Obama Leading McCain 2:1

We're not talking the battle for electoral votes here, we're talking bragging rights for the best cocktail. At the Gypsy Bar in Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel, the Ciroc Obama is outselling the McCainarita by a margin of nearly two to one. (See recipes below.) If you're looking to raise a glass to the winner at the end of tonight's tally (or if you need to drown your sorrows), we recommend throwing caution to the wind and trying both of these casino cocktails. But don't bother with the Gypsy Bar's Miss Independent creation. If you still haven't made up your mind about whom you're voting for, we have no sympathy for you. Go drink some white Zinfandel instead. Lastly, if you need something to sate your your sweet tooth, pick yourself up a box of Obama and McCain cookies from Chelsea Market baker extraordinaire Eleni's and some chocolate Democrat and Republican lollipops from Jacques Torres. May the best creation win! Ciroq Obama 1 part Ciroc vodka 1/2 part Blue Curacao 1 part fresh lime juice (or sour mix) 1 part Sprite Mix ingredients and shake in a stirrer with ice; serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with lime. McCainarita 1 part Siembra Azul Reposado tequila 1/2 part Grand Marnier 1 part fresh lime juice (or sour mix) 1 part pomegranate juice Mix ingredients and shake in a stirrer with ice; serve over ice.

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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.