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On Monday, March 8, a high-profile crowd of taste makers, celebrated chefs, and philanthropists gathered at Gotham Hall to raise nearly half a million dollars for Gay Men’s Health Crisis’s annual gastronomic fundraiser, Savor. 

The evening featured a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a four course menu specially designed for the event by the world renowned star chefs of Food Network’s "Chopped": Scott Conant of Scarpetta and Faustina at The Cooper Square Hotel, Amanda Freitag of The Harrison, Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter, Marc Murphy of Landmarc, Aaron Sanchez of Paladar, Chris Santos of Stanton Social and Geoffrey Zakarian of The Lambs Club.

I was able to grab a few moments with Chef Guarnaschelli to talk about "Chopped", her restaurant Butter and her own show "Alex's Day Off"...

So how did you end up participating in this event?

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: I think it is a great cause with a great group of people behind it. We were just wrapping the last season of "Chopped" when Ted (Allen) approached us about doing it. I think it's great that we can take our little family from the show and do something like this. We're such a close group it makes sense that we're here together.

You have to recognize that Butter is still one of the best spots to catch celebrities kicking back. Ever have the temptation to go downstairs after work and join the fun?

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: None what so ever. I'm so tired after work it wouldn't be possible! I do think it's amazing what Scott (Sartiano) and Richie (Akiva) have done to keep the place relevant after all this time. We actually have a new place we're going to be opening soon in the old Nell's space on 14th Street. People are going to be able to see into the kitchen, which I'm a little bit nervous about!

How is it working with Bobby Flay on "Alex's Day Off"?

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: It's amazing, I couldn't have dreamed of a better person to work with. From day one he wanted to make sure that I was doing exactly what I wanted to do. He made sure I was working in the kitchen I wanted, with the tools I wanted, just being comfortable you know? 

Is he (Bobby) on set often?

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: Yes, he'll walk on and make sure everything is in working order. Sometimes if he doesn't agree with something he'll just give me that trademark Bobby Flay look.

What's that like?

(Alex does a perfect "I'm not impressed" Bobby Flay imitation.)

It's chilling how good that is.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: But that doesn't happen very often. Hopefully we get renewed for another season and I'll get to work with him some more. And maybe he'll invite me to his place for one of his famous dinner parties.

For more information on the new project see an interview Richie and Scott did with Haute Living Magazine here.

One of the highlights of the evening was Passing the Whisk, a fast-paced culinary spectacle, where each chef showed off their mastery of cooking. Starting with a basket of mystery ingredients, the chefs joined forces to create an extraordinarily delicious meal in what seemed like record-breaking time.

“I am honored to have the chance to work again on Savor, and even more so because all seven Chopped judges have been so enthusiastic to sign on. It is thrilling to join forces with my friends and colleagues to host such a glamorous evening, with exquisite food, in support of such an important cause,” said host of the Food Network hit, and of the féte, Ted Allen.

Although the food and company was delightful the focus of the evening was honoring Dr. Yvette Burton, Senior Global Business Development Executive for IBM, and philanthropist and theatrical producer, Ted Snowdon, for their generous support of GMHC and ongoing commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Sponsors for Savor included: Lawrence B. Benenson, Leslie Fay Pomerantz, EMD Serono, Anita Jaffe, Master Card, TD Bank, Ted Snowdon & Duffy Violante, Bloomberg, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Food Network, Tibotec Therapeutics, Toyota, UBS, Whole Foods Market, Cleary Gottilieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, PMD Promo, Metro Source, Next Magazine, Village Voice, Delta and Zagat Survey.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention, treatment and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. GMHC’s mission is to fight to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. For further information: www.gmhc.org.

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