We spied sitting Front Row:

From Left to Right: Maggie Q of CW’s Nikita.  Molly Sims, actress. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.

Looks We Loved:

Photos: © TheNYFashionista.com

My Favorite:

Osteria del Circo’s Classic Tuscan “Polpetta” Meatballs with Home Made Focaccia made by Mama Egidiana Maccioni. The size was perfect. The meatball was moist. And, served by an authentic Italian mama.

The Winner:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: (1) Winner of the 2nd Meatball Madness was Mia Donna’s Donatella Arpaia posing for a quick picture with her mama. (2) The winning meatball – Meatball Slider on Potato Focaccia with Cacciocavallo Cheese. (3) The real winner was Mia Donna’s Coconut Cupcake. THE BEST EVER !!

My Runner Ups:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: (1) SD26 Restaurant and Wine Bar served an array of Italian Salumi, Cheeses and Marinated Vegetables. (2) I tossed in my token for them because I had the best experience at their booth. The meats were buttery, the colors explosive and the parmesean wheel was pure indulgence. (3) Prociutto being sliced from the bone.

The surprise meatball of the night was served up by Missy Robbins, chef of A Voce. I didn’t realize she was so talented. Her meatball which was Ricotta Filled with Calabrian Chili and Fennel was absolutely delicious !!

Defending champion Andrew Carmellini served his winning Lamb Meatball Sliders with Caprino, Pickled Cucumber, Dandelion Salad with Lamb Vinaigrette. And, I spied a temporary tattoo on his hand which said “I Heart Lamb”.

The most anticipated meatball of the night: There was so much press about how good their meatballs are that one expects too much. But, Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow of the The Meatball Shop did not disappoint. Their Spicy Pork Meatballs with Spicy Meatsauce with Polenta was perfect.

Spotted:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: (1) Anne Burrell stopped at Giada’s booth for some catching up and for some meatballs. (2) Aarti Sequeira host of Food Network’s Aarti Party making the meatball rounds. (3) Katie Lee being interviewed by Gotham.

The scene at the Burger Bash – high energy with great food, great beer and great music from one of the best cover bands in the city. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: (1) Rachel Ray and her husband making their rounds visiting the chefs and tasting their burgers. (2) Bobby Flay and Katie Lee discuss what made a good burger while being filmed for the Food Network. (3) Giada De Laurentiis visits Bobby Flay at his booth and chatted for a bit. (4) Giada De Laurenttis posed with a fan.

People’s Choice Winner: Bobby’s Burger Place

After years of perfecting his burgers, Bobby Flay finally won the coveted People’s Choice Buger award from Blue Moon. I’ve been following his burger journey since the beginning when he first unveiled his crunch burger at the festival in 2008. For this year’s festival his winning recipe – Burger with crunchy blue corn tortilla chips, creamy cheese and pickled jalapenos.

My Favorite:

Good Stuff Eatery’s innovative burger by Spike Mendelsohn. It’s a take on a Vietnamese bahn mi with pickled carrots and daikon, Thai Basil, cilantro and sriracha mayo. And, Chef Spike made me laugh with his crown as he is this year’s defending winner. Plus, his Spike girls were the best campaign I’ve seen.

My Runner-Up choices:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: (1) Morton’s The Steakhouse Mini Cheese Burgers made of prime ground beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion. On the side, Morton’s mixed Greens Field Salad. (2) The Greenhouse Tavern’s Whiskey Farms Lamb Burger made of Dry aged American Lamb burger with epoisse cheese and pickled shallots served with crispy ratatouille chips. (3) The Dutch’s Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce. An all beef burger with chipotles, glazed bacon cheddar cheese and tomato on toasted bun and serverd with a side of Maple Stout Float.

LEFT: Sandra Lee, Semi-Homemade mega mogul. RIGHT: Duff Goldman, Ace of Cakes chef / owner.

The scene at the Sweet event was pure decadence from the chandelier, decor, libations and pure indulgence of everything sweet. Sandra Lee had a large booth space at the back where fans lined up for pictures and book signing.

 WINNER of the Sweet 2010 Best Dessert – Clinton Street Baking Company. Their strategy was comfort food and served Warm Pear Upside Down Cake with Pecan Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce & Pecan Brittle.

Classic Italian dolci was served by A Voce with an Affogato Float with Ameretti Cookies.

The most innovative dessert was from Del Posto, Chocolate and Eggplant with Ricotta Stracciatella.

Hill Country famous for its chicken is also known for making delicious individual serving pies.

Le Bernardin made in classic French style a petite dessert with Dark Chocolate Cremeux, Burnt Orange “Meringue” and Chicory Ice Cream.

 New York Marriott Marquis had a whimsical approach and mixed all of the above in a small plate – Chocolate Parmigiano Cookie, Olive Oil Cream accented with Ylang-Ylang Honey Marshmallow & Cylon Tea Ice Cream

Park Avenue had an autumn theme and made White Chocolate, Caramelized Apple and Cranberry on a stick.

Spot Dessert Bar made a hodgepodge of Chocolate Marquis, Yakult, Brownie Croutons and topped with POM Tapioca.

Tribeca Grill served up a Pear & Chestnut Verrine Flavored with Rum Anejo.

LEFT: Ron Ben-Israel famous world wide for his wonderous wedding cakes. RIGHT: Talented and young, Angela Chauca of Making That Cake served Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Buttercream and Dried Apple. And, notice that Food Festival cake tower.

The Best Libations !!

Karaoke started with Morimoto singing a Japanese song. Ming Tsai later joined him – that brought the house down and started the karaoke-thon with Anne Burrell singing until the wee hours.

The Karaoke-thon begins:

Morimoto and Ming Tsai belt out Japanese songs to the delight of an adoring crowd of fans.

Morimoto breaking down a Hamachi Yellowtail:

My Favorites:

1. Morimoto

LEFT: Morimoto’s signature dish since his Nobu days, Hamachi sashimi served in hot oil. RIGHT: Hamachi sashimi served with onion slivers, olive and greens topped with cream.

2. OGA and En Japanese Brasserie

 LEFT: OGA, Salmon Sushi Canape with Snow Crab Salad. RIGHT: En Japanese Brasserie, New Caledonian Blue Shrimp, Kobu Jime Temarizushi.

3. Maturi

Chef Tadashi Ono served a sophisticated Kumamoto Oyster with Yuzu Ice Seaweed Salad with Soy Vinaigrette.

4. Kyotofu

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: At left, Michelle Park, pastry chef at Kyotofu is known for her delicate Japanese pastries. For the event, she made (2) Yuzu Cheesecake, (3) Black Sesame Sweet Tofu with Hoji Tea Syrup and Signature Sweet Tofu with kutomitsu Syrup.

5. Red Rooster Harlem

Chef Marcus Samuelsson served Yellowtail Ceviche Fish Taco.

Morimoto and Ming Tsai @ Karaoke

Rock & Roll with Morimoto and Friends from NY Fashionista on Vimeo.

My Favorites:

1. Mesa Grill

Bobby Flay’s taco was the overall best taco of the night. He made his taco with Green Chile, Short Rib and Blue Corn with Queso Sauce and Pickled Red Onions. The richness of the short rib was so balanced with the pickled red onions.

2. Abe & Arthur’s

Franklin Becker made the best bite size taco of the night. His taco had a surprising twist – Tuna Tartare !! The crunch of the taco mixed with Avocado, Sweet Soy and Spicy Sesame Aioli served chilled was DELICIOUS !!

3. Olives New York

Todd English had the most decadent taco of the night. His taco was made of Duck Confit and Canella Pumpkin with Foie Gras and POM Glaze.

4. Mexican Made Easy

“Mexican Made Easy” host, Marcela Valladolid served Birria of Shredded Beef with an Assortment of pickled chiles which intensified the taste of the spices.

5. Sueños

Sue Torres served BBQ Beef Taco, Pico de Gallo and Queso Fresco.

6. Dos Caminos

Ivy Stark and Scott Linquist prepared the best corn on the cob coated with Chipotle Aioli and Cotija Cheese.

Spotted:

Clockwise from top: (1) The back of the Patron bar became the happening place after Guy Fieri, host of Diner, Drive Ins and Dives and his entourage walked in and held court. (2) Guy Fieri greeting a friend. (3) Anne Burrell, host of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef was happily catching up with friends.
Clockwise from top: (1) Todd English visited Mexican Made Easy host, Marcela Valladolid’s booth for some tacos tasting. (2) Andrew Zimemern, host of Bizarre Foods posing with fans. (3) Robert Ivine, host of Restaurant Impossible, tending bar.

Hot Products:

Left: Booze spiked ice cream made by the Guerilla Ice Cream. Made with Patron xo cafe, pasilla chili and cinnamon ice cream topped with chocolate shavings Right: Mexican Hot Chocolate – Kekua Chocolate by Hernan. Churn the hot chocolate with the wooden stirrer for that authentic experience, available at Dean & Deluca.

(L-R) Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr.  Photo by PrPhotos.com

The Victoria’s Secret Soho Store was abuzzed with activity on a Saturday as 3 angels descended to introduce the newest fragrance “Heavenly Flowers”.  The store was decorated in shades of pink, yellow and light blue – so girly!!  Fans lined up to get a glimpse of the models, shop and have their fragrance boxes signed. The scent was dreamy and sweet which is perfect for this summer.

NEW YORK, NY — (Marketwire) — 02/04/10 — Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief™, a spectacular charity fashion show and auction, is back for 2010, taking centre stage at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the evening of February 12th at 7:00 PM. The star-studded runway show and auction will be held in aid of CARE to raise crucial funds towards rebuilding Haiti’s healthcare system for mother and children.

The runway show will be hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and will feature internationally recognized designers, celebrities and VIPs. All the donated garments will be auctioned online at NET-A-PORTER starting February
15th. The donation is tax deductible and 100% of the event ticket sales will benefit CARE.

Fashion For Relief™ will bring together, on the catwalk, top international faces of fashion, music, film, TV, sports and society. The show will feature glamorous clothes by the world’s most renowned and respected fashion designers.

Naomi Campbell says, “I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake — women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. Our aim is to use this season’s catwalk shows in New York to reach people and help raise crucial funds to
help save the lives of women and children.”

This show is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of a world-class fashion show up close and personal, while supporting an extremely important and worthy cause. Funds raised at Fashion For Relief™ will be used directly to help rebuild the Haitian healthcare system for mothers and babies.

“IMG is committed to using its platform of events and talent to support the relief efforts in Haiti. What Naomi is doing within the fashion industry for this cause, not only bringing much needed aid but also attention and visibility to some of the most vulnerable victims, is truly important,” said IMG Models Worldwide SVP and Managing Director Ivan Bart. “We are proud to represent Naomi and applaud the time and energy she has devoted to this, as well as the relief efforts in New Orleans, Mumbai and elsewhere.”

“American Express is proud to join Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief to help bring together some of the boldest names in the industry for a wonderful cause,” said Jessica Igoe, Director of Global Sponsorship Marketing, American Express. “We are continually looking to connect our Cardmembers with the passions and experiences that they love and we are honored to connect them with an amazing fashion experience under the Tents that will ultimately provide great assistance to the people of Haiti.”

Fashion For Relief™-Haiti NYC, 2010 is being produced by Kevin Krier & Associates. Jewelry generously provided by Chopard. Styled by Rachel Zoe, hair by Orlando Pita, and make up by Charlotte Willer for Maybelline New York.

Fashion For Relief™
Set up four years ago to demonstrate the kind of contributions the fashion community can make, the first Fashion For Relief™ show was held in 2005 in New York City during their fashion week, and raised more than $1 million dollars for the Hurricane Katrina relief. In 2007 the event, held in London, raised an amazing £1million for the Rotary Flood & Disaster Appeal.
In 2008, Naomi teamed up with Sarah Brown for the first time to host an unforgettable Fashion For Relief™ raising thousands for The White Ribbon Alliance and raising awareness of the charity. Last year Fashion For Relief™ travelled to Mumbai, India and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Past participants and supporters include: Beyonce, Boy George, Cheryl Cole, Cilla Black, Christian Slater, Claudia Schiffer, Erin O’Connor, Faye Dunaway, Iman, Jamelia, Jessica Stam, Kate Moss, Yasmin Le Bon, Ronan Keating, Kelly Osbourne, Lily Cole, P. Diddy, Princess Beatrice, Rio Ferdinand, The Duchess of York, Joaquin Cortes, Tyson Beckford and many more.

About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. To learn more about American Express’ special access to the world of fashion and other exciting entertainment offers, follow
@AmericanExpress on Twitter, become a fan of American Express on Facebook and visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment : www.americanexpress.com/entertainment .

CLOCKWISE: (1) Event host and Celebrity Chef, Giada De Laurentiis. (2) Event Judges, Gail Simmons, Frank Bruni and Jeffrey Steingarten. (3) Mama DiSpirito and Rocco DiSpirito. (4) The Allen Brothers of Pat La Frieda, Giada De Laurentiis and Meatball Madness Winner, Andrew Carmellini from Locanda Verde.

Clockwise: (1) Judges Table with Frank Bruni, Jeffrey Steingarten and Gail Simmons.  Meatball after meatball were brought to the judges by the event servers.  (2) Giada’s meatball from GDL Foods.  Orechiette with Mini Chicken Meatball.  (3) The WINNER !! Andrew Carmellini from Locanda Verde.  Lamb Sliders.

My Favorite Meatballs:

Clockwise: (1) Stephen Kalt, chef of Fornelletto Cucina.  Very Tasty – Duck meatball,  foie gras jus with iceberg lettuce.  (2) Anne Burell of Food Network’s ‘Secrets of a Restaurant Chef’ classic meatball in red gravy was very buttery.  (3) Alex Guarneschelli of Food Network’s ‘Alex’s Day Off’ and ’The Cooking Loft’,  cheesy mini-lamb meatballs on a mini-pizza.  (4) Michael Lomonaco, chef of Porterhouse New York.  Very Hearty - polpetine sicilican con ragu alla mama.

TOP: (LEFT) Front Door of Morimoto Restaurant with the NYC Wine and Food Festival signage.  (Right) Masaharu Morimoto doing a demo on the different types of fish.

BOTTOM: Participants rolling sushi in the restaurant’s dining area.

It was such fun spending the afternoon with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at his flagship restaurant, Morimoto in the Meatpacking District.  The Iron Chef was funny and entertaining while taking questions from the audience during the sushi rolling demo.  The Iron Chef with his sous chef discussed the various fishes used in sushi making and how the fishes were sliced properly. After which, the group was asked to take their seats in the main dining room or at the sushi bar while the restaurant staff brought out sushi rice and enormous cuts of fresh tuna, yellow tail and salmon for the hands on portion of the class.

Several sous chefs then took their places in various sections of the main dining room.  Each sous chef lead a small group and prodded each attendee to grab a hand full of sushi rice to spread over the nori sheet in front of them.  As time progressed, the attendees became more confident rolling sushi as they practiced piling cuts of tuna, yellow tail and salmon on top of scallions, sauce, ginger and rolling them with different levels of success.