Anthony Bourdain Hosts The Bronx Academy Of Letters 10th Birthday Celebration

By: Anne M. Raso

The Bronx Academy Of Letters recently celebrated its tenth birthday of helping kids get a foot in the door of the arts career of their dreams at the Metropolitan Pavilion recently with the help of host Anthony Bourdain who tells us that he got involved with the charity via his agent who, like him, is big on helping education-oriented charities for kids. The heavy hitter eateries from Manhattan and Brooklyn were in attendance including Prune, Momofuko & Momofuku Milk Bar, Del Posto Babycakes NYC, Mission Chinese, Briskettown, Roberta's, Chez Sardine and Boulud Sud. Five different specialty drinks were whipped up and served by Jim Meehan of PDT and his highly creative and friendly mixology staff. I fell in love with the Rosemary Society cocktail consisting of Bombay Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Lemon Juice, Benedictine, St. Germain and bitters.

Anthony Bourdain

I have to say that the Fatty Brisket served by Briskettown was so moist and delicious that it made me want to move to Williamsburg just to be able to have it more often. Roberta's Margarita Pizza selection was something I partook of several times and the world's most gourmet grilled cheese was served at Che Sardinem (more specifically, it was Foie Gras Grilled Cheese)!

Briskettown's Fatty Brisket

Momofuku's Bo Saam--slow cooked pork shoulder on baby Bibb lettuce with rice and scallions--was a lovely contrast of textures and another one of my favorites for the evening. The eventful night was topped off with memorable sweets including wrapped assorted cookies from Momofuku Milk Bar to eat at the event or take home and Brown Butter Sour Apricot Semifreddo with Chex Mix "In The Style Of Your Mother." We have to say that the latter item was one not only one of the most interesting pairings at the BAL 10th Birthday event, but pretty much ever in the history of fusion desserts. If you would like to learn more about Bronx Academy Of Letters and its wonderful programs (which include four year writing programs) that prep kids for entering the best arts-oriented colleges, go to www.bronxletters.com.

Photos: Anne M. Raso