The NYC Wine and Food Festival Celebrates its 10th Year with 47,000+ Guests

More than 47,000 passionate fans of all ages came out in October to EAT. DRINK.END HUNGER. and celebrate the 10th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Coca-Cola (NYCWFF). The annual gourmet gathering has raised more than $11 million to date to benefit the hunger-relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry®

. This year's anniversary was filled with 80 events, including refreshed concepts for its signature tastings at Piers 92/94, late-night soirées, family-friendly affairs, and an all-star line-up of intimate dinner experiences with world-renowned chefs. "We are grateful for the support of all of the consumers, talent and partners who came out to help us celebrate a decade of serving up world-class wine, spirits, food and unique lifestyle experiences to benefit the hunger-relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry®," noted Festival founder and director Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as senior vice president, communications and corporate social responsibility for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.

The weekend kicked-off at the Northwestern Mutual Pier 92 Rooftop with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and worldwide rap personality Rev Run turning tables at Smorgasburg presented by Thrillist hosted by the Cast of Chopped. Some of the most impressive dishes that took home top honors throughout the weekend included: the coconut and passionfruit cake from Ron Paprocki (Gotham Bar and Grill) at Pie vs. Cake hosted by Duff Goldman, chosen by judges including renowned cake designer Margaret Braun, chocolatier Jacques Torres, and cookbook author and television personality Kathy Wakile, a warm quince and carrot turnover from Chef Michael Mignano (Perrine) that was crowned Alton's Rooftop Iron Chef Showdown Champion and the leeks vinaigrette from Chef Antoine Westermann (Le Coq Rico) at Rooftop Iron Chef Showdown: Battle Autumn Bounty hosted by Alton Brown. Chef Joe Isidori (Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer) once again took home the Blue Moon People's Choice Award at the Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray, which also featured a performance by the Grammy Awardwinning, Platinum album-selling group Naughty by Nature, while Chef Paul Denamiel was crowned Pat LaFrieda's 2017 NYCWFF Burger Bash® Champion by judges Lance Bass, David Diehl, Elvis Duran and Jaymee Sire.

Over the weekend guests enjoyed brunches downtown.  Geoffrey Zakarian hosted a farm to table style Farmer's Brunch on Saturday presented by Alfa Romeo at the Standard Hotel.  And on Sunday fiery host Annie Burrell hosted the Hair of the Dog Brunch presented by Grey Goose Vodka.

Food and beverage industry insiders and media took part in a series of panel discussions presented at this year'sSouthern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Tasting presented by Beverage Media Group. Topics included:
• Inaugural Clean & Sustainable Cooking
• Inside Celebrated Living's Platinum List Awards
• Raising the Bar: Are Craft Cocktails the New "Farm-to-Table"
• Chefs are Rock Stars and Rock Stars are Chefs
The Festival's 10th anniversary also included more offerings for fans of all ages to take part in the star-studded gourmet
weekend, including new events like Alfa Romeo presents Italian Harvest Party sponsored by illy caffé and Barilla
hosted by Giada De Laurentiis and Family Ice Cream Fun-dae hosted by Mario Batali and Ayesha Curry. Returning
opportunities like the Culinary Demonstrations Only ticket for the fan-favorite Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite
featuring Samsung® Culinary Demonstrations presented by Mastercard® and the Coca-Cola Backyard BBQ
presented by National Beef hosted by David Burtka, Pat LaFrieda and Andrew Zimmern, where Ed Randolph
(Handsome Devil) took home the Coca-Cola Backyard BBQ People's Choice Award for whole hogs and KCBS Awardwinning St. Louis ribs, continued to please taste buds at any age during the festivities.

Until October 2019!