Mediterranean Mezze Brunch presented by Genova Premium Tuna debuts at the NYCWFF

The New York City Wine and Food Fest (NYCWFF) has been taking place in NYC for years. Every year, the festival gets larger with more events added over the span of several days. This past weekend, the NYCWFF celebrated its 17th year over the course of four days, October 17-20. More than 500 chefs participated in 80 food events, many of which sold out. 

One of this year’s new events was the Mediterranean Mezze Brunch, which I had the pleasure of attending. This foodie affair took place in lower Manhattan at the Hall des Lumières. This immersive digital art space features image projections on the ceiling, walls and floor. With a variety of Mediterranean fare, plenty to drink, a live band performing rhythmic tunes and sold out tickets, I think this was a successful event.

Michael Symon was the headlining chef host of the Mediterranean Mezze Brunch. However, aside from a short welcome greeting for the attending audience, he did not have a presence at this event. I did not see him on the main floor amidst the crowds, nor did he have a cooking station, which was fairly disappointing.

Although Chef Symon didn’t personally prepare a dish, there were several chefs from NYC Mediterranean restaurants sharing their culinary delights. The ten chefs included Antelmo Ambrosio (Mezze on the River), Samaya Boueri Ziade (Sawa), Joey Campanaro (Little Owl), Allen Dabagh (Boutros), Maayan Glass (12 Chairs Cafe), Amitzur Mor (Barbounia), Nicholas Poulmentis (Noema), German Rizzo (Plado Tasting Bar), Melanie Shurka (Kubeh) and Aneesa Waheed (Tara Kitchen). 

The Mediterranean Mezze Brunch was a delicious new addition to the NYCWFF!

The Mediterranean Mezze Brunch was presented by Genova Premium Tuna. Visitors were able to sample their Yellowfin Tuna in their “Taste of the Mediterranean” bite. Grilled naan was topped with their Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, spinach, plum tomato, feta dust and chopped oregano. After sampling this tasty bite, guests were given a small gift bag with a sample of the tuna to enjoy at home.

Some of my favorite dishes were the Grilled Lamb Kebab with Israeli Salad, Hummus and Pita from Chef Ambrosio and the Octopus and Black Eyed Pea Salad from Chef Nicholas Poulmentis.

Chef Melanie Shurka’s Sabich with a Twist was delicious! The dish had so many components that she painstakingly crafted for her tasty offering. She was also making beef-free versions upon request. Finally, Chef Samava Boueri Ziade’s Eggs & Awarma was also a hit. This dish consisted of eggs and preserved lamb with a tomato salad served on a crunchy pita chip. The combo of flavors and textures was divine. Chef Joey Campanaro was the only chef who prepared a dessert. His French Toast Tart with Bourbon Maple Brown Butter Frosting was delicious. He mentioned that he serves a variation of this dessert at his restaurant Little Owl.

There were also several alcohol and beverage tables including Modela, Hampton Water, Truman Vodka and Stemmari Wines. For those looking for something non-alcoholic, Rambler Sparkling Water and San Pellegrino Zero were available. 

The Mediterranean Mezze Brunch was packed! The food stations lined the perimeter of the room with the center filled with sofas and tall, circular cocktail tables. Almost every station had a line. The chefs, with the assistance of their teams, did not skimp on the quality of their dishes, even when it got crowded. 

This event was a great introduction to many new-to-me Mediterranean restaurants in the city that I now want to visit!