2010 New York Wine and Food Festival: ShopRite Grand Tasting

By: Finance Foodie

The final day of my NYCWFF weekend took me to the Grand Tasting at Pier 54 in the Hudson River Park. This event is pretty much the stuff foodie dreams are made of, as guests get to sample food and drink offerings from over 100 of NYC’s best restaurants, libation vendors, and ShopRite brands.

A few of the highlights after the jump:
Best Overall
reBar -- Polenta topped with Sunnyside Up Quail Egg, Toasted Pinenuts and Parsley Salad
I’ve always been a huge fan of polenta and eggs separately, but never did I think to combine these two lovelies. After sampling reBar’s offering, I will totally do so from now on  -- the runny sunnyside up egg combined with the nuttiness of the pinenuts elevated the smooth creamy polenta from a simple staple to a complete (and delicious) dish that was unique in flavors and textures.

Most Creative Presentation
Commerce -- Hamachi Ceviche with Yuzu, Tomato, Chili on top lime wedge
While most samples were served on a plate with a fork or spoon, Commerce took it up a notch and served their ceviche on a half lime. Although the presentation left the ceviche lime juice soaked and overbearingly tart – I still loved the interesting concept and look.

Most Generously Portioned Plate
The Neely’s -- Pulled Pork Burger
Comfort food at its best from the Food Network starring owners of Neely's Bar-B-Que -- this was literally a full meal in itself!

The Tasted Better Than It Looked Award
New Leaf Restaurant and Bar -- House Smoked Pork with Cranberry Chutney and Spiced Apples
The plate looked a hot gloppy mess, but this pork, apple, and cranberry combination was terrific and totally put me in a fall state of mind!

Best Thirst Quencher
Blue Moon beer
Cute glasses and a fresh orange slice to garnish -- these Blue Moons screamed refreshing in a warm crowded tent.

Best Meat Dish
Vai Restaurant and Wine Bar -- Marinated Peach and Smoked Prosciutto Spuntino 
I'm a meat lover (as you can see by the numerous entries under "meat feast"), so obviously I had to create a best-in-show meat award. The combination of sweet (peach) and savory (prosciutto) was divine.

And that’s a wrap folks! I hope you all enjoyed my NYCWFF weekend recap series – because I am all food-ed out for….a few days! So until next year, happy eating!

[Disclaimer: Due to the sheer size of the Grand Tasting, time constraints, and the fact that my stomach had already been pushed to the max on Saturday, I only sampled ~60% of all the vendors present. So these “awards” were the best of the ones I did try / see!]


100% of the net proceeds from New York Wine and Food Festival ticket sales support the Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength, organizations that help eradicate hunger in NYC. For more information about these charities and/or to help support these wonderful causes, please visit their websites.