Pictures from Last Night's Taste of the Nation

We're so excited to report that last night's Taste of the Nation NYC was a huge success! From the amazing specialty food and drinks demos in the VIP lounge, to the incredible (and oh so eclectic) food and the whimsical cocktails, we can safely say that everyone had a blast.

Here are some highlights from our live Tweets last night:

Mixologist extraordinaire, Charlotte Voisey in her big white hat

Chef Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop, serving his spicy pork meatballs over polenta

Maialino's Kevin Benton serving the Pig and Pepper gimlet

A happy Taste of the Nation volunteer, representing Constellation Wines

Chef Rocco DiSpirito signing his latest book, Now Eat This!

Eben Freeman, formerly of Tailor mixes liquid hydrogen, bacon infused whiskey

Top Chef Season 3 winner, Hung Hyunh in the VIP lounge

The lovely, wild strawberries from Blue Hill

Enjoying Blue Hilll's Rhubarb-Strawberry Sorbet

Hope you were able to join us - and if not, there's always next year!

Taste of the Nation NYC is Just a Week Away

With this year's Taste of the Nation NYC event about a week away, we're working hard on all aspects of the event to make it the best ever.  That includes securing the best restaurants (see list), great entertainment and a unique VIP experience.  To further whet your palate, see the above promo spot that we're running on NBC.  Enjoy it and we hope to see you on May 17th.

Sample L'Ecole's Cuisine Before Our Big Event

I had the pleasure of having dinner at L'Ecole last week, which happens to be one of the local sponsors of this year's Taste of the Nation NYC event.  Only hearing good things, I was excited to sample its cuisine, which is known for being prepared by the students who attend the French Culinary Institute.

The evening was filled with many delicious surprises and I'm excited to report that I got to sample almost everything on their dinner menu.  The appetizers and the desserts stood out to me, especially the grilled pork belly with marinated cranberry beans, that gave this traditionally salty dish a hint of sweetenss.  I also loved the seasonal salad, which was full of fresh veggies such frisee salad, butternut squash, cauliflower, walnuts, dressed with a champagne vinaigrette.  It was all very clean-tasting and perfect for springtime.

Our entrees were interesting too and personally, I was impressed most by the roasted duck, which can be hit or miss quite frankly.  Not here, as I can say with conviction that it was cooked perfectly with a wonderfully crispy crust.  The meat itself was juicy and I loved the side of the starchy potato terrine paired with an earthy creamed kale (one of my favorite super foods).  Selfishly, I hope they decide to serve the duck at Taste of the Nation because I think it would showcase their talents beautifully.

Dessert was for sure a highlight with so many sweet options that my eyes got bigger than my stomach.  Even though there were plenty of beautifully constructed plates that were sophisticated, I preferred the most basic of desserts, the bite sized almond cake with a fresh raspberry on top and their miniature chocolate chip cookies that were crunchy on the outside but melted on your tongue.

If you'd like to sample L'Ecole prior to our big event, I strongly urge you to do so.  The price point is affordable at $42 per person for a 4-course dinner.  They also offer a 2-course brunch for a mere $19.50.  I'm telling you...this stuff is goooood.

L'Ecole - 462 Broadway, New York NY 10013

212.219.3300