The name of this benefit--"Beer, Blues and BBQ"--left out one B: Butter. It seemed to find its way onto everything from the mashed potatoes to the cornbread. Dieting was clearly not a possibility. But guests, who paid $85 to attend the 14th annual benefit for the Urban Justice Center, an advocacy center for marginalized groups, didn't seem to care.
The BBQ fare, which also included ribs, chicken and collard greens, came from Virgil's Barbecue. The catering staff and hors d'oeuvres for a pre-party cocktail hour came from Marisa Scali Food.
For the first hour of the party, guests mingled through two spacious floors of Studio 450, including a large deck outside with fantastic views of the New York skyline and the Hudson River. As soon as musicians Ron Sunshine & Full Swing began playing the blues, guests lined up at the buffet tables.
Even though the party never got that crowded, the limited seating filled up and guests resorted to sitting on the floor of the deck outside, which emphasized the BBQ picnic theme. The young professionals occasionally left their conversations--mostly talk about Sex and the City, their personal trainers and their plans for the 4th of July--for beer tastings provided by Typhoon Brewery and Commonwealth Brewing Company. Guests also gathered on the main floor to hear the results of the silent auction of prizes, which included a script from the pilot of The Sopranos signed by the cast.
--Bryan Herb
The BBQ fare, which also included ribs, chicken and collard greens, came from Virgil's Barbecue. The catering staff and hors d'oeuvres for a pre-party cocktail hour came from Marisa Scali Food.
For the first hour of the party, guests mingled through two spacious floors of Studio 450, including a large deck outside with fantastic views of the New York skyline and the Hudson River. As soon as musicians Ron Sunshine & Full Swing began playing the blues, guests lined up at the buffet tables.
Even though the party never got that crowded, the limited seating filled up and guests resorted to sitting on the floor of the deck outside, which emphasized the BBQ picnic theme. The young professionals occasionally left their conversations--mostly talk about Sex and the City, their personal trainers and their plans for the 4th of July--for beer tastings provided by Typhoon Brewery and Commonwealth Brewing Company. Guests also gathered on the main floor to hear the results of the silent auction of prizes, which included a script from the pilot of The Sopranos signed by the cast.
--Bryan Herb
Partygoers went after barbeque fare from Virgil's Real BBQ.
Guests sitting in circles on the deck at Studio 450 were a common sight as seating filled up.
Guests tried several different beers from Commonwealth Brewing Company and Typhoon Brewery.
Guests enjoyed beautiful views of the New York skyline on the upper floor of the party at Studio 450.
