Buzz

By Paige Mastrandrea

The 34th Annual Chef’s Tribute to Citymeals on Wheels gathered some of the greatest names in the culinary industry together for a night of giving back. Entitled Citymeals on Wheels, The Butcher, The Baker, The Cocktail Shaker: Celebrating Culinary Collaborations, the event served as a fundraiser to benefit the non-profit organization, which provides home-delivered meals to the frail aged in all five boroughs of New York City. This year’s event raised an impressive $800,000 to deliver over 108,000 meals. The event took place at the iconic Rockefeller Center, hosted by Patina Restaurant Group.

The non-profit foundation was created by food critics and writers James Beard and Gael Greene in New York, and Chef Daniel Boulud serves as the Board Co-President. The organization is approaching its 60 millionth meal delivered this week since its inception in 1981. Chef Boulud was present for the event, amongst other great New York chefs including Chef Marc Forgione, Chef Angie Mar, Chef Karen Akunowicz, Chefs Michael White and Cesar Guadarrama, Chef Chris Cosentino, Chef Thomas Boemer and Chef Lucía Soria—who were all present for the event and cooked special dishes for the night. Guests enjoyed the decadent cuisine with exquisite wine pairings curated by Beverage Chairs Audrey Saunders of Pegu Club and Daniel Jones—Wine Director of The Dinex Group—as well as distinguished sommeliers and mixologists.

With the help of the esteemed chefs, board members and hosts, plus the event attendees—which included business leaders, culinary insiders, foodies and young professionals—the event was able to raise an outstanding amount of funds to give back to the amazing organization, which shares the joy of home-cooked meals to those who are not able to cook or receive them, themselves, throughout the city.

Highlights of the event included live performances by an 11-piece band, a folk artist and music by Noah Bless Music. Guests enjoyed all the action as they dined on Moules à Belge from Chefs Daniel Boulud and Dieter Samijn; Beef Tartare with Marcona Almond Gremolata & Spanish Anchovy from Angie Mar; Hamachi Crudo with Citrus Olivada from Chefs Michael White and Cesar Guadarrama, plus so much more.

Looking back on the event, Beth Shapiro, Executive Director of Citymeals on Wheels, reflected, “We cannot thank enough all of the chefs, farmers, butchers, fish mongers, foragers, mixologists and other artisans and who helped make tonight so delicious and special. We thank them for extending their generosity to Citymeals and the thousands of older New Yorkers who need our support.” Shapiro added: “Our culinary friends have made Chefs’ Tribute what it is for the last thirty-four years – an unforgettable night under the stars.”

It was an amazing evening giving back to an exceptional cause. Additional event sponsors included Citymeals’ Official Airline American Airlines, Official Water FIJI Water and First Republic Bank. Beverage sponsors included Belvedere Vodka, Courvoisier Cognac, Plantation Rum, Seedlip Drinks and Sipsmith Gin.

For more information on Citymeals on Wheels and to learn how to give back, please visit www.citymeals.org.