
While Yum was into
Tyler Florence's kitchen essentials, I was more interested in the cocktail — or should I say mocktail, it was nonalcoholic he was pouring. The refreshing beverage was a mixture of cranberry juice, ice, and sparkling apple cider. This cool and delicious concoction is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

Yesterday, I dropped by a
Macy's Culinary Council event to see
Food Network star
Tyler Florence. He was kicking off the tour for his two latest books,
Stirring the Pot and
Dinner at My Place. He talked to a packed audience about his recent move to California, his upcoming plans in the television, wine, and restaurant industries.

At
Tyler Florence's demonstration at the
NYC Wine and Food Festival, Florence taught the crowd how to make the ultimate birthday dinner. It was the exact dinner he made for his wife on her birthday! The boyishly handsome chef has had a busy year.

Along with some of New York's top chefs, the stars of Food Network were busy partying hard this weekend at the
Food Network's NYC Wine and Food Festival. The Macy's Culinary Council party on Saturday night (which I attended — more details to come!) drew the largest crowd of celebrity chefs.
2357637
Gail Simmons mingled with friends, while
Bobby Flay danced with fans.