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Funny man Chef Ron Ben-Israel laid a wet one on Chef Jacques Torres during their Cake Decorating and Chocolate Work class.
Chef Marc Forgione gave some one-on-one cooking instructions during Saturday's Reinventing Classic Comfort Food class.
Chef Seamus Mullen demonstrated how to fillet a fluke during Fish A to Z.
Blue Hill's Chef Dan Barber taught a class about baking with grans. His favorite grains of the moment: spelt, emmer and frika
Pastry Chef Dominique Ansel taught students how to make the perfect croquembouche.
Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina Tosi shared the secrets to making her famous crack pie and cereal milk.
Culinary legends (from left to right) Alain Sailhac, David Bouley, Andre Soltner and Cesare Casella
Iron Chef Morimoto brought in a beautiful piece of tuna for his Bigeye Tuna: Head to Tail class on Saturday.
Students learned all the proper techniques for making perfect pasta with Chef Cesare Casella.
Underground Eats' Harris Damashek took Chef Naomi Pomeroy's Rites of Spring: Grass Fed Beef and the Best of Spring Produce class on Sunday.
Gramercy Tavern's Michael Anthony handed out personal advice to his students.
There was no shortage of amazing names and faces at ICC this past weekend.

Seen and Heard at This Year’s New York Culinary Experience

By Mikaela Flynn on May 7, 2013 / No Comments / Categorized Celebrity Chefs, Featured, Good Reads, Photos

This past weekend proved to be another incredible experience with some of the top culinary talent in the world. The New York Culinary Experience, hosted by New York Magazine at the International Culinary Center brought in top chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Marc Murphy, Jacques Torres, April Bloomfield, Cesare Casella, Dan Barber and so many more. Those who attended the cooking classes taught by these famed chefs had the opportunity to gain the secrets straight from the sources.

You didn’t have to be a total chef groupie to appreciate the extraordinary line-up of chefs at this year’s NYCE. Whether you were getting one-on-one advice from Chef David Bouley in his Mise en Place class or sharing a cocktail with Chef Daniel Rose during his Spring Restaurant Favorites class, students had the culinary experience of a lifetime. The entire weekend was another huge success with plenty of laughs and more importantly, plenty of food. See our entire photo album covering the event here on Facebook. Below are some of our favorite scenes and highlights from the weekend:

Iron Chef Marc Forgione wowed students when he taught them how to turn duck liver and foie gras mousse into a scrumptious dish that had all the tasting elements of peanut butter and jelly.

Chef Seamus Mullen demonstrated how to fillet a whole fluke in his Fish A to Z class and how to prepare fresh crudo at home.

Chef David Bouley shared his three secret favorite ingredients: homemade orange powder, garlic sauce, and tomato water (all of which he demonstrated how to make in his Mise en Place class).

Chef Ron Ben-Israel landed “sweet” kisses on the cheek of his co-instructor Chef Jacques Torres in their Cake Decorating and Chocolate Work.

Underground Eats co-founder Harris Damashek got his dream birthday cake! Harris, whose birthday was on Saturday during the NYCE, received the demo cake made by the two masters of dessert, Chefs Ben-Israel and Torres! Birthday wishes do come true.

Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich, the stars of the show, introduced each course and offered guest the opportunity to ask them questions throughout the evening.
The private dinner was held in Del Posto's beautiful downstairs Barbaresco Room.
Upon arrival guests were greeted with Champagne and passed hors d'œuvres.
Guests entered by descending down this elegant staircase to the private dining area on Monday night.
Lidia Bastianich greeted guests and helped serve hors d'œuvres during the beginning of the night.
Beautiful table setting in Del Posto's private downstairs Barbaresco Room.
Glasses ready to be filled with delicious Italian wine!
The Lobster Course: Left is Lidia's Astice Quasi Caprese and on the right is Mari's Lobster Crudo with Ramps and Meyer Lemon.
The Peas Course: On the left is Lidia's Risotto con Scaffata "Cacio e Pepe" and on the right is Mario's unique Mint and Pea Love Letters with Merguez sausage.
The Bolognese Course: Lidia's Fuzi Tradizionali al Ragu de Cortile (left) and Mario's "Classic Bolognese"
Underground Eats member Margaret Walker joined two of her friends at the Masters at the Table dinner.
The Beef Course: Lidia's Brasato all a Veneziana, Tagliata all a Griglia con Patate e Bietole (left) and Mario's Braised Beef Cheek with Morels and Stinging Nettle Polenta (right).
Dessert consisted of a Donut Course and included Mario's Bomboloni and Lidia's "Gnocchi di Susine" con Gelato di Bourbon e Prugne.
Del Posto's Wine Director Jeffrey Porter selected five exceptional wine pairings for Monday night's dinner.
Both star chefs seemed to be enjoying themselves Monday night as they chatted about everything from their favorite cooking ingredients to whether or not they ever order from Seamless.com.
Fans were able to introduce themselves and jump into photos with their favorite chefs.
Underground Eats' Harris Damashek with Lidia Bastianich (left) and a photo of the decadent 10-course menu served on Monday night.
At one point closer to the end of the evening the hosts introduced the talented kitchen staff at Del Posto and thanked them for doing such an amazing job.

Dining with the Masters: An Evening with Lidia and Mario

By Underground Eats on May 2, 2013 / No Comments / Categorized Celebrity Chefs, Featured, Uncategorized, Unique Dinners, Unique Events

When you make a reservation at Del Posto you do so with an expectation of superb fine dining with outstanding service, amazing food, and delicious wine. On Monday night the Del Posto experience was elevated to new heights when approximately 200 diners enjoyed a multi-course dinner with wine pairings during a special evening hosted by none other than Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich, two of the restaurants’ owners. It’s not everyday you get to dine among two of the biggest names in the food world.

As giddy, star-struck guests entered the beautiful Barbaresco Room at Del Posto, Lidia herself was already passing out some of her delicious hors d’oeuvres for everyone to nibble on with a welcoming glass of Champagne. From start to finish the evening was nothing short of Del Posto excellence. There is no wondering why the restaurant is up for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Service as every server was attentive and professional without the stuffiness one would expect from a four-star NY Times restaurant.

Even though Mario Batali seemed to have forgotten to dress up for the occasion wearing his trademark fleece vest, shorts, and pink button-up shirt with rolled up sleeves (we still love him!), he was definitely ready to act as gracious host as he and Lidia took the stage to welcome everyone and begin their introductions to the first course. The “dueling menu” consisted of five courses with each chef preparing their own interpretation based on a classic dish or specific ingredient; Lidia’s was always served on the left and Mario’s on the right. Between each course the chefs explained why and how they prepared their dish and allowed for guests to ask a few questions.

Later in the evening there was a longer Q&A session during which guests asked questions from “What are the three most important ingredients?” (Lidia’s answer: garlic, olive oil, and either parsley or basil) to “Have you ever ordered in using Seamless.com?” Neither chef even knew what this was. At one point Lidia declared her love for Korean food and Mario admitted he doesn’t care much for trendy molecular gastronomy techniques (since “Everything is molecular! Everything is made up of molecules. Why mess around with the textures?”

For those who have watched both chefs rise to stardom and have enjoyed all their restaurants and watch them on TV, it was truly an amazing opportunity to meet and speak with both Mario and Lidia. It’s rare that anyone can gain this much access to two of the biggest names in food. Even if Mario didn’t stick around to take photos with fans, he was happy to answer any and all questions and offer detailed responses.

While both chefs created great dishes it wouldn’t be a “dueling menu” without some fun competition. Although I definitely do not speak for everyone, below is a personal score card of each course and how the chefs compared: (see above photo gallery for images of each dish)

Lobster Course:

Lidia: Astice Quasi Caprese - Lobster with Burrata, Fresh Passion Fruit, Olive Oil, Asparagus, Radish, Cucumber, Carrot, Watercress, Chocolate Brioche and Bitter Chocolate

Mario: Lobster Crudo with Ramps and Meyer Lemon

Verdict: Mario. Simple and delicious.

Peas Course:

Lidia: Risotto con Scaffata “Cacio e Pepe” – Risotto with Pea served with Cheese (Peccorino) and Pepper

Mario: Mint and Pea Love Letters with Merguez Sausage

Verdict: Lidia. While Mario’s was surprising and inventive, Lidia’s perfectly cooked risotto won over the taste buds.

Bolognese Course:

Lidia: Fuzi Tradizionali al Ragu de Cortile - Traditional Fuzi Pasta made with Porcini Powder and Ragu of Chicken, Duck, Rabbit, and Guinea Hen.

Mario: Classic Bolognese.

Verdict: Mario.

Beef Course:

Lidia: Brasato alla Veneziana, Tagliata alla Griglia con Patate e Bietole – Flat Iron Steak with Sautéed Swiss Chard and Potatoes Topped with Wagyu Beef and Crispy Swiss Chard Stems.

Mario: Braised Beef Cheek with Morels and Stinging Nettle Polenta

Verdict: Even Mario admitted that it felt like Lidia cheated by throwing a beautiful piece of wagyu beef on top of her plate which solidified her “win” this round.

Donuts Course:

Lidia: “Gnocchi de Susine” con Gelato di Bourbon e Prugne

Mario: Bomboloni

Verdict: Lidia. Bourbon ice cream gave her extra points.

Mario & Lidia Host Private Dinner Tonight; NYC Burger Week Events; Ethiopian Pop-up in Williamsburg; and More Edible Activities This Week

By Mikaela Flynn on April 29, 2013 / No Comments / Categorized Celebrity Chefs, Featured, Good Reads, Pop-Up Dinners, Round Up, Underground Eats, Unique Dinners, Unique Events

Those who nabbed tickets to the sold out Masters at the Table event hosted by non other than Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich at Del Posto, may need to pinch themselves because tonight is the night it’s all happening. This evening at Del Posto the two superstar chef personalities will go head-to-head as they prepare a dueling menu of their favorite Italian dishes. The 10-course dinner will most likely go down in history as one of the most epic meals of any of the 200+ guests’ lives.

Wednesday is May Day which means that spring finally feels like it’s really here. Ok, maybe it doesn’t actually feel like it’s here since the temperature still seems to disagree, but at least we know that it really can’t be far along now. With May comes its perfect weather for BBQ’ing burgers and dogs and so it only seems appropriate that Wednesday is also the first day of NYC Burger Week. Starting May 1st and continuing through May 7th there will be a slew of burger-centric events happening throughout the city. On Thursday Hardings NYC will host a Burger and Bourbon Dinner while Boozy Burbs hosts an Off-Menu Burger and Putts Beer Dinner the same night. On Friday Get Real Presents will host a Beer, Bowling and Burgers Festival at Bowlmor Lanes. If you really want to be in the know about all the best burgerlicious events happening be sure to follow our favorite burger blog, Burger Conquest.

If you are so over the American classic burger, than perhaps you’d be more interested in something a bit more international. This Saturday the traveling NYC Ethiopian pop-up restaurant Bunna Cafe is hosting their biggest event ever in a secret location in Williamsburg. The evening will celebrate Fasika, the Ethiopian Easter, when traditionally Ethiopians rejoice as they end a seven-week fasting period with a huge feast and party. After dinner guests will take part in a traditional coffee ceremony and have the opportunity to watch a live performance staring Tadele Daba, a world famous dancer and choreographer, as well as a former judge of Ethiopian Idol. VIP tickets can be found here.

The Food Book Fair kicks off this Thursday night and will continue through the weekend hosting a number of events that include cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, and tasting events. The fair will take place at three different locations: the Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn Winery, and The Brooklyn Kitchen. Participants include Bon Appetit’s Editor-in-Chief Adam Rapoport, The New York Times’ Oliver Strand, Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman, Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver, and Chef Elizabeth Falkner. Full schedule and ticketing information can be found here.

If you are missing tonight’s dinner at Del Posto and are kicking yourself since you would LOVE to have a unique experience at one of your favorite Italian restaurants, then be sure to grab a spot at this Saturday’s The Art of Sauce Making class with Del Posto’s Chef de Cuisine Matt Abdoo. The course will blow your mind as you learn all the ins and outs of making the most delicious Italian sauces from scratch by a highly esteemed Italian chef. After the course, everyone is invited for a sit-down family-style Italian lunch with Del Posto’s selected wine pairings. This will absolutely be unlike any other cooking class you’ve ever attended. Find tickets here.

And then it’s Sunday. But this week, Sunday should not be treated like a typical low-key, get-ready-for-the-week Sunday. Why? Because it’s Cinco de Mayo! And you need a margarita! If you are looking to celebrate the holiday in full festive form then we encourage you to do so at Fatta Cuckoo. The Lower East Side restaurant will continue its Sunday Supper: Friends of Fatta guest chef series by welcoming Chef William Huffman who is a master of cuisine hailing from the south of the boarder. Dinner includes margarita and mezcal pairings and will feature six courses of Mexican favorites. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Heritage Radio's studio at Roberta's in Bushwick

Heritage Radio Launches “Evolutionaries” Series

By Mikaela Flynn on April 18, 2013 / No Comments / Categorized Celebrity Chefs, Featured, Food for Thought

Heritage Radio Network, the non-profit organization founded by Heritage Foods USA, has launched an exciting new radio series featuring weekly commentary by some of the great leaders in the food and restaurant industry. Entitled “Evolutionaries,” the documentary series will follow behind-the-scenes stories by those who have helped shape food culture as we know it today.

Yesterday the first episode aired with Steve Jenkins revealing his illegal cheese trade and the program will continue next week with author and food chemist, Harold McGee. Listeners can expect some unusual stories that include Eric Ripert reminiscing about his late-night clubbing days. The program will air every Wednesday at 1pm on Heritage Radio. The current schedule includes:

April 24^th: Harold McGee
May 8^th: Eric Ripert
May 22^nd: Florence Fabricant
June 5^th: Rick Bayless
June 19^th: Marion Nestle
July 3^rd: Wylie Dufresne
July 17^th: Paul Saginaw
July 31^st: The Mondavi Family

Coming soon: Eric Asimov, Joan Dye Gussow, Dorothy Cann Hamilton, Kermit Lynch, Patrick Martins, Frank Stitt, Alice Waters, and others.

This past Sunday, Restaurant Daniel celebrated its 20th anniversary as part of the annual Citymeals-On-Wheels benefit dinner (Photo Credit: Amy Y Lee)
Al Roker and Gail Simmons hosted the dinner along with Chef Daniel Boulud
Mikaela Flynn of Underground Eats with Gail Simmons
Al Roker taking a look at the silent auction options
The delicious "The Reunion" cocktail inspired by the reunion of alumni chefs working together in Daniel's kitchen
Daniel alum and current Executive Chef at Gramercy Tavern, Michael Anthony (left)

20 Years, Over 20 Alumni, 1 Dinner of a Lifetime

By Mikaela Flynn on April 9, 2013 / No Comments / Categorized Celebrity Chefs, Featured, Fundraisers, Photos

Michael Anthony, Alex Guarnaschelli, Jonathan Benno, Johnny Iuzzini, Francois Payard… You probably know all these names because they are some of the most celebrated chefs in New York City. But what you may not know is that they share one other thing besides success and talent, they have all worked in the Holy Kitchen at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Restaurant Daniel.

This past Sunday evening brought together an impressive line-up of Daniel alumni for a special reunion like no other. In honer of Restaurant Daniel’s 20th anniversary, the annual Sunday dinner to benefit Citymeals-On-Wheels featured courses by Chef Daniel Boulud (who sits as Vice President on the charity’s Board of Directors) and 17 star chefs who have all at one point worked under him at his landmark restaurant. They gathered to prepare a decadent feast for nearly 180 guests to help raise money for the charity organization which helps feed NYC’s homebound elderly. The epic meal of a lifetime was hosted by Food & Wine‘s Gail Simmons and Today Show‘s Al Roker who were both thrilled to be there and celebrate such a momentous occasion in the world of New York dining. And not only was it an memorable evening for the guests, but the dinner and charity auction held back in March together raised $676,287 for Citymeals-On-Wheels, exceeding last year’s numbers.

The star-studded evening was a powerful reminder of Restaurant Daniel’s influence in the New York culinary scene over the last couple decades. It will be exciting to watch throughout the next 20 years as new rising stars emerge from Chef Boulud’s famed kitchen and go on to become the city’s future restaurant leaders. Twenty years and counting… Congratulations, Chef!

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