Round-up: subterranean cocktail preview ~ fundraising with Tom Colicchio

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending two fabulous events: my evening began with a "media mixer" at Polar Lounge (Gramercy Park's newest night life venue, located in the Marcel at Gramercy Hotel), operated by creative geniuses Matt Levine and Kelly Brady, of Brandsway Creative.

The second stop of the evening brought me to Gotham Hall for Tom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children," a benefit that raises vital funds for The Children of Bellevue (Hospital).   

Aside from a fabulous silent auction, there was an expansive wine and food tasting, compliments of some of NYC's best chefs and restaurants, including: Tabla and Floyd Cardoz, Porchetta and Sara Jenkins, Craft/Colicchio & Sons and Tom Colicchio, Hearth, Pearl Oyster Bar, and many more.  While I had seconds-and thirds-of nearly every restaurant station's food offerings, I must say that my favorites were: Porchetta's slow-cooked porchetta ragu, served atop a crispy, buttered toast point; Boqueria's lamb meatballs; and L'Artusi's lamb ragu "sliders."  I think it would be more than safe to say that lamb is the new beef, at least in the eyes of 3/4 of the evening's participating restaurants.

I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't star-struck at "Toast to the Children."  From Mr. Colicchio to Uma Thurman, I definitely got my Hollywood fix (*sigh*).

Below, please enjoy my melange of captioned snapshots from an unforgettable night on the town!

Polar Lounge, Marcel at Gramercy (hotel)

Polar Lounge at the Marcel at Gramercy Hotel: stairway to the subterranean loungePolar Lounge at the Marcel at Gramercy Hotel: cocktail menu. *Note: venue serves bar snacks from in-house restaurant, 'inoteca*Polar Lounge at the Marcel at Gramercy Hotel: one of many fabulous signature cocktails - note the ice cube!Polar Lounge at the Marcel at Gramercy Hotel: chic banquettes

Toast to the Children 2010

Tom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": event programTom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": Gotham Hall, the event's gorgeous venueTom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": the man himself, Mr. Tom ColicchioTom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": STAR. STRUCK. BY. UMA. THURMAN. OMG.Tom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": Graffiti's (restaurant) Mediterranean meatballTom Colicchio's annual "Toast to the Children" benefit, which raises vital funds for "The Children of Bellevue (Hospital)": Craft's (Mr. Colicchio's restaurant) Rocky-Mountain lamb