In Tribute to Emeril Lagasse

He made a name for himself with the Batman-worthy sound-effect "BAM!" but there was no slamming on counters at Miami's Loews Hotel tonight, just thunderous applause, for one of the food world's most beloved and hardest-working chefs. Emeril Lagasse was honored at a tribute dinner presided over by a posse of New York chefs, including Mario Batali, Eric Ripert, Michael Laskonis and Bobby Flay. Another famed New Yorker, Martha Stewart did the emcee honors. The night ended with an impromptu jam session that featured Lagasse on bongos and Miami chef Norman Van Aiken on the harmonica. Sadly, Martha did not grab for the nearest electric guitar. Or a tambourine, for that matter.

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Rockin' With Rachael Ray

Photo highlights of Rachael Ray's burger BBQ, during South Beach Wine & Food.

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Let the Eating Begin!

As night fell over the foodie mecca that is Chelsea Market, the epicures descended en masse. Marking the kickoff of the inaugural New York City Wine & Food Festival, tonight's open house at the home of the Food Network was a culinary extravaganza (and a sold-out one at that). Bobby Flay caused a paparazzi-like stir as he passed out burgers and posed for pictures. Simultaneously, purveyors including Ronnybrook Farm Dairy (which was freely distributing brandy-flavored milkshakes); Chelsea Thai Wholesale, (which delighted palates with a spicy papaya dish); and Yellow Tail, (which offered a glass of the good stuff around every corner) kept patrons happy on a night that foretold great things for this four-day bonanza. Apsen Food & Wine and South Beach Wine & Food....eat your heart out! All proceeds from the smorgasbord of events over the next few days go to support the Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength. For a list of the (sadly) mostly sold-out activities, click here.