The Flavor of Midtown: Grand Gourmet Celebrates Neighborhood Revival
"This neighborhood is coming back"
On February 27, nearly 1,000 people filled Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate the Grand Central Partnership, raise money for the homeless, and savor delectable cuisine from some of Midtown’s best restaurants. The event, "Grand Gourmet – The Flavor of Midtown," marked the 20th anniversary of the partnership’s annual tradition, which has been promoting the neighborhood’s food and beverage industry since 2000.
Origins of "Grand Gourmet"
The partnership’s president and CEO, Fred Cerullo, began branding the neighborhood in 1999, focusing on its food and beverage industry to redefine the 9-to-5 neighborhood as a 24/7 community. The partnership launched "Grand Gourmet: the Flavor of Midtown" in 2000, which has since grown to become a highly anticipated event, selling out every year.
Neighborhood Revival
The event celebrated the neighborhood’s ongoing comeback, with office workers returning to Midtown, giving the community a spark not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. "This neighborhood is coming back. We’ve seen it come back in a big way," said chef Nick Testa of Albert’s Bar. "As far as happy hour crowd, people coming back to the offices, enjoying Midtown the way it should be enjoyed."
Restaurant Highlights
Thirty-five restaurants and bars participated in the gala event, filling the high-ceilinged, high-end Cipriani 42nd Street with food, drink, and plenty of networking in a taster’s paradise. Some of the delectable cuisine served included octopus salad, ahi tuna poke, and small pieces of New York strip steak with Béarnaise sauce.
Philanthropic Efforts
The Grand Central Partnership raised money from sponsors to defray costs and is donating its net proceeds to the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corp., or Mainchance, which provides necessities and services to the homeless in Midtown East. "This has not only a business branding promotion focus," Cerullo said. "It also is philanthropic with its social service component."
Conclusion
The "Grand Gourmet" event is a testament to the power of community building and the impact of local businesses on the neighborhood’s revival. As Cerullo noted, "This neighborhood is coming back, and events like this help to promote it and give back to those in need."
FAQs
Q: What is the Grand Central Partnership?
A: The Grand Central Partnership runs the Grand Central Business Improvement District, one of 75 BIDs citywide.
Q: What is "Grand Gourmet – The Flavor of Midtown"?
A: It is an annual event celebrating the neighborhood’s food and beverage industry, promoting local businesses, and raising money for the homeless.
Q: How many restaurants participated in the event?
A: Thirty-five restaurants and bars participated in the gala event.
Q: What is the purpose of the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corp. (Mainchance)?
A: Mainchance provides necessities and services to the homeless in Midtown East.
