What’s the NYCWFF Grand Tasting?
The Grand Tasting is a part of the annual Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival, presented by Capital One, which took place October 10th to 13th. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the festival help fight hunger with No Kid Hungry® and Food Bank For New York City. The NYCWFF raises millions of dollars to help fight childhood hunger, hosting more than seventy events during the weekend all over New York City, with over four hundred participating chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and culinary personalities from around the world. The Grand Tasting took place at Pier 94, and joined all of these people in one space, on one day. It is basically Disney World for foodies.
Why attend?
Every time I attend the NYCWFF Grand Tasting, I both learn something new, and find a new product or two to love. This year was no exception. Since taking a break from my precious vodka, I’ve been rediscovering wine. However, this can be a pricey hobby. At the Grand Tasting, I was able to sample multitudes. There are so many different wine offerings here. No one can try them all….even if you spit after every sip. So, its a great way to find a new bottle to love, without taking the risk of paying retail, and possibly being stuck with something you don’t love. This year I found Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin. It’s flavor profile consists of rich dark berry flavors, with layers of spice, plum, pepper and vanilla. It’s everything I love in a red. Here’s the kicker…..it retails for only $9.99! Yes, I’m serious. I almost didn’t believe them when they told me. Go get it. It’s delicious!
Speaking of delicious, have you ever tried Tyku Sake? It was my second great discovery of the day. It comes in six flavors: Junmai, Benihana, Junmai Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, Coconut and Cucumber. My favorites were the Junmai and the Cucumber. It’s 12-15% alcohol by volume, made with non GMO rice, gluten-free, sulfite free, tannin-free, with five times less acidity than my beloved wine. So, hmmmm? Hangover-free? Tyku Sake is handcrafted in the Umenoyado Brewery in the heart of Nara, Japan. I feel a new obsession coming on.
What about the food?
Of course, there was tons of food, too! There was everything from Swiss Alt Salted Chocolate Caramels, Wild Alaska Pollock on a stick, Crab Baguettes from The Clam, Ceviche from Citerella, a gorgeous Tuna Medley in Lettuce Cups from Revelation Catering, Steak from Christos and Benjamin Steakhouse, Cubans from Copellia, and my favorite, Oxtail on a Baguette with Salsa Brava and Aiolo from Lamano, Heros and Villains and many more.
What about the chefs?
There were so many famous chefs and TV personalities doing demonstrations, they occupied two separate stages, and ran all day long. There was even a separate ticket you could buy just to see them. Here’s who was there: Rick Bayless, Valerie Bertinelli, Scott Conant, Rocco Dispirito, Duff Goldman, Robert Irvine, Katie Lee, Lisa Lillian, Masaharu Morimoto, Rachel Ray, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Andrew Zimmern.
When I saw the line up, I gasped! So much talent, but there was no way I was missing Rick Bayless. His recipe for Mole Verde Guerrerense was the first recipe I ever tore out of a magazine. I still have it. After Julia Child and Jacques Pepin, he was part of my foodie beginning. I watched him, awestruck, making authentic Oaxacan Tacos live. It was definitely the highlight of my day.
Next year, help fight childhood hunger, and buy your tickets to the NYCWFF, held the second weekend of October. There are so many amazing events to choose from, but one of my all time favorites is the Grand Tasting. It’s always worthwhile.