Ted Allen’s one lucky foodie. On Monday, March 10, the Clinton Hill resident and television personality — he refers to himself as “cable famous” — will have a chance to combine two of his great passions, food and philanthropy, when he hosts “Savor,” an evening of fun, fundraising and French fare being held to benefit the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).
Allen, best known for his food and wine expertise on television shows like “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Top Chef” and “Iron Chef,” will emcee the benefit for the non-profit GMHC, which works extensively to educate Brooklynites about HIV and AIDS.
“I feel like I’m not worthy,” Allen said. “I’ve done a lot of this kind of stuff in the last two years, and one of the nicest things about when you get a little bit of cable fame is that you can really help organizations that you believe in, and that’s a real thrill.”
The fundraiser, which will also honor activist Urvashi Vaid, will include a live and silent auction and a cocktail reception, but most appealing to Allen is the four-course French dinner, prepared by notable chefs from Manhattan restaurants like Aureole, Orsay and Mas (Farmhouse). Having lived in Clinton Hill for eight months, though, Allen knows that Manhattan doesn’t have the French food market cornered.
“One of the nice surprises about my neighborhood is the French population, which I had no idea about before,” said Allen, who frequents Chez Oskar in Fort Greene and raves about ABistro on Carlton Avenue. The neighborhood’s restaurants aren’t the only place for a gourmand to grab a snack, though.
“I’m over the moon about Green Grape Provisions. I bought groceries there two nights ago to make a Moroccan chicken dish,” said Allen, whose kitchen is about to be remodeled. “It’s not a cheap place but there’s no place anywhere around here; they don’t stock rack of lamb at the Associated. It fills a huge need for people who are into food.”
With the popularity of reality shows featuring cooking — like the ones Allen stars in — it’s no surprise that Brooklynites seem to be trying their hand at making their own gourmet meals instead of always going out to eat.
“There is so much growth and interest in food, wine, good coffee, chocolate and cheese,” said Allen, “it only makes sense that more people are taking an interest in it.”
Indeed, even those who attend the $1,000-a-ticket “Savor” event will be sent home with recipes from GMHC supporters including Liz Smith, Tim Gunn and Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori, to try out in their own kitchens. Of course, cooking at home is made exponentially easier when your kitchen isn’t the cramped, contortionist’s affair inside most New York apartments.
“Exploring the kitchen can be hard to do when you live here,” said Allen. “A couple of years ago, a friend of mine had an apartment in SoHo and had to borrow chairs from her neighbors if she wanted to have more people over for dinner. It’s hard to cook when you don’t have space or the right tools.”
French food, whether prepared at home or in a restaurant, is well tread in the borough — most neighborhoods have at least one serviceable place. It’s messier eats, like barbecue, that Allen thinks is the latest fad to hit Kings County.
“The big trend right now, that I’ve noticed, is all the great barbecue in Brooklyn,” Allen noted. “I’ve been to Smoke Joint and Little Piggy Market [in Fort Greene] and Fette Sau in Williamsburg. I love eating that way — it’s got great flavor.”
As far as things to come, however, Allen has more on his mind than just barbecue. While his home is still undergoing renovations — “[Clinton Hill has] this bohemian, literary, artsy vibe that you don’t find in Chelsea anymore. Living in a high-rise, staked up in little boxes, you don’t talk to people, and [Barry Rice and I] are into that corny, community vibe” — he’s awaiting the March 12 debut of the third season of “Top Chef” and will continue to appear on “Iron Chef” as well.
Additionally, Allen is working on pilots for two new shows, both having to do with food, but couldn’t reveal much more.
“I’m looking for another TV home,” he said. “Judging is a lot of fun, but I’m not hosting those shows.”
For now, his hosting energies are all focused on “Savor,” where some of his television cohorts will also be in attendance.
“I got a text the other day from the infamous Carson Kressley [also of ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ fame] telling me he’ll be in the audience, and will probably heckle me.”
But Allen is happy to take some ribbing for what he considers to be a good cause.
“And it’s cheaper, too,” he said. “When you host, you don’t have to donate.”
“Savor” will be held at 7 pm on March 10 at Skylight Studios (275 Hudson St. in Manhattan). Tickets are $1,000. For information, call (212) 367-1557 or visit www.gmhc.org.
