Lexus Achieves New Nexus

Tonight, carmaker Lexus took the wraps off a top-of-the-line sportscar to be known as the LFA. The matte black vehicle on display was surely worthy of Batman and appropriately enough, Gotham sat up and took notice.

At a cocktail party held at Espace, the sportscar took its rightful place at center stage, where guests ogled the hand-built auto, which has a V-10 engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Lexus luxury partners on-hand to celebrate the debut included Pratesi linens, Soolip paperie, Napa Valley Vintners, Riedel Crystal, Marquis Jet and concierge service Quintessentially.

Reportedly, only 500 LFAs will be produced; the car, a 2011 model, will carry a sticker of $375,000. Clearly, being Batman is not an inexpensive proposition.

Strength in Numbers

Share Our Strength, the charity organization created to battle childhood hunger in America, held the New York outing of its "Tasteful Pursuit" dinner series at Terrence Brennan's Artisanal restaurant last night, raising $110,000 for a group that has achieved phenomenal success since its founding, in 1984. More recently, since launching its initiative to eliminate childhood hunger four years ago, it has served more than 40 million meals and taught nutrition to in excess of 200,000 students. Part of a continuing slate of Share Our Strength dinners around the country, last evening's menu was prepared by host chef Brennan as well as chefs David Burke (David Burke and Donatella); James Beard Award winner Bradford Thompson; Aáron Sanchez, (Centrico and Paladar); chocolatier Jacques Torres; and pastry chef Deborah Racicot (Gotham Bar and Grill). The series, which is sponsored by Lexus and the Balvenie whisky, continues through September, with local talent in Washington, D.C., Nashville, Cleveland, Detroit, Dallas and Boston next on the list for delightful dining for a good cause.