Earlier this spring, Socially Superlative attended the Small Plates, Big Hearts charity event, which benefit the Food Education Fund. The event was held in the Food Network Studio and Kitchen and the program, including a silent and live auction, was hosted by Ted Allen of Chopped fame.

The event began with a cocktail hour including passed h’orderves made by the students at the Food and Finance High School in NYC that the Food Education Fund finances. Donators observed in the Food Network Test Kitchen as top chefs in the area mentored the young potential chefs as they prepared their dishes. Dishes like smoked salmon and creme fraiche on a blini and lobster and caviar on a waffle chip were served.

We were then escorted into the Food Network Studio where the top chefs from the Food Network and from NYC set up tables with dishes from their restaurants. Chefs Melody Lee of ABC Kitchen, Alex Guarnaschelli of the Darby and Butter, and Marc Murphy of Landmarc and Ditch Plains, were just a few of the many chefs that came out to support for this very worthy cause. There was also a group of students from the Food and Finance High School that were selected to have a table alongside famous chefs.

Not only was their a table full of foodie goodies to bid on for the silent auction, but Ted Allen also auctioned off prestigious one-of-a-kind experiences in a live auction to bidders on the spot. Representatives from all parties involved made their arguments for why this program is so important, which was not lost on any of the present attendees.

All guests left with a gift bag full of cooking swag. This event was extremely entertaining and a must-see for anyone that is interested in the Food Network and top chefs, food in general, and/or donating to a charity!

For more information on the Food Education Fund or to donate to the cause, please visit http://foodeducationfund.org/.

– Stephanie Carino