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Who Knew The James Beard Foundation Could Be So Lax?

by Adriana Lucci

        

Known for the Oscars of the food industry and elaborate evening soirées, I was surprised to be laughing with strangers in a casual setting within five minutes of entering “A Moveable Feast” sponsored by the James Beard Foundation Greens a few days ago. 

Greens does not require a membership with the James Beard Foundation. Rather, it is a division of the larger organization that is focused on gathering people between the ages of 21 and 40 who share an interest in food and drink together to experience, learn, and have fun. Instead of a formal sit down dinner like at the James Beard House, which usually sets you back $130 a head, Greens events appeal to a different demographic, have more accessible price points, and provide a more casual atmosphere than the JBF House.

“A Moveable Feast” garnered about 150 people, who chatted and mingled over snacks and drinks (all inclusive with the ticket) from some of the city’s newer, up and coming restaurants. The event featured seven chefs housed in seven apartments on the third floor of Stonehenge’s new luxury apartment building at 101 West 15th Street. Guests trickled in nonchalantly from 6:30 onward, and enjoyed an casual atmosphere where it was easy to chat up strangers—chefs and guests alike—dressed in a range of attire from shorts and flip flops (a spenser staff favorite) to jeans, button downs, and jackets.

Instead of sipping lobster consommé a la James Beard Gala, I happily munched on fried pickles with dill mayo from chefs at The Beagle in Alphabet City—who brought their genius lead bartender, Tom Richter, to shake Manhattans and stir Gin & Tonics made with Tom’s own handcrafted quinine syrups. Another room focused on Arthur Avenue, a.k.a. “The Real Little Italy,” with offerings of cheeses, olives, and marinara-laden fried eggplant roll-ups generously stuffed with ricotta cheese from Teitel Brothers Grocery and Gerbasi Ristorante.

Other highlights included smoked tri-tip from Pittmaster Matt Fisher of Fletcher’s Barbecue; Austrian fleischlabrl—essentially a meatball served over potato purée with Fried Onions & Peppercorn Sauce from Chef Swainson Brown of Café Katja’s (in photo above); along with graham cracker cookies with peanut butter cream and a sheet of chocolate, or vanilla cream with cocoa nibs and candied orange peel from Uri Scheft of Breads Bakery.

Though it was full of professional folks, “A Moveable Feast” lacked the pretension that often weighs down other events in Manhattan. When it comes right down to it, JBF Greens seems more about having fun than making connections, which is a nice change of pace - especially if you want to head out for a summer night in Manhattan wearing flip flops.

JBF Greens throws about twelve events every year, from apartment hopping with food and drinks to chef demonstrations and cooking classes, which usually cap at 20 people. If you’re interested in upcoming happenings—including a summer themed bartending event in July and a rooftop tasting and cocktail party in September—all you have to do is sign up for e-vites on their website, which will alert you to each event about three to four weeks in advance. Go Green, and eat, drink, and enjoy stress-free in NYC.

Photo courtesy of the James Beard Foundation

We wanted to wish our spenser staff and all of our readers a joyous holiday season. In the spirit, we thought we would pass along this heartwarming story from Hilary Kline, our lead photo editor here at spenser:

“As of 8 PM last night, childhood friend, Todd, is engaged to the greatest girl in the world. Here’s how it went down:

Their first date was at ino, in New York City, so Todd decided to pop the question at the table where their story began. The crew at the restaurant could not have been more amazing. They cleared the restaurant of all of the furniture except the table and chairs where Todd and Marissa first met.

It was a little more challenging to clear the devoted regulars out of the dining room, but when they heard the story that was about to unfold they gave in and got out.

The restaurant staff retreated to a stoop across the street. I crouched behind an SUV with my Canon 5D and 70-200mm lens locked and loaded. As we waited for the lovebirds to arrive, several groups of diners approached the restaurant and I had to explain A) why I was lurking behind an SUV and B) why they would have to wait a little longer for their dinner!

One of these diners happened to be a famous former first daughter and current correspondent for NBC News. When I saw her (she looked gorgeous, by the way) I froze - would she think I was a creepy stalker? Or even worse, paparazzi?

I stammered, ‘They are closed so that my friend can propose, so I need to you skedaddle. And congratulations on the new job!’

Two minutes later, Todd and Marissa arrived. As soon as they stepped through the door and Marissa saw the empty restaurant, Todd got down on one knee. It was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.

Todd and Marissa sat at that table and laughed and kissed, and, of course, ate fabulous food and drank champagne, which the gang at ino had carefully selected.

After an hour or so the happy couple wasn’t quite ready to say goodnight so they moved to the bar to share an order of the amazing truffle toast while they recapped the evening’s events with the staff.

Chelsea, thanks so much for your well wishes to the happy couple. And I’m sorry we spoiled your dinner plans!”