Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown

New York Central at the Grand Hyatt New York: Chef Christian Ragano - Spring Pea Mousse with Braised Morels, Pickled Ramps, Foie Gras and Jamon Iberico

The past few weeks have included numerous food tasting events, including the Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown, held earlier this month on May 10th. Grand Central Partnership's (GCP) annual event held at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, benefits and recognizes the work of the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation, an independent, not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the homeless throughout Midtown.

Guests sampled delicious dishes, desserts and beverages from over 35 of Midtown Manhattan's finest restaurants. Here is my pick of the best from the Grand Gourmet.

The Wheeltapper Pub: Chef James Donahue - Potato Napoleon with Irish Smoked Salmon and Apple Smoke Chutney

Bobby Van's Steakhouse: Chef Nile Medford - Sliced Filet Mignon over Toast Points with Horseradish & Mustard Sauce

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant: Chef Sandy Ingber - Raw Bar with 2 Oysters, 1 East Coast and 1 West Coast

Ruby Foo's Times Square: Chef Darrell Raymond: Fluke Tartar with Fresh Wasabi, Shiso and Plum Sauce

La Fonda del Sol: Chef Christopher DeLuna - Oysters Escabeche with Olive Oil

Silverleaf Tavern at the 70 Park Avenue Hotel: Chef Massimo De Francesca - Duck Confit "Taquitos" with Avocado Mousse and Lime Creme Fraiche

The National: Chef Paul Corsentino - Grilled Octopus Salad with Cranberry Beans, Herb Vinaigrette and Fennel

Lexington Brass: Executive Chef Franklin Becker - Spring Bean Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette, Berkshire Prosciutto and Quail Eggs

Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C.: Chef Ted Pryor - Michael Jordan's Lobster Macaroni

Murray's Cheese Shop: Manager Will Whitlow - A Selection of Murray's Cave Aged Cheese

Ciao Bella: Chef Danilo Zecchin - Selection of Gelato & Sorbet

Li-Lac Chocolates: Chef Anwar Khoder - Hazelnut Truffle Squares and Marzipan Squares

Magnolia Bakery: Chef Bobbie Lloyd - Assorted Mini Classic Cupcakes, Banana Pudding and Peanut Butter Bars

American Girl Place NY Cafe: Cafe Manager Adam Czartoryski - Cookies and Assorted Sweet Treats for Two

Grand Gourmet Signature Cocktails by Bookmarks and The Campbell Apartment: Featuring Kansas Clean Distilled Spirit Whiskey and Cocktail Rum - Featured Drinks: Bookmark Martini, Grand Punch and The Campbell Fizz

- Kim Weling