Friday, October 30, 2009

Interview with Diane Gordon, founder of Diane Gordon catering


I tasted the mouthwatering canapés of Diane Gordon Catering at the recent New York Wine and Food Festival. Diane accepted to answer my questions deliciously!


FB: How you came up with the Diane Gordon Catering?

DG: We've been known as Entertaining Ideas Catering since we started in 1993. After so many exciting years in the business we decided to spice things up and identify the brand more closely with my style of cooking and entertaining. I have a close relationship with each of my clients and Diane Gordon Catering shows that personal touch.

FB: What’s your favorite canapé from DG Catering?

DG: Our truffled wild mushrooms on sauteed risotto cakes. I love the combination of the creamy topping on the crispy base. It’s a year round favorite but in terms of a seasonal selection I’m a big fan of our filet of beef and ginger cream on pumpkin bread.

FB: Who is your ideal client?

DG: Someone with sophisticated taste who knows what they want but is open to my ideas and suggestions. I like to work with clients who have a gracious style of entertaining and who understand that parties should be fun.

FB: Coming winter, what will you be serving?

DG: Definitely braised short ribs and butternut squash, baked macaroni and cheese. On the lighter side, we’ll offer pan seared halibut with saffron, leeks and basil.

FB: What is your culinary secret?

DG: Season as you cook. When I eat out so much of the food I try tastes bland. A chef can use the finest ingredients but if you don’t season properly throughout the cooking process the end product won’t be great.

FB: Any particular favorite tastes?

DG: I have a serious sweet tooth. I particularly like caramel and butterscotch flavors. I love anything with a licorice or anise taste so I’m always raiding our walk-in fridge for fresh fennel.

FB: Your top three drinks are:

DG: Our featured specialty drink is a pear and elderflower martini. For the autumn we are serving a cocktail made with bourbon, amaretto, apple cider and a homemade cinnamon syrup. By far, the most popular drink we offer is a classic mojito.

FB: One food you really dislike:

DG: Bok Choy – I think it’s the only food I don’t like!

FB: 3 favorite must-haves in your cupboards are:

DG: A double concentrated tomato paste imported from Italy; Maille traditional Dijon mustard and Pearl River Superior Light Soy Sauce (which I purchase in Chinatown)

FB: Your next step will be to…

DG: Write a cookbook.

FB: And finally, what is your favorite gastronomic destination?

DG: Still and forever – France.

Diane Gordon Catering, http://www.dianegordoncatering.com/, 212.289.1230, diane@dianegordoncatering.com.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Cook.Eat.Drink.Live


Toast and Taste the Holidays
Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. Food Festival Returns This Fall
Try the Wine. Taste the Food. Watch the Talent.
November 6-8, 2009



The Third Annual Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. festival (http://www.cookeatdrinklive.com/) returns this year with more food, a new location and more fun. Presented by CCK Global Events and sponsored by Zagat and the Astor Center, 2009’s festival will feature culinary celebrities, restaurants, tastings, live cooking demonstrations and holiday shopping from November 6-8th in their new space at Chelsea’s The Tunnel/La Venue.



Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. is a lively, interactive holiday themed event that showcases new food products, celebrity chefs, wineries, cocktails, cookbook authors, mixologists, and popular restaurants. In addition to the tastings, guests can do some early holiday shopping with several purveyors and wineries and will have the opportunity to purchase gift certificates to some of New York City’s most popular restaurants.



Tickets are $65.00 for each day and can be purchased online at (http://www.cookeatdrinklive.com/) or by calling 888-695-0888.



Highlights from the 2009 Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. festival include the Main and the Astor stage, the Coffee & Tea Pavilion, the FineWaters Pavilion, samples from numerous Restaurants, the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine and many more.


A portion of the proceeds from the Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. Festival will go to support the programs offered by Action Against Hunger (http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/)


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Would you dare to eat it?


This is a link to the scariest foods around the globe. I admit that I tried a few. Like the Scottish Haggis, it's real good people, you don't know what you are missing! And the black pudding is equally tasty.


What is in the picture? Can you guess? Comment!

A book for the foodies


If you catch yourself daydreaming with an apron in the kitchen making roasted chicken and key lime pie instead of preparing another boring Power Point document for your boss, don't miss Dorothy Cann Hamilton's book presentation Love What You Do: Building a Career in the Culinary Industry.


In Love What You Do: Building a Career in the Culinary Industry, Dorothy Cann Hamilton lends a helping hand to those forging their own professional path in the food world. Divided into three sections—“Deciding,” “Training,” and “Launching”—the book guides readers through each of the steps of any job hunt to find the career opportunity that is right for them. Cann also includes brief profiles of notable culinary figures, all offering their own words of encouragement and advice. Love What You Do gives you just the nudge you need to make a confident leap toward the food job you’ve always dreamed of.

(Don't forget to ask for an earlier lunch break!)

When: Wednesday, 10.28, at 12pm

Where: The Beard House, 167 West 12th Street, NYC

Monday, October 26, 2009

Sunday, October 25, 2009

The (perfect) goodie bag
















It is called goodie bag, gift bag and recently I saw it as a swag bag! The bag that contains free gifts, small or big, for the attendees of an event is gaining ground in all New York happenings. Usually a paper bag but also found as environmental friendly made from cotton, is given to all participants when they enter but most often when they leave the venue. It is so popular that event goers go early to grab it in pride, ignoring adjectives as "cheap" or "poor" often attached to them. I often thought that people go to events to get the goodie bag without caring about what it is said or done throughout the night, therefore, event organizers want to get their attention by offering a nice bag with free gifts.

During my last three years of event going in NYC, I got bags with expensive items, bags filled with books only but also the odd and cheap ones in white-paper that only contained a pen and a tiny notebook. So, if you are lucky, you will score a magnificent bag with useful items inside. Products vary: from luxurious face cream to pillows and sewing kits, you name them - it all depends on the nature of the event and the budget of the event organizer/publicist. And if you don't like your bag, you can re-gift it, give it away or sell it on ebay!

Have a look at the pictures to view a swag bag I received at the recent Style Fixx event held at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Targeting only women, the event was generous with free cocktail offerings and free bustelo coffees, and generous was their gift bag. The list below describes what it was inside.


Foodies would satisfy their appetite with:
Necco wafers
Vitamin water
A pack of bustelo coffee
A luna cookie
An Atkins bar
Two Lindt chocolates (chili and sea salt)
Mints

Beauty obsessed got:
Lumiere mineral makeup
Sample of therme fuse hair serum
Sample of body cream
A large jar of YestoCarrots hair and scalp mud mask
A bottle of Mizani styling hair mousse
The Glamorous Kit (containing dress/lingerie tapes and push up pads)
Kotex pads
and the nailene French tip pen

I found this gift bag as one of the richest in variety of products. Except for the rather small beauty samples, it amazed me with the large portions of quality items and with useful Kits! The Lindt chocolates came as a sweet surprise, always appreciated!















Friday, October 23, 2009

Greenlight Bookstore Launch party

It will probably be one of the few, new and cool bookstores in Fort Greene. Don't miss the opening party and also don't forget to buy one book or two, just to support a neighborhood bookstore.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Where the event industry is going?











“Surprise them” was one of the ten cost-saving ideas for entertainment according to the event veteran/BizBash speaker (them goes to the clients of the event organizer). And this was indeed the case. This year’s BizBash expo attendees were surprised. With plenty of dancers, acrobats, M & S costume-dressed walking guys and half-naked, good looking men running around with leaflets and cookies, I was definitely surprised. But is this an upcoming trend for the event industry for this year or is just a boost to a declining entertainment industry in NYC? There was a lot of buzz, plenty of booze and overall, a vivid atmosphere at the Javits Center. The event ended with a series of Awards and a cocktail reception at the, just around the corner, Sir/Stage 37 lounge (I liked the space but I found it very “cloudy”, thumbs up for the sugar coated nuts and the great basil/vodka cocktail).


I will make a note on the food trends: the chocolate covered bacon pretzel stick, courtesy of Abigail Kirsch catering, a balanced taste that complemented the bread-ish flavor of the stick. I congratulate the edamame truffled dip, courtesy of the Hudson Terrace, a really unique taste. I also can’t say indifferent to the increasing appearance of raw tuna (and salmon) on pita chip or in the mini-cone.

The event veteran/speaker talked about hiring psychics and palm readers in your event as a way to impress and surprise the clients. But he didn’t tell us if the psychic can predict when the event industry will recover. But do we care? As long as I can grab the half naked guy, I am all set!



BAG event


Brooklyn Artists Gym presents a salon show in collaboration with Room 58 and Art:21 on Friday, October 23, 7:00-11:00 PM


The Show, Fantasy/Transformation, is a collaboration with Room 58 and Art:21. Artists and writers will be talking about their work and we will screen a video from Season 5 of the Art:21, Art in the Twenty-First Century series. Titled "Transformation," it documents the work of contemporary artists Paul McCarthy, Cindy Sherman, and Yinka Shonibare MBE.


There will also be some wine and good conversation!


Visit BAG by clicking here for events and directions: http://www.brooklynartistsgym.com/events.html


Serena Bocchino's iPOP at Tria‏


iPOP: A Mixed Media Installation
October 22 - December 5, 2009

iPOP is the term used by artist Serena Bocchino to describe her latest body of mixed media work which includes paintings, "photo-paintings," painted figures and drawings. Using bright enamel and her unique pouring technique, Bocchino creates a true wonderland in this installation. The result is vital and dynamic; a colorful and surprising environment which combines high art with popular culture. Bocchino has an MFA in Painting from NYU. She has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the world. This is her second solo exhibition at Tria.

Reception for the artist:

Where: Tria Gallery, 531 West 25th Street, Ground Floor #5

When: Thursday, October 22, 6 - 8 pm

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Art at the Empire

You are all invited to come enjoy cocktails, live jazz, and art by New York's best emerging artists this coming Tuesday night at the Empire Hotel rooftop (New York's swankiest rooftop). You will have the chance to see a group showing of nAscent artists.

Invite friends, but don't forget to RSVP - rsvp@nascentartny.com

Where: Rooftop of the Empire Hotel, 44 West 63rd Street
When: Tuesday, 10.20.2009 at 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Friday, October 16, 2009

Amanda Dolan 'Precious Things' Opening


The opening for Amanda Dolan’s latest installation of artwork will be on Saturday night, October 17th, and as per usual the reception will feature refreshments, cupcakes, music, and photo opportunities! This exhibit is different for Amanda in that she hasn’t set herself to a rigid theme, but rather, she has put together a diverse grouping of her latest inspirations including more mixed media art, doggie portraits, and even some sculpture work which she is dubbing “post-modern flower pots.”

PRECIOUS THINGS, A Series by Amanda Dolan
Ward-Nasse Gallery
178 Prince Street (between Thompson & Sullivan)
Saturday, October 17th
Media & VIP: 6pm-6:30pm
General Event: 6:30pm – 9pm
Please RSVP directly to ADart@AMP3pr.com

Thursday, October 15, 2009

HighLine Open Studios


YOU are invited to enjoy one of the most significant and enjoyable events in the Fall arts calendar...



OPEN HOURS THURSDAY(15th) - FRIDAY(16th) 6-9pm


SATURDAY(17th) - SUNDAY(18th) 12-6pm



100+ artists will open their doors for an exclusive peek inside their private work spaces. Experience the behind-the-scenes process of some of the greatest artists in the world! Start at our Greeting Center at 526 West 26th Street (free coffee!!) or at the Standard Hotel Plaza, 848 Washington. Pick up a map with all participating artists and enjoy a weekend of fabulous art and a walk along New York’s hottest public space - the High Line!


Click here for more information!



Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Gallery night tomorrow night

GALLERY NIGHT ON 57TH STREET

DATE: Thursday, October 15th from 5 to 8 p.m.
57th Street between Lexington Avenue and 7th Avenue

For more information and to see a list of the participating galleries, click on the link: http://dks.thing.net/GALLERYNIGHTON57TH.html

Sixty five galleries located on 57th Street in New York City are pleased to announce that they will remain open to the public on Thursday, October 15th until 8 p.m. for a special Gallery Night on 57th Street event.

It should be fun!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Social Table - Cooking Classes


If you want to learn how to cook a dish in a nice, friendly and social atmosphere with no competition and no fuss, The Social Table will and should be your choice. Cooking classes are held in a kitchen, the number of participants is limited and you have to BYOB! For more information, check the Social Table's website but here is a list of the upcoming classes:


10/13 (Tues): Simple Supper
* Spicy Chorizo, Potato & Red Pepper Hash* Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes with Parmesan-Garlic Panko Topping
* Grilled Chicken Breast Stuffed with Roasted Peppers, Cheese & Basil
* Individual Quick Chocolate Mousses


10/21 (Wed): American Comfort Food
* Pan-Seared Steak Tips in Mushroom Gravy
* Mashed Potato Gruyere Gratin
* Sauteed Haricot Verts with Shaved Almonds & Crispy Shallots
* Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream


10/27 (Tues): Dim Sum & Asian Apps
* Pork Potstickers
* Thai Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups
* Steamed Pork & Shrimp Shu Mai
* Pan-Fried Shrimp Filled Pancakes


10/29 (Thu): Italian Dinner
* Mozzarella & Breadcrumb Stuffed Bell Peppers
* Pasta with White Beans, Arugula & Tomatoes
* Chicken Involtini (Mortadella (pork), Cheese & Asparagus)
* Classic Tiramisu


11/3 (Tues): Fall Dinner
* Cauliflower Gratin
* Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Thick Cut Bacon
* Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Herb Rub
* Fast Butterscotch Puddings with Homemade Whipped Cream

11/ 4 (Wed): Greek & Mediterranean
* Eggplant Caponata
* Roasted Chickpeas with Tomatoes, Feta & Mint
* Hearty Lamb Moussaka
* Poached Pears with Citrus Honey

11/10 (Tues): Bistro Night
* Potato-Leek Soup
* Cauliflower-Tomato Penne Gratin
* Haricot Verts Provencal
* Chicken Fricassee with Onion-Mushroom Sauce
* Pear Clafouti

11/12 (Thu): A Smaller Thanksgiving
* Crispy Topped Stuffing Muffins
* Butternut Squash Gratin
* Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Shallots
* Roasted Turkey Breast
* Sauteed Cinnamon Apples with Caramel Sauce & Ice Cream

11/17 (Tues): Italian Dinner
* Quick Vegetable Minestrone with Fresh Pesto
* Fresh Pasta with Mixed Mushroom Sauce
* Classic Pork Milanese Cutlets
* Warm Pear Crostata with Vanilla Ice Cream

11/18 (Wed): Thanksgiving Classics
* Cranberry Chutney
* Sausage & Sage Stuffing
* Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
* Sauteed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
* Slow Roasted Turkey with Gravy
* Pumpkin Bread Pudding

12/2 (Tues): Winter Dinner
* Potato-Kale Puree
* Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chickpeas & White Wine
* Pan Seared Pork Chops with Pan Jus
* Apple-Current Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Whipped Cream


All classes cost $65 per person and are BYOB. Suggested wine pairings are provided with each class. Class spaces are reserved on a First Come-First Serve basis and a credit card is required to hold your reservation. 48 hours notice is needed in case you have to cancel your reservation without incurring the full cost of the class.

Monday, October 12, 2009

New York Wine and Food Festival - final
































The New York Wine and Food Festival is officially over but ending good food and high class eating is far from being over in the Big Apple. As a witness of the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon, I still remember the huge lines (those who paid a steep $150 for the 3-hour tasting), the free diet coke and of course the amazing, mouthwatering tiny portions offered from the best New York restaurants. Although food and tasting are both very personal, I applause Haru's tuna tartare on chip, Mercadito's Guacamole de piña, with pineapple, tomatillo pico, habanero and mint, Asia de Cuba's Asian pork ribs, La Esquina's red chili braised pork, and an unusual chocolate pumpkin and almond tortellini from a restaurant I can't remember. But the best of the best will go to the tiniest apple-pie with the miso ice-cream on top (see photo) that was offered at the Food Network's stand - can't recall the chef's name. Of course, generous offerings from the Delta lounge (champagne, cookies, peanuts and a wine seminar) in a buzzy environment.


The Murray's Cheese and Olive Oil Tasting at Fig and Olive restaurant was also of high quality and high attendance as expected. I will make a note for the huge lines once again, the lovely ambiance and of course the amazing cheese! The most unusual and peculiar taste was the creamy goat cheese mixed with bitter sweet chocolate, something that reminded of a buttery nutella but it was still worth mentioning and also tasty. I liked the ricotta with the caramelized walnuts and the drop of honey in a small cup, a rather unique way to eat cheese. Attendees also got Liz Thorpe's book, the Cheese Chronicles as a gift.


Finally, a big smile for the Illy push button house and the best good-looking guys of the show giving out espressos and cappuccinos. We will miss you!


I feel sad that the festival is over but I was privileged enough to be a part of it. As for all of us, bloggers, food writers, food experts and foodies in general, we will still have a lot of work to do. Eating and writing!
















Friday, October 09, 2009

The maple glazed bacon doughnut




For the first time in my New York culinary life, I had the chance last night to taste the maple glazed bacon doughnut courtesy of 675 Bar. I didn’t have any particular expectations therefore, I can’t tell you that I was or not disappointed or satisfied. I found it crispier and far more sweeter than any other doughnut and slightly salty. Not a bad combination, rather nice, but not my ideal breakfast or lunch.

This was one of the bacon –inspired snacks offered by Thrillist’s Bacon and the Blues event last night (into the New York Wine and Food Festival). I would vote as the best of the night – although v. difficult to judge –the Mott’s balsamic braised nueskee bacon slab garnished with fried oysters over bitter greens (see photo). A perfect balance of pork-ish flavor that mysteriously matched amazingly well with the fried oysters. The second vote would go Libertine’s hazelnut crusted smoked pork belly.

Definitely not a night for vegetarians. Do they know what they are missing out?



The BizBash Hors d' Oeuvres House at Skyline Studio



















The New York Wine and Food Festival kicked off yesterday with the first opening event held at Skyline studio presented by BizBash. In a large, but with minimalistic decoration space, unpretentious lighting and awesome views from the rooftop, guests experienced the latest trends in canapés and cocktails. Canapés were placed in food stations rather than offered in passing trays, a different experience in cocktail parties.

Sonnier and Castle impressed not only me but also numbers of foodies with their amazingly tasty Hamachi tartare with avocado puree, blood orange, and sesame on crispy flat bread. Their
seared beef sirloin with Danish blue cheese, walnut, watercress, and apple was less exciting but equally notable and well made. I noticed lines in front of Taste. Their Parmesan crisp with prosciutto, mascarpone and sage was striking and in good portion; on the other hand, the braised short rib soft taco with Manchego and tomato relish tied with a chive was the cutest canapé of the night and nicely tasty. Diane Gordon presented its minuscule risotto canapé: it was truffled wild mushroom, pumpkin, Parmesan and sage.

The oddest and unexpected came from Thomas Preti: the chilled Hudson Valley apple soup with the Calvados granite together with the foie gras French toast. I found it "interesting" but it seemed to me that most people had only one plate and then passed.

The cocktails were less inspiring although innovative in paper at least. I am not objective because I tried only one – the pear elderflower cocktail with vodka, pear nectar and elderflower syrup. It was rather sweet for my taste so I quickly changed to champagne, one of my favorites. Guests could try the Spiced apple daiquiri, the Pam Zen or the Daylight Line.

A good start for the Festival with great food, amazing presentation and simple but imposing spaces. Will this be the trend in parties for the year to come?


















Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Wine, beer and Jazz at Whole Foods UWS


New 59,000 square-foot Upper West Side Whole Foods Market (at 808 Columbus Ave. and 97th St.) features a stand-alone wine shop and free jazz and beer every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. Join for an evening highlighting the heritage of the neighborhood and the corner we share. The Harlem Historical Society introduces the evening with stories from Mikell's Jazz Club that was the former resident of 97th Street and Columbus Avenue. Whole Foods hosts a local food fair to coincide with the Sugar Hill Beer Tasting. The legend behind this brew is that during Prohibition a special beer was being made Uptown. This secret brew could be found in Speakeasies and was the brew of choice for the many great musicians and artists. Come out and enjoy great music, local food, and the heritage of the neighborhood.



Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Visit the illy Push Button House


In an era of growing consciousness about the environment, Italian coffee company illycaffè is ready to awaken New Yorkers to the beauty of the eco-friendly “Push Button House.” With the push of a button, a seemingly standard industry shipping container transforms into a five-room home. Created from recycled and recyclable materials, the modern marvel – to be located in the convenient Meatpacking District – will offer the ideal spot for Festival goers to meet up with friends to sample the world’s finest coffee and sweet treats, take a guided tour of the house with its architect, Adam Kalkin and Andrea Illy, or simply relax.


The illy Push Button House will be open during the New York City Food and Wine Festival, starting this Friday 10.9 from 6pm to 11pm. It will remain open during the weekend for the whole day.


Saturday, October 03, 2009

The Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party


Join us on Wednesday October 7, 2009 for the Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party at Phyto Universe in NYC. Located at 715 Lexington Avenue and 58th Street, this fashionable address is home to Phyto hair care salon, Lierac Paris skin care and Caron Paris fragrance. The décor sets the stage for a unique, zen beauty oasis – a back wall of greenery, semi-private treatment rooms blocked off with antique-wood French château doors and natural stone flooring.
Bringing in our bag-a-licious twist, BagTrends.com will inject bagista love into this sanctuary to create a serene shopping paradise with a well-edited selection of contemporary handbag designers, spotlight jewelry designers and in the bag essentials.
As always, the Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party features an indulgent spa experience. This season Lierac skincare will offer complimentary mini-facials & hand massages to the lucky bagistas.

Complimentary VOGA cocktails will be served.
Upon departing the Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party guests will receive our signature BagTreats Goodie Bag loaded will Fall ‘09 must-have in the bag essentials, plus discounts to many of your favorite shops.

WHAT: BagTrends Fall 2009 Arm Candy Party
WHEN: Wednesday, October 7th
WHERE: Phyto Universe, 715 Lexington Ave. @ 58th Street, NYC
TIME: 6 - 9 PM
RSVP: armcandyparty@bagtrends.com

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Soho and Tribeca Design Walk


ASID NY metro chapter cordially invites you to attend the SOHO/Tribeca Design Walk.


New York’s favorite showrooms will be offering exclusive events October 2-3, 2009. Event hours will be 12pm to 6pm each day. This year’s event supports a very important member of our community; A.C.E. - the Association of Community Employment programs for the homeless. Each showroom has donated items that will be awarded through a silent auction at the closing event on Saturday evening (6pm-9pm). Come join your industry professionals to learn about new trends and products, great networking, food and fun.



Make sure you stop by the following showrooms for events, lectures, parties and an ongoing silent auction over the course of the two-day event.



OCTOBER 2, FRIDAY


12–2PM Baker Furniture* “History of Luxury”


2–5PM Urban Archaeology Behind the Scenes Workshop Tour every 30 min


4–6PM Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers Cocktail Reception, light Maine fare provided


5–7PM BoConcept Cocktail Reception


5–7PM Davis & Warshow Cocktail Reception


5–7PM Hästens Cocktail Reception



OCTOBER 3, SATURDAY


12–2PM TOTO Gallery* “Staying Current with Bath Space Trends” TOTO Washlet 101: Lunch N Learn with Mimosas


2–4PM California Closets Lunch event


3–6PM The Rug Company Lemonade and cupcakes


6–9PM Lefroy Brooks**Closing event and silent auction



*The first 200 guests receive a special edition design bag


**The first 100 guests receive a special gift RSVP@lefroybrooksusa.com


Party with ArtWeLove and THE DROP

Join ArtWeLove in supporting THE DROP: Urban Art Infill this Saturday by coming to the VIP opening of their 2012+ exhibition, an all-day festival of art, music, and performance devoted to investigating the relationship between creativity and the urban environment. Held under the High Line, the show will feature a diverse selection of emerging and established artists, from Yoko Ono to Paul D. Miller, Midori Harima, Seth Carnes, John Ahearn, Ali Hossaini, and Saya Woolfalk.

The exhibition is free, followed by a special benefit party for THE DROP with an open bar, food, a solar-powered DJ station, and an added show of work made during the day's live painting performances. Tickets for the benefit are normally $100, but ArtWeLove readers are eligible to attend for a discount fee of $50--and the first ArtWeLove reader to donate $51 or more will win a signed CD by celebrated composer and 2012+ artist Ryuichi Sakamoto!

To purchase tickets, donate $50 or more to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thedropnyc/the-drop-vip-party and be sure to send an RSVP email with the code ARTWELOVE VIP to vip@thedropnyc.org to receive your ticket. Half-price tickets are limited, and cannot be purchased after 11 p.m. Friday.

DATE: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 — Noon-9PM
TIME: Free exhibition open from noon to 9 p.m.;
VIP party from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
PLACE: Multiple sites at 25th Street between 10th and 11th Street and under the High Line