rumble at the rock

A friendly gastronomic battle between East and West coast chefs on Monday, June 10th, 2013 raised over $820,000 for Citymeals, enough to provide 127,725 meals for homebound elderly New Yorkers. Rumble at the Rock, Citymeals’ 28th Annual Chefs’ Tribute was a showdown between culinary masters from New York and California. With over 1,000 business leaders, gourmet enthusiasts, food industry trendsetters, socialites, young professionals and restaurateurs gathered in Rockefeller Center, the music and dancing were lively and the cuisine spectacular.

Citymeals Executive Director Beth Shapiro commented, “This year’s Chefs’ Tribute was extraordinary. Citymeals was honored to host a group of remarkably talented chefs who fought for bragging rights in support of our city’s frail aged. I am humbled by the generosity of our guests, chefs and sponsors.”

Chefs representing New York, included: Jarett Appell (Stella 34 Trattoria), Jonathan Benno and Richard Capizzi (Lincoln Ristorante), Matteo Bergamini (SD26 Restaurant & WineBar), Daniel Boulud and Jean-François Bruel (DANIEL), Antonio Prontelli and Juan Branez (Rock Center Café/ Cucina & Co.), Franck Deletrain (Brasserie 8 1/2), Chris DeLuna (La Fonda del Sol), Marc Forgione (Marc Forgione/American Cut), Yuhi Fujinaga and Michael Gabriel (The Sea Grill), Craig Koketsu (Quality Italian), Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu), Jeremy McMillan (Farmhouse at Bedford Post), Charlie Palmer, Pierre Poulin and Adam Bordonaro (Charlie Palmer Group/Aureole/Astra), Alfred Portale (Gotham Bar and Grill), Lauren Resler and Alex Stupak, (Empellón), Bill Telepan (Telepan), Christina Tosi (Momofuku Milk Bar), Silvana Vivoli (Vivoli Il Gelato), and Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Jean-Georges).

Participating California chefs were: Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski (State Bird Provisions), Scott Conant (Scarpetta Beverly Hills), Celestino Drago (Drago Centro), Jason Fox (Commonwealth), Casey Lane (The Tasting Kitchen/The Parish), Thomas McNaughton (central kitchen), Michael Mina (MICHAEL MINA), Dahlia Narvaez and Nancy Silverton (Mozza), Melissa Perello (Frances), Sarah and Evan Rich (Rich Table), Joachim Splichal (Patina Restaurant, etc.), Michael Tusk (Quince Restaurant/COTOGNA), Michael Voltaggio (ink./ink.sack), and Sang Yoon (Father's Office/Lukshon/Helms Bakery).

With the help of Beverage Chairs Audrey Saunders (Owner, The Pegu Club) and Daniel Johnnes (Wine Director, The Dinex Group), the event also featured signature cocktails from top spirit sponsors and stellar wines from notable wineries. Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, was the evening’s Grand Host. The event was chaired by Ninah and Michael Lynne, Laura and John Pomerantz, Randi and Dennis Riese, and Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch. 

Official sponsors of Citymeals-on-Wheels are American Airlines and FIJI Water.  Other sponsors included: Absolut Elyx, ARC, Bedell Cellars, Bernardaud, Cognac Pierre Ferrand, Duane Reade Charitable Foundation, Lexus, Luxury Worldwide Transportation, The M.O. & M.E. Hoffman Foundation, Pegu Club, Plymouth Gin, Riese Restaurants, Rockwell Group, Saks Fifth Avenue, Travelers, UNIMAC Graphics, and Zacapa Rum.

See photos from the event on Facebook.