Thursday, March 23, 2000

Women, Wine and A Cause




Wine Brats (www.winebrats.org) may have been started by three talented men, but it was the women who were in charge at the WineRave New York on March 23 at the Limelight. As a benefit for Gen Art, a non-profit that brings visibility and young artists, designers and filmmakers accessibility to young Wall Street types (and others), the evening was fully packed with hot, young bodies downing and spitting wine all night long. Over 24 wineries showcased their product and the James Beard Foundation organized some of the city's top restaurants including Icon (W Hotel), Layla and sushi from Mark Fahrer catering.


Of course, like all events geared toward the young hipster set, the gourmet food was devoured in a matter of moments and pizzas were being ordered and delivered all night long. You know it's bad when one of the chefs from Layla is openly filling up on a greasy, cheesy slice! This, paired with several boxes of pizza's dropped off on the stage during the painting performance, created quite a scandal.

There was a silent auction that included many specially designed shirts from new designer Custo Dalmau of Custo Barcelona. The highlighted item was William Quigley painting on stage on a canvas and on fashions worn by models. Our friends at Foodline were also on hand, sponsoring the branded wine glasses and educating bubbly guests on what to make dinner--reservations.


And with all this, why not throw a film short in too?! "Things to remember about Daumier" by Matthew Konicek entertained the over-crowed former Church. The evening's entertainment was capped by an outstanding live performance by Oceania. This Maori-culture-New Zealand band got everyone in a dancing trance as they fluttered their fingers, stamped out the beat barefoot and gyrated in their reed-grass skirts (for the men) and suede and feathered tops (for the women). If you like sonic ethnic chant dance beat music -- this musical group is for you!