NYC Wine + Food Festival

Friday already? This week has gone by, but it’s been a good week, one I’ve fully taken advantage of. Aside from my father’s birthday present, a concert Sunday evening to see his favorite fado singer, this weekend will be mostly low-key, but last week was exciting when J and I were lucky enough to attend the New York City Wine and Food Festival. We were generously given tickets for the Grand Tasting hosted by J’s job, ShopRite. This event was one of the largest this past Sunday, showcasing a variety of food and drink vendors, restaurants, and two demo kitchens with rotating celebrity chefs. I’ve been wanting to attend the show for a long time now, so I was quite excited to take part in this must-do culinary experience. There were some really delicious wines to be tried, and I even found my new favorite. Here are some shots taken at this year’s NYC festival…

Swordfish ceviche cups greeted us as we entered the show, along with a Mezcal Mojito showcasing the delicious flavors of Mexico.  Yes, this entire wall was real and so fragrant. It was nestled with greens, peppers, and herbs.  Beautiful copper distiller at the Tito’s Vodka booth. I especially loved their Pumpkin Dude cocktail, it’s a perfect one for fall, can’t wait to try the recipe myself. 
Plated brought a vintage trailer for their booth, and it was one of my favorites. I love when companies go outside the box of traditional trade show booths to create spaces that truly reflect their brand. Another favorite booth of mine was Larceny Bourbon’s, those statement light fixtures stood out amongst the rest. Their bourbon was a treat too.  Octopus dishes ready to be eaten. Wines of Portugal had a booth, naturally we had to stop by. Our favorite was the Casa Passarela from my region in Portugal. 
Pretty autumn display at Morrison’s booth, along with their delicious seasonal salad. J’s favorite beer is Samuel Adams, so naturally we lounged in their booth for some time, and even came back home with this large stein. Walking the streets of NYC and riding the trains home with this piece was an instant conversation starter.  My dad and I love Andrew Zimmern and his food travels, of course especially when they are to Portugal, so it was great to see him talking about his favorite cuisines, and  demoing traditional Mexican salsas. He was so great, really one of my favorite chefs. I had to watch the original cakes guy, Duff Goldman of Charm City cakes. He was a big influence when I was going to culinary school, and it was great to meet and watch him demonstrate basic cookie recipes. Rosa Mexicano had an elaborate spread, where they were serving homemade tortillas with varying salsas, and tacos made to order.  For all of you Cupcake Wars fans, judge and pastry chef Florian Bellanger was there with his delightful chocolate confections from Mad Mac. They were almost too pretty too eat!Hands down the best wine I drank at the show, this has easily become my new favorite white wine. Yes, this picture totally happened. J, a huge fan of Entourage, was stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted Debi Mazar and her husband as she was leaving her book signing. We still think we wouldn’t have gotten this shot if it wasn’t for this larger-than-life stein. It was a blistering cold day in NYC, especially alongside the Hudson River, but I did manage to take my hands out of my pockets to snap a photo of these beautiful church arches.The NYCWFF gives a great goodie bag, I won’t deny that there are a few items missing but seriously the wine glass neck holder was the best.