City Meals on Wheels: Creme de la Creme

Monday night City Meals on Wheels held its annual fundraiser at Rockefeller Center. Over 100 chefs from around the world presented their own unique interpretations of classic french cuisine. I was lucky enough to be the guest of Gourmet Magazine, the presenting media sponsor. Even luckier was being given a press pass at check in by mistake, which meant that chefs from around the world treated us like royalty...not that I ever misrepresent myself or anything...meeting and speaking with Laurent Tournadel (Of BLT fame) was a highlight.With amazing food, wine and cocktails everywhere it was almost too easy to miss the amazing sculptures (and foodie celebrities) everwhere.But no matter how amazing the food was, who could miss Ruth Reichl, Editor in Chief of Gourmet?!? I just happen to be two thirds through the very entertaining (and touching) Garlic and Saphires, so it was a special treat to discuss it with the incredibly gracious Ruth. This was actually the fourth or fifth time we've met but I appreciated it a thousand times more this week. (Notice aforementioned Press Pass around my neck).

The hostess with the mostest that evening, Brooke Menoni. Thank you Brooke!

At The Soho House Rooftop

Celebrated the arrival of summer (and a solid 2nd quarter) over dinner, drinks and fun conversation at the Soho House Rooftop, guests of the publishing team of Conde Nast Traveler. We had amazing weather and a great group of people, including our hostess, Lisa Henriques Hughes. Everywhere we turned was a glass of champagne or a familiar face. Time to sign up for membership?

With Michael Krans, Conde Nast Traveler superstar. Such a smile!

Sundown next to Beth Lusko, my favorite Canadian. This is the picture that got us yelled at - apparently no cameras allowed on the Soho House Rooftop, per members' policy. Quelle horreur!

amfAR's Honoring with Pride, June 9, 2008 Hudson Rooftop

The one and only Mario Cantone. I have confused seeing him walk in front of my building for years with being actual friends. But after a few glasses of Chardonnay I decided to change that and say hi to the funny man. Mario deserves a LOT of credit for MCing a charity event - outdoors - on the hottest day of the decade. In a SUIT AND TIE! And really, what a nice guy.

This was Kenneth Cole's turn at the podium, a great asset to amfAR. He actually uses his advertising budget not just to sell shoes, but to help expand minds. Bravo to you Mr. Cole!

Caught a bit off guard at the rooftop penthouse of the Hudson Hotel. I can't wait until marriage is legal in NYC...not just because it's about time, but because I've found a fierce place to do the I-do's. Yes, at $500 a ticket I had a suit jacket but at 97 degres it just wasn't happening that night.

With the Mr.

Philadelphia Inquirer outs my Mom!

I mean, how cool is this woman marching in the Philadelphia Gay Pride Parade. In 99 degree heat. Carrying a sign questioning the lack of legal rights of the two fine gents in the poster (that would be me and Ray). Yes sir, that's my MOM, the PFLAG Mom. Dad was right next to her but out of the frame, but I am guesing that Moms sell more newspapers and she got the picture. I love them both and couldn't be more thankful or proud. It's not like they march in parades for their other son...(sorry, couldn't resist!)

Philly Pride

My Mom is ALWAYS talking to strangers, even while marching in parades.I know I should be having deeper thoughts on such a day...but I think this tank top was a mistake and makes me look fat? Eeek! Then again, marching for the right to marry puts a little fatness in perspective. That's my DAD next to me. How friggin cool is THAT?

Also, how cool is it that Ray and my Dad get along so swimmingly.

At Highbar

The only good thing about this stinky, over priced bar (Highbar, on 48th and 8th) was hanging with Anne Marie and her friends for her birthday, early June '08. Seen here, moi, Joanna the future head of HBO marketing, and Ray. Friends don't let friends drink miniscule, $14 drinks. Not even at Garden of Ono where the crowd is WAY cuter. Don't do it! Sidenote, who is the genius that created a bar tab, but neglected to tell people to pay as they exited. Yup, you guessed it, nobody paid! $1,047 later....

Tuesday Night Fun

Oswald Caido, Conor, Ray and moi. Outside patio of A.O.C. which is really nice. The last time I was 10 years ago, when it was called Grove street. Seems about the same to me except I was in much better company this time around. This was the drink that got me drunk enough to almost get kicked out of Marie's Crisis for singing off key.

After quite a few glasses of wine at Market Table, and the house drink, Jubilee. Highly recommend it!

Starting the night off right with office gal pal, Kelly, and Ray, at the Blue Ribbon Bar. They make a great Negroni and an even better St. Germain/champs/club soda thingy. And they have a Inspector Gadget-esque bathroom hidden behind a secret-agent door. (Doesn't take much to impress me. Actually it doesn, but that's a whole other story).