Where to Eat Now

Travel & Leisure editor Nilou Motamed (second from right) led a NYCW&FF panel discussion today that delved into the best places to eat in New York right now, along with a look at dining trends on the horizon. The gourmet burger craze is here to stay, as is southern barbecue, according to the esteemed panel of foodies. Southerner Ted Lee (far right) says that the beauty of barbecue in New York is that it's done with so many different styles. (He included Hill Country and Blue Smoke as examples.) Restaurateur Drew Nieporent (not pictured) declined to name trends, saying that he doesn't follow them, as Lee chimed back in that he sees restaurant-made cheeses and tofus as an emerging menu feature.

Anya von Bremzen (third from left) carried the torch for her home borough of Queens, while Lee sounded the cry for great eating in Brooklyn, citing Egg, in Williamsburg, among his picks. Other restos noted as faves by the panel (which also included Le Bernadin chef Eric Ripert, not pictured, and Top Chef's Gail Simmons, second from left) included Sushi Yasuda, DBGB (a favorite late-night hangout of Ripert's), Masa and Marea.

In an unexpected but fun twist for a food event, the panel was held in the theater at the Bumble+Bumble hair salon, making life very easy for anyone in need of a touch-up or a trim before venturing out to try one of the eateries recommended by the panel.

Pictured at far left, though not a panelist, is Ted Lee's brother, collaborator and cookbook partner, Matt Lee.

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.

For more photos, click here.