The energy was palpable at the 12th Annual NYC Plate by Plate Tasting Benefit at the Metropolitan Pavillion on Friday. Every year, Project by Project, a national volunteer organization partners with a different non-profit and builds a campaign focused on fundraising (the Plate by Plate benefit), community outreach and public awareness. This year, the proceeds went to support its 2010 partner, Hamilton-Madison House, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing health and social programs to the Asian immigrant community in NYC.The event featured some of NYC’s top restaurants including Aureole, Yerba Buena, One If By Land Two If By Sea, and Ilili as well as an array of premium beverages like Zyr and VeeV. On hand were enthusiastic celebrity sous chefs and bartenders who were making their rounds to serve the guests. This year’s roster included Miss Info of Hot 97, actress Michelle Krusiec, actor Archie Kao and Project Runway’s Ivy Higa. Vivian Lee and Richard Lui (anchors of NY1 and MSNBC respectively) hosted the festivities and encouraged guests to continue to support by placing bids at the silent auction while partaking in the gluttony.
As we were meandering around the venue, we saw an elaborate layout at the Payag table complete with a roasted pig and some serious fruit carving skills by Chef George Wong of Chopstix. Verizon also kept us entertained with some friendly competition at the FiOS Quickfire Challenge between Executive Chef Chris Jaeckle of Ai Fiori and Chef Hung Huynh (Top Chef winner) as well as had guests vote on their favorite food station of the evening.
It was really something to see top chefs, Asian American radio and TV personalities, and fashion designers working together to support an organization that has been at the forefront of serving a community in need as well as to create a wonderful experience for guests. While it may have been a tasting benefit, it was truly an event for all the senses.
To learn more about Project by Project: projectbyproject.org/
Hamilton-Madison House: hmhonline.org/
Thanks to Stacy Zhao of PbP
