After some image problems over the past couple weeks I needed to take a new approach to making journalism happen. I needed to get my name out of the newspapers and my mind back on my book. So I cleaned up, looked up into the mirror and what was the first definition to pop in my mouth? My reflection said, "Freeman..." and then it happened to me: Free... man... charity! I needed to help mankind with free publicity for a good cause to remember what I'm all about, giving and receiving food and words. So I made myself recognizable to restaurateur Jimmy Carbone, co-chair of the 15th annual Taste of Tribeca until he fed me some answers about this year's festivities.
Besides being one of the co-chairs of the Taste of Tribeca you own two restaurants. You probably get this all the time but do you think being named after two foods, jimmies and pasta carbonara, that working with food was inevitable?
I don't know, I wasn't prepared for questions! But since you bring it up, the Taste of Tribeca benefits the children at PS 150 and PS 234. What purpose do these performance spaces serve? Are they only for children?
Both PS 150 and PS 234 are elementary public schools, grades K-5. The Taste of Tribeca raises money that provides art, music, and enrichment programs for the students. Did you see the movie Mad Hot Ballroom?We fund ballrom dance, instrumental lessons, puppetry, storytelling, as well as comprehensive music and art programs for many students.
That ballroom sounds wild! I haven't been in one since a birthday party at McDonald's in grade school but it didn't have any of that other stuff. So these children are in 4th and 5th grade at Public Schools 150 and 234 and your restaurants are Jimmy's No. 43 and 1 Dominick. That covers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... What role does numerology play in the projects you get involved with? Did you have a bad experience with a 6-9?
I wasn't around for years 6-9 of Taste of Tribeca. I believe David Waltuck of Chanterelle, and the Nieporents at Tribeca Grill/Nobu/Centrico were around then! This is the 15th annual Taste of Tribeca. I can assure you that years 10-14 were memorable. We also pray for good weather! And of course our event this year will be held on 5-16-09 from 11:30am to 3pm. Lots of numbers - we will have 65 not "69" restaurants.
It must be because seven ate nine! So for people attending the Taste for the first time this year, can you tell them what Tribeca tastes like? Does it have anything to do with all those water towers? How do you harvest it? And is there enough for everyone?
The best way to experience Taste of Tribeca is to arrive early, with a pre-paid ticket. You get 6 tastes for $40 (prepaid through our website or $45 that day.) You could sample a dish each from Tribeca Grill, Chanterelle, Bouley, Bubby's, Bar Artisanal, The Harrison and more! Our pitch this year is "Eat Tribeca!" so you asked the right question!
Thanks! But I always thought Tribeca tasted best back in the 90s when Edward's was still Bodega. I was home from college that summer and every morning I'd stalk JFK Jr. up and down West Broadway not so secretly wishing he'd marry me. I'll never forget how once over breakfast there he just stared at me incredulously and it made my meal taste so much better. Has that ever happened to you? When do you think Tribeca tasted best?
Rumor has it that in the 90s JFK Jr. and Robert De Niro would hang out together at the Taste of Tribeca, each May. They'd bounce from the Odeon for burgers, to Walker's for a pint, and then to Nobu for a little sushi... This year i expect to see Mr. De Niro, Jon Stewart, and celebrity chef Amanda Freitag from The Harrison enjoying many restaurants at the Taste of Tribeca, NYC's premier culinary event!
Thanks for that taste of your memories. I know Tribeca stands for the triumph below Canal for a reason and I'm sure this year's Taste of Tribeca will be another huge success!
The 15th annual Taste of Tribeca is 1130am - 3pm on Saturday, May 16th, 2009. Tickets are $40 for six tastes. My recommendation, try this year's six newest inclusions: Bar Artisanal, Grandaisy Bakery, Jerry's Cafe, Macao Trading Co., Marc Forgione and Secession. For more details, click on the image above to inflate it.
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