The White Truffle Festival

If it makes a pig go crazy with desire, it can't be bad, right? Well, that was just part of my reasoning for attending the New York Grand "Tartufi Tasting" on Wednesday, November 6, 2002 at The Plaza hotel. Produced by ItalEspo/The White Truffle Festival, this event benefited the Windows of Hope organization. Starting off at Thor's Hammer Martini Bar, guests whet their appetite before heading into the center of the elegant room where white and red wines were being served by John Given wines, Fiume Wines, Palm Bay Imports and Paterno Imports.

Then I made my way around the room and sampled ten different truffle-inspired little dishes. By far the best were The Plaza's Foie Gras "Milk Shake" with Truffle Shaving and Braised Frog Legs with Chives, Veloutee with White Truffle. I was able to chat with executive producer/director of the festival, John Edward Smith, who explained how this 16-year old annual festival came about. It began with a marketing effort to become and promote a sister city in Italy from where the truffles originated. EventMe!'s Volker Detering showed me around the room and I met up with two women who had learned about the event through his specialized service. If you have a penchant for truffles, and enjoy enlightened conversation with similar foodies, check out the next one at: www.italmangia.com