Eat, Drink and Be Hopeful

I'm the type of girl that finds it's hard to say no to an invitation especially one that raises money for a good cause. Last Tuesday, June 9th, I had the pleasure of being a VIP guest at Eat, Drink and be Hopeful, an event to raise money for cancer reseach that my very good family friends help organize every year. This year, the event was held at Design Within Reach, an interior design store, in Brooklyn Heights. Living room sets were replaced with tables displaying fine food from local restaurants and drinks were donated from many of the vineyards on Long Island. VIP status is nothing new for me, but, it was extra special this time because we got to drink all the bubbly we could handle!

It's hard to pick a favorite dish among the many that were presented. Henry's End, a longtime Brooklyn Heights establishment, delivered perfectly cooked black pepper crusted tuna. The medium pink center highlighted the delicate flavors of fish while the dijon vinagerette brought out the perfect amount of spice to keep you wanting more.

My other favorites were the Gumbo from Sidecar in Park Slope. After having recently travelled to New Orleans (I'll tell you about that soon) I learned some of the important components to a good gumbo, and the roux can make or brake it. Theirs was perfectly spicy and rich, it made me want to go back for seconds, and definitely put Sidecar on my list of must try places.

The other hit for me the Farm on Adderley. I've read and heard wonderful things about this restaurant in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. The chef excited my palate with tarts of perfectly cooked beef, it was hard not going back for seconds.

The evening wrapped with silent acutions and raffle drawings. Food and wine were the top give aways of the evening with me taking home a bottle of cava and an invite to a private tour and tasting of the Brooklyn Brewery. Once again, the event raised a ton of money for cancer research and I went home with a nice buzz and a full belly!