snack

partysnack: gawker stalker "can-do" les photos

partysnack: gawker stalker “can-do” part deux

On Tuesday night I donned a party frock and went to hobnob with charity minded-celebs at the Food Bank gala. There were culinary stars aplenty - Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batali, Cat Cora, Nigella Lawson, Rachael Ray, and Michael Schlow. Nice to seem them come out for a good cause. Given that the food universe is my usual orbit, it was pretty much par for the course.

But, seeing Michael Stipe (who was spontaneously serenaded by Patti Smith –the punk goddess who’s album ‘Horses’ was instrumental in making him want to be a singer – as he said on that iconoclasts Sundance thingy.), Mario Cantone, Fred Schneider (doing a turn on the dance floor to the Cult’s “Sanctuary”), Stanley Tucci, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Jill Hennessey, Michael Moore, Mike D., Jimmy Fallon, Dan Abrams, Rain Phoenix, Marc Summers, Mickey Rourke, Julian Schnabel, Tom Filicia and super model DJ Helena Christensen was quite a starry treat. Though I love gawker stalker, I confess that I am too shy to snap those pix to post, except perhaps from a distance. I am not, however, too shy to snack about it.

But lest we forget the why…the event raised more than $650,000 for the Food Bank. Regretting that you didn’t come along? There’s always next time.

Stay tuned for snackshot party pictures.

snackspot: buddha bar version nyc

On Monday night, the velvet ropes were in full effect at 25 Little West 12^th Street for the last of the pre-opening parties of Buddha Bar. Past the French-speaking messieurs with clipboards at the door and into the fray. At the end of big hall is the big Buddha, surrounded by a flow of blue-lit water. Turn left into the lounge, complete with opium beds. Turn right into the restaurant with circular banquettes. Pick up glass of champagne, but pass on generic Asian passed nibbles of chicken sate and tuna sushi. Marvel at the highest ratio of tall women/short men couples ever seen outside of Vegas. Contemplate whether or not the fortyish portly gentleman with graying mustache at the turn-table is genuine Buddha Bar DJ.  Realize the A-list party was last week – and now they’re all at Tribeca Film Fest festivities. Saunter out the door past the waiting throng in the velvet corral. Sigh contently knowing one visit is all you need.

Send out a text mssg re: Buddha bar opening. It’s Spice Market meets Ninja.

My dad replied: Buddha bar’s over in Paris.

Exactly.   

partysnack: gawker stalker "can-do"

I have a question about gawker stalker. (Do not feign ignorance…you know you heart the gawk stalk.) Does it count if the celebs are corralled for a cause?

Tuesday night the Food Bank for NYC is throwing their annual “Can-Do” Awards Gala. For a mere $500 you can rub forks and elbows with the likes of Mario Batali (co-chair), Mario Cantone (auctioneer), Jimmy Fallon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Moby, Michael Moore, Mike Myers, Ed Norton, Oliver Platt, Rachael Ray, Peter Sarsgaard, Patti Smith, Michael Stipe (honoree), Stanley Tucci (mc), John Ventimiglia, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Super model DJ Helena Christensen mans the decks at the dessert-and-bubbly after party.

Bonus: It’s a tax deductible stalk because it’s for charity. Surely George would approve of that.

hotsnack: duck duck you

People oft remark that I/Snack seem to be everywhere. My usual MO is to post post-event bringing the hotsnack recap. But here’s a peek at my schedule – just in case you want to come with. Sunday's agenda is eating and drinking through the meat packing district, questing for the foie prize at D'Artagnan's second Duckathlon. What’s on the map? Check out Gothamist's team report from last year. To register email: milady [at] dartagnan [dot] com. 

Download Ducklathon2006.pdf

hotsnack: party on

By now everyone is waiting to see how many stars Jean Georges will get from Frank Bruni. Will Nougatine be rolled into the review for the first time? Maybe. The review runs on Wednesday in the New York Times, but modern technology makes it available earlier. I'd bet the scene up at Columbus Circle later tonight will go something like this.

snackspot: no bunnies just food

My Valentine’s Day "no romance just food" post was so popular, I bring you another holiday PSA. Want a meal this Sunday without the bunny basket trappings of Easter? Here’s a list of spots open on April 16^th for business as usual. Comments are open for your additions.

papersnack: mario tailgates nascar style

By now everyone knows what you eat at the races.

But do you know what to drink?

hotsnack: cracker news

For a little Friday fun and to give a shout out to one of my favorite blogs, I give you today’s news 'poda-style.

Sources say the Mormon innkeepers are spreading some star power on their crackers with the wolf, the olive, the cowboy and Poseidon. Le sandwich has a deal, south of the green. You know, where Gabriel got his wings. And the alphabet gang just picked up a 25-spice rack for a cool $40 million.

TGIsnack.

hotsnack: go west michelin

Today, Michelin announces the second US guide will be….San Francisco, California. Didn’t I snack that last year? Must be that east coast - west coast time delay.

The first 2007 edition will be released in October. It includes Napa and Berkeley, which means three stars for Thomas Keller's French Laundry and Alice Waters's Chez Panisse. They've extended the reach all the way to San Jose meaning David Kinch at Manresa is also a contender.

For a refresher course on how Michelin rolls out the guides American-style, here are some leftovers.

From 2005...Seeing Stars, Michelin 2006 Are You In? or Out?, Michelin, NYC...drum roll please, Michelin NYC 2006 the Party, Michelin NYC 2006 the Book, Michelin the Next Release, and Michelin Musings.

From 2006...Naret's Twelve.