
3) The most interesting tip of the day was about cooking oil. According to Bobby, it isn’t necessary to use olive oil if not for dressings, a garnish, or drizzle. But, one might say, its good for you! Apparently, the benefits of olive oil are negated once it hits a sizzling pan, so canola oil should do the trick whenever a hot dish calls for the EVOO. An economical tip for sure!
The presentation went on way past its 45 minute promise, and when we left there was a plethora of Whole Foods endorsed swag to grab! Obel wafers, which are like the healthy Kit-Kat and soo good, Honeycrisp apples, and Solixir energy drinks. The experience all in all was very enjoyable, and I will definitely be going to more of these events next year. Yum!
Bobby & Melissa
I want to go with you next year!!!