Macy's Party at NYC Wine and Food Fest

After the Duff Goldman-hosted dessert party SWEET (which I'll blog about later; I'm going in a roundabout order), I headed upstairs to the Macy's Culinary Council Star Party at The XChange.


But on the way to the elevator I saw Tyler Florence, who was getting mobbed by women (and some men) asking for pictures. He must have recognized me from our interview earlier this year, 'cause he actually stopped taking pictures to give me a hug! So crazy! Tyler is so nice to his fans.

The party was on the top floor of the building and right as I hopped on the elevator, Anne Burrell jumped in at the last minute. I think she mentioned something about waking up late that morning and barely making it to the CBS Early Show.

As we walked in, I told Anne how much I liked her show and was glad that it got picked up for more episodes. She thanked me for the "A+" review and even snapped a pic with me!

Food by some amazing chefs was being passed around, but I was too excited to eat (and pretty stuffed from all the desserts I had just eaten downstairs).

After briefly chatting with her downstairs, I got to talk (and dance and drink) with the one, the only, Susie Fogelson.






Giada De Laurentiis was there with her husband Todd. This was my first time speaking to Giada in person. She and Todd were both very nice and complimented me on the blog--Todd even brought up that "Birthday Idea for Giada" post. We talked about her new show and how the baby was doing (she was back home in L.A. with her family) and how it had been going back and forth.

I've seen her in person at a book signing before, but this was my first time up close. It's true, she is tiny! But very nice, people. I didn't get any "Princess Proscuitto" vibe at all. She certainly didn't have to talk to me for as long as she did; a million other folks were clamoring for her attention that night.

But the highlight of the night had to be dancing with some of the great people who work at Food Network (Carrie, Lisa, Lauren, Jannie and Susie) and help make events like these so much fun... and help a blogger out with content and pics all year long!

Even Iron Chef Bobby Flay got into the dancing spirit, although it looks like he lost a little interest halfway through. Watch for Bruce Seidel and Susie Fogelson, too.


P.S.- I didn't take this vid and can't be held responsible for bad dancing choices. ;-)

MSN has lots more pics from the event.

[Photos via WireImage]