City Harvest Bid Against Hunger

Top chefs from across New York City gathered last night at The Metropolitan Pavilion for the 15th annual City Harvest Bid Against Hunger event that boasted a mix of philanthropy and food.

Proceeds from the live and silent auctions went to City Harvest, one of the nation’s leading food rescue organizations dedicated to feeding New York City’s hungry men, women and children.

More than 50 restaurants participated in the walk-around tasting, which featured tempting tastes from the likes of Per Se, Le Cirque, Daniel, Jean Georges and more. Also in attendance were 24 student volunteers from The Institute of Culinary Education, who were busy prepping, plating and serving food to the sold-out crowd.

Every taste and flavor was on display including, spiced tuna tartare from BLT Fish, Green Tomato and Farro Tart from Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Pistachio Bavaroise from The Modern. Chefs, foodies, philanthropists and locals browsed the tasting tables and gathered to bid on the 10 live auction items. Highlights included a private dinner donated by 91ÃÛÌÒß¹ culinary program alumni Marc Murphy at his restaurant, Landmarc. The evening, which includes dinner for 20 accompanied by Chopped host Ted Allen, went for $20,000.

But the highest bid of the night was for dinner at Le Bernardin, which included a customized wine tasting by wine director Aldo Sohm, a tour of the kitchen, a two-night stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée and NYC cooking classes at 91ÃÛÌÒß¹ given by acclaimed chef Eric Ripert. The price tag? $55,000.

By nights end, the event raised $700,000 for City Harvest, which helps over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal each week.