A Burger Battle in Astoria

Image by www.dishdujourmagazine.com

The first ever Burger Battle of the Boroughs is coming to Astoria. Seven top borough (and even Manhattan...shhhh) burger joints will duke it out on Tuesday, May 20th in Astoria World Manor for the coveted title of the Best Burger of the Boroughs. The event will attract major star quality, with celebrity judges such as:

Kelly Choi, Producer and Host of NYCTV's Eat Out NY

Arthur Schwartz, Author of Jewish Home Cooking

Josh Ozersky, Author of The Hamburger: A History and Co-Editor of NY Magazine's Food Blog, Grub Street

George Motz, Author of Hamburger America

Chef Terrance Brennan, Author of cookbook, Artisanal Cooking

Tony Tantillo, CBS2 HD Food Expert

Phoebe Damrosch, Author of Service Included: Front of the House Secrets Exposed

And....several stars of Bravo's series, Top Chef, including Dave Martin, Lee Anne Wong and Andrea Beaman.

You'll get to sample the best of the neighborhood's food and drink and root for your favorite burger stars. The competitors include:

Brgr of NYC

Resto of NYC

The Farm on Adderley of Brooklyn

67 Burger of Brooklyn

Harry's at Water Taxi Beach of Long Island City

Joe's Bestburger of Flushing

Coals of the Bronx

Who'll take the burger crown? Find out for yourself on May 20th at Astoria World Manor from 6-9p. Tickets are $55/person in advance. 718.777.7918

Free Celebrity Cookbook -- Really...it's Free!

Image by www.barillaus.com

Chris Daughtry, Debra Messing, Natalie Portman, Stanley Tucci, Marisa Tomei, Mario Batali and...David Tutera

What do these five celebrities, an esteemed chef and a renowned entertainment expert have in common?

...The Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook

Sponsored by Barilla, these seven amazing people have joined forces to create a cookbook for a great cause--America's Second Harvest, benefiting hunger relief. Barilla will donate $1 to America's Second Harvest for every person who downloads this cookbook here.

Today's the last day so move on it. Help others and get some great dining tips while you're at it.

In addition to recipes, the cookbook gives fun suggestions for decorating and setting the mood for a special occasion. Here's a tasting:

* Romantic Night - Chris Daughtry

* Celebratory Feast - Debra Messing

* Girlfriend' Gathering - Natalie Portman

* Family Dinner - Stanley Tucci

* Dinner Party - Marisa Tomei

* Babbo - Mario Batali

All dishes are courtesy of Mario Batali and decor advice comes from David Tutera.

Download your FREE copy here!