The Emperor’s Banquet
served up a luscious and lavish TEN course feast. A
combination of the finest of Imperial China and the
delicious delectables of 21st Century
America were served.
The Emperor’s
Banquet is the amazing culmination of a
global competition of the finest Chefs of Chinese
Cuisine from around the world.
The Banquet is a
blending of Five Thousand Years of Chinese History
and culture, with the elegance and beauty of a New
York Gala. The most stunning Han Couture Fashion
show where the most beautiful Chinese models in 500
year old exquisite dresses wowed the crowd.
Violinist Corin
Lee transfixed his listeners with his
classical performance, earning a standing ovation
from the audience. And, to WOW the audience,
swordplay Maestro
Long Fei,
had a few fluttering hearts as the mighty sword
slashed through the air, but no-ones head was loped
off!
Over forty top
chefs, from numerous countries and parts of the
U.S., competed for two days in the heart of TIMES
SQUARE. The winning Chefs, in five distinctive
regional cuisines, prepared last night’s
extraordinary meal at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60.
A special
presentation during the evening was made to
Kerry Kennedy,
President of The RFK Center for Justice & Human
Rights. Their mission is to realize Robert Kennedy’s
Dream of a Peaceful and Just World by Advancing
Human Rights. Ms. Kennedy gave a riveting speech and
quoted the eloquence of her father.
Food Networks
celebrity host
Marc Summers served as a special guest
host. He discussed the importance of NTD’s mission
and shared with the crowd his extensive food
knowledge while listing the 10 salivating courses
they would be eating.
Celebrities, and a
long list of VIPs, added to the excitement and
glamour of the event.
Patrick Harvey
and Catherine
Saxton, co-chairs of the event,
Zhong Lee,
chairman of NTD,
Samuel Zhou,
VP of PR and Development,
Pia Maria
and Stephen
Norris,
Bob and
Paula Butler,
Dick
and Donna Soloway,
Ava Roosevelt,
Jane Holzer,
Tim Gannon
and Jamie Figg
attended the banquet.
Maribel Alvarez
led a glittering Palm Beach contingent headed by
Judy Grubman.
To salute and
celebrate NTD’s 10th anniversary, donors
and sponsors from around the globe contributed their
products and services. There was an Emperor’s Vodka
ice luge & Atlantico Rum served ice cold mojitos.
Villa Magnolia
was a highlight of the evening, sponsored by
Domodimonti Wines. Black River Caviar
provided more than a tasting-- they served 'generous
samples' of exquisite Ossetra Caviar. A tasteful
signature gift bag included spa products by Cornelia
and Dilmah Tea.
NTD was established
10 years ago and is a nonprofit, multi-language TV
network. The station serves more than 250 million
potential viewers in China and around the world.
With reporters in over 70 cities worldwide, NTD is a
pioneer in broadcasting uncensored news directly
into mainland China via satellite and the Internet.
NTD is a longtime proponent of the
human rights of journalists in their never ending
quest for “Freedom of the Press.” Dr. Samuel Zhou
spoke at length about how 9/11 affected the way
reporters presented news to the public. He discussed
how important it is to have a news station that can
deliver messages without any constraints.