Friday, July 30, 2010

AC Food & Wine Festival; NFNS Kick Off Party!

Hey! Last night was the kick off party for the AC Food & Wine Festival and it was all about the finalists on The Next Food Network Star. Look at this silly guy striking a model pose ...
It's Brad! I caught this actually as we were all leaving. I often call him "Spike a-like" because he looks like Chef Spike Mendelsohn's doppelganger. Brad is very cool about it, so that's nice he can take a silly joke. I tend to be silly. Where's the hat right? Well, he wasn't wearing it, but it was so windy last night, even if he had it on, it would've blown off. The party was at the Chelsea Hotel on the 5th floor pool level. So it was outdoors and because the rain blew through town earlier, it was cool and breezy! Hope the weather holds up the whole weekend. I didn't run into everyone, but plenty of NFNS finalists were there ... That's Herb, he is from Elizabeth, NJ so plenty of his friends and family were there, pretty neat. Then I ran into two very important ladies ...
That's last season's winner, Melissa D'Arabian! Next to her is Moira, she's our event planner. So, Moira is the person that helped bring Sunset, Spirits and Sliders together for me. I can't wait for Saturday night! I actually met some people last night that have tickets, can't wait! Did I already say that? :-) Take a look at a bigger than life NFNS finalist ...
It's Biiiiig Tom Pizzica! He is bigger than life and every time I caught a glimpse of him he was having a good time, he draws a crowd! He is so nice, what a nice bunch they all are! I left there and spent a couple of hours at the table games in Caesar's. I came up even ... plus $1. :-)

Well, that's it. I have some work to do in the next hour or so, then I think I'm gonna head over to Guy's Cheesesteak Battle tonight. If you are here and you catch me walking, stop me and say hi! I'm here for the food, the wine and food people ... can't wait to meet ya!

4 comments:

Samantha said...

How fun!! As a statistician, I have to say - you had good luck with you to break even (plus $1)!

I LOVE all of the NFNS finalists so far - so jealous of your job! We are rooting for Brad to get a show on the Cooking Channel, and for Tom to turn into a Guy-type host. :)

Lindsey Christensen said...

Great update on what sounds like a terrific evening! Wish I could be there. Food, wine and foodies...really, can you beat that?!? Have a blast at the cheese steak battle, and at Sat's big bash!

Sunny Anderson said...

samantha, i know right?! i was too happy to break even plus 1. i feel it's a true even break because i had to pay a transaction fee to get the money out of the atm in the 1st pace lol. i agree about the finalists, truly a treasure trove of talent, so to the winner ... congrats, but to the others, there still is hope, right?! pretty cool competition.

lindsey, thanks! i hope i'm sharing enough, things can get busy and i'm just me here. everyone has an entourage and i'm just chillin solo. having a great time! stick around for more photos ...

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Have fun! What am I talking about, of COURSE you'll have fun!! ;)