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Restaurants

New York - October 6, 2018

Emily + Shake Shack

If there were a Noah's Ark-type apocalypse and we could only pick two NYC burgers to survive, Emily's (big, drippy, over the top) and Shake Shack's (simple, classic) would be getting on that boat. These two icons will be teaming up for a very special one-day-only collaboration burger and you will not want to miss it.

Jon & Vinny’s

If you're the kind of person who plans trips around food, you've probably been thinking about a trip to LA. And you've quite possibly heard about an amazing Italian restaurant called Jon & Vinny's that you need to go to on said trip. For one day only, Jon & Vinny's will be in NYC, at EEEEEATSCON, making their signature spicy fusilli with vodka sauce.

Rubirosa

Like fresh sheets on your bed and the "Let's Hear It For The Boy" montage in Footloose, Rubirosa's thin and crispy pizza crust is pretty damn near perfect. It's also topped with vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella, which makes it actually perfect.

L'Artusi

If anyone finds better pasta in New York City, please let us know. An Infatuation team favorite through and through, we couldn't be more excited about the fact that our #1 date night restaurant is coming out to Forest Hills.

Casa Enrique

Based in Long Island City, Casa Enrique is NYC's best Mexican restaurant. Expect perfectly-executed renditions of the classics.

Miznon

Originally from Tel Aviv, Miznon is now known all over the world for its fresh veggie and meat-stuffed pitas. They'll change the way you think about pita sandwiches.

Dumpling Galaxy

This Flushing, Queens dumpling restaurant makes somewhere in the realm of 100 kinds of dumplings. At EEEEEATSCON, you won't have to make too many decisions though, as they'll have their absolute MVPs on offer, including their famous lamb and squash dumplings as well as vegetarian options.

Roberta’s Pizza

In a city with an exorbitant number of beloved pizza places, Roberta's is one of the greats. And much like Rihanna's "Disturbia" or the first season of Breaking Bad, it's just as good as it was 10 years ago when it opened. If you've had Roberta's before, you know. If you haven't, the time is finally here.

Tacoway Beach

On the other end of Queens, this Rockaway Beach hangout makes the city's best fish tacos. They're perfectly battered and fried, then topped simply with guacamole, cabbage, and lime.

Ample Hills Creamery

Salted Crack Caramel. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Nonna D's Oatmeal Lace. Brooklyn's finest ice cream empire will be at EEEEEATSCON, serving their top-notch flavor combinations.

Her Name is Han

The first time we went to this Korean restaurant on 30th Street, we immediately wanted to tell everyone we knew about it. A few years and many visits later, nothing about that has changed.

The Bombay Bread Bar

A recent opening, The Bombay Bread Bar brings interesting twists on Indian food to Soho, and now also to EEEEEATSCON. They'll have their excellent bhelpuri as well as an off-menu chicken frankie wrap.

Tanoreen

Tanoreen has been serving incredible Middle Eastern food in Bay Ridge for 20 years. If you've never made the trip, EEEEEATSCON is your chance.

Houseman

Houseman is the ultimate neighborhood restaurant, but unless you live in West Soho, it's not in your neighborhood. No need to buy a Soho penthouse, because at EEEEEATSCON, it'll be within walking distance at all times. The kitchen here does highly seasonal, constantly-changing food, as well as one of our favorite NYC burgers.

Maketto

One of our top-rated Washington DC restaurants, Maketto is a hybrid clothing store and restaurant. You can't eat the clothes, but you can and should eat their excellent Cambodian and Taiwanese-influenced food. We're excited that they're making the trip north for EEEEEATSCON, and you should be too.

OddFellows Ice Cream Co.

This NYC ice cream favorite will be bringing its soft serve to EEEEEATSCON, and one of the flavors will be made in special collaboration with Baileys Irish Cream.

BK Jani

"After you eat here, you’ll stare out your bedroom window and wait for a shooting star, just so you can wish for more of this food." That's what the recent Infatuation review of this Pakistani street food restaurant says, and we believe you'll feel similarly. Get excited for their incredible Jani Burger, which comes with spicy chutney.

Crave Fishbar

One of our favorite seafood spots in Manhattan, Crave Fishbar will be your go-to for oysters and tuna poke.

Saltie Girl

Saltie Girl is one of our favorite restaurants in Boston, and they'll be making their NYC debut in Forest Hills. Their lobster roll and crab toast will make you upset you don't live in New England.

The Riddler

Funded by 33 female investors, and led by an all-female management team, The Riddler is a very cool San Francisco bar specializing in champagne and sparkling wine. In partnership with OpenTable, The Riddler will be popping up a special ticketed wine and food experience at EEEEEATSCON - stay tuned for details on how to get in.

Hoodoo Brown BBQ

Located in Ridgefield, CT, Hoodoo Brown BBQ is a small-town BBQ joint that may cause you to consider looking up house prices in Ridgefield, CT.

Walter’s Hot Dogs

New York City hot dogs are famous. But what you really need to try is a Westchester hot dog - specifically the legendary ones from Walter's in Mamaroneck, just north of the city. The dogs are split down the middle, grilled in a secret sauce, and topped only with a relish-spiked mustard. They've been serving them this way for 99 years.

King David Tacos

New York doesn't have any good breakfast tacos, except for the ones from this food cart. You'll almost forget you're not in Austin.

Broad Street Dough Co.

One of the country's most creative doughnut shops, this Jersey Shore spot's doughnuts don't just look good - they taste great too. The Infatuation's New Jersey natives back Broad Street in a big way.

Dulcinea

Much like a disco ball or an excellent playlist, churros are scientifically proven to improve all parties. Which is why we're having Dulcinea serve churros at EEEEEATSCON.

Jhal NYC + Kolkata Chai Co.

Jhal is a social entrepreneurship venture built to empower Bengali women in New York through food, and they're teaming up with Kolkata Chai Co. for EEEEEATSCON. You can look forward to their version of fuchka, crispy semolina shells stuffed with yellow peas and topped with herbs, chili, and tamarind sauce.

Mahmoud’s Corner

Usually parked in Astoria, Mahmoud's is one of NYC's best and longest-standing food carts (they've been around since 1983). They'll be on site serving their excellent Egyptian platters.

Nur Thai

Located in Rego Park, just a few minutes from Forest Hills Stadium, Nur is a popular halal Thai restaurant operated by Bengali owners. They will be making their beef satay and pad thai.

Musicians

New York - October 6, 2018

Batalá New York

Batalá New York is an all-female percussion-based band that's part of Batalá Mundo, a global arts project of over 35 bands around the world. With a common repertoire of music, costumes, and choreography, all originating in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. Batalá shares Afro-Brazilian culture through their visually stimulating and high-energy samba-reggae drumming.

MICK

MICK is a Brooklyn-based DJ, tech investor, music curator, and brand consultant. MICK’s musical credits include remix projects with Grammy nominated Leon Bridges and cultural icon Adele.

DJ Niks

Singer, Songwriter, DJ Nikki Kynard, a.k.a. Niks began her music career performing on tour with Lil Wayne. She has since curated sound at events, experiences, and festivals, and will be doing just that at EEEEEATSCON. You can definitely expect Niks to get out from behind the DJ booth to dance with the crowd.

High & Mighty Brass Band

With band members from New Orleans, NYC, and a host of other cities across the globe, the High & Mighty Brass Band has the unique ability to combine classic New Orleans Funk and R&B with more modern Afro-Beat and hip-hop influences. They’ve collaborated with musical trailblazers from Galactic to DJ Logic, and legends such as Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band, and Trombone Shorty have chosen them to share the stage.

Speakers

New York - October 6, 2018

Adam Rippon
If you watched the 2018 Olympics, you know Adam Rippon. Really, if you turned on a TV or used the internet in 2018, you probably know this Bronze medal-winning figure skater. The first openly gay athlete to represent the United States in Olympic competition, Adam has received several awards for his work as an LGBTQ rights advocate, and was named to the TIME 100 List of Most Influential People. He also loves food and restaurants, and we're excited to discuss those things with him.
Tim & Nina Zagat
Nina and Tim Zagat founded Zagat Survey in 1979 as a hobby while practicing law. They began collecting restaurant ratings and reviews from their friends, and pioneered a new kind of guide — one that was crowdsourced and represented the opinions of many people. In the following decades they built the Zagat Survey into a globally-recognized and respected brand, publishing guides to dining and other lifestyle resources in ninety cities around the world, from New York to Tokyo. In 2018 Zagat was acquired by The Infatuation. Nina and Tim, who met at Yale Law School, have two sons and three grandchildren.
Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo
Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are the owners of Animal, Son of a Gun, Trois Mec, Petit Trois, Jon & Vinny’s, Trois Familia, and Kismet, which are some of the best, most popular restaurants in Los Angeles. Their partnership began over a decade ago when they met in culinary school in Florida, opening their first restaurant in 2008. Jon and Vinny have won pretty much every culinary award out there, including a James Beard Award. Their restaurant Jon & Vinny's will be popping up at EEEEEATSCON.
Manal Kahi
Manal Kahi is the co-founder and CEO of Eat Offbeat, a social enterprise that delivers meals made by refugee chefs in New York City. Eat Offbeat was founded in 2013, and works with chefs from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guinea, Eritrea, and more.
Pat Corcoran
Just off the heels of being ranked on Billboard’s Power 100 List and as Top Manager of 2017, Pat Corcoran has made his name synonymous in the music industry with his style of grassroots music promotion. Most notably, his work with Chance the Rapper and the co-founding of Haight Brand has landed him on Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Billboard’s 40 Under 40 lists. Pat is also a partner of No Fine Print Wine and will speaking about it at EEEEEATSCON.
Tim Smith
With deep roots in the artist management sector, Tim, a partner in No Fine Print Wine, had a hand in managing a large roster of multi-platinum global artists at The Firm in Beverly Hills during the early 2000’s. After stepping out on his own, Tim developed top talents including Skrillex (since his early days in the band From First To Last), Zedd, Boys Noize and BloodPop®. Tim’s clients have garnered 9 Grammys under his management and he has been recognized with a multitude of awards such as Billboard’s Top 30 EDM Power Players.
Ryan Arnold
Well-respected in the wine world, Ryan is the Wine Director of over 12 properties across the country for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. As a former supplier and distributor, Ryan uniquely understands all facets of the wine industry and used this experience in co-founding Squire Wine Co., a platform that introduced a curated group of Californian wines to Chicago. He has been featured in a range of publications such as USA Today, Bloomberg and was named “40 Under 40 Tastemaker” by Wine Enthusiast. Ryan parlays his passion for wine with his love of biking while participating in the annual Chefs Cycle to benefit No Kid Hungry.
Jen Pelka
Jen Pelka is the owner and founder of The Riddler, the all female-backed and operated champagne bar in San Francisco, which will be popping up at EEEEEATSCON. Jen is also the principal and founder of Magnum PR, the leading restaurant PR agency in San Francisco, managing PR for Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, and some of SF's biggest name restaurants. Previously, she worked for Daniel Boulud, OpenTable, Gilt Taste, and Tumblr.
Andre’ Hueston Mack
A sommelier who worked at The French Laundry and was also involved in opening Per Se, André Hueston Mack is the first African-American to be named Best Young Sommelier in America by Chaine des Rotisseurs. He also his own wine brand, Maison Noir, which annually produces 40,000 cases sold across 45 states and 11 countries. Andre designs all the labels for Maison Noir, and also authored and illustrated a culinary coloring book. He's now working on a wine-focused memoir.
Anik Khan
Anik Khan is a Queens, NY based rapper and singer who makes hip hop that likes to travel. Drawing from his immigrant roots and his inner city upbringing, Anik's sound is always authentic to his character. From touring nationally with Grammy-nominated artist Jidenna to performing at New York's MoMA PS1, Anik is a seasoned performer. He's been championed by various tastemakers and platforms including Billboard, Beats1, Ebro, Zane Lowe, and even Sir Elton John. Anik Khan's understanding of culture and human connection allows him to create experiences that exist outside the realm of music. He has used this to develop his own brand, as well as serve as a cultural consultant for some of the world's most notable companies. Under his creative agency, "The Foreign Affair," he has worked with companies such as Audi, Sprite, The Infatuation and Bira91. Anik will be joining us at EEEEEATSCON to share his journey of social impact through food and music.
Melinda Kearney & Michele Ouellet
Melinda Kearney and Michele Lorenza Ouellet are the mother-daughter team behind Lorenza Rosé, which they've been making in California since 2008. Melinda, who heads winemaking, sales, and marketing, is a wine industry veteran from Napa Valley. Michele is in charge of business development for Lorenza, and is also an in-demand model based in NYC.
Everard Findlay
Everard Findlay, a branding consultant, serves as a board member of GrowNYC, a position he was appointed by NYC's last two mayors. GrowNYC oversees initiatives like the Union Square Greenmarket, operates community and school gardens, runs educational programming related to food, and spearheads widespread efforts to bring fresh produce to more New Yorkers.
Grant Reynolds
Grant Reynolds is an acclaimed Advanced Sommelier and a partner in the Delicious Hospitality Group, which operates the NYC restaurants Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and Legacy Records. Additionally, Grant recently opened a wine retail shop, Parcelle, and is a partner in King Street Sommeliers wine consulting. Grant was named Wine & Spirits Magazine's Best New Sommelier in 2013, and was among Forbes’ 2017 class of 30 Under 30.
Helen Johannesen
Helen Johannesen is a partner at Jon & Vinny’s in Los Angeles, and the owner of Helen’s, the gem box retail wine shop in the back. She is the Beverage Director not only for Jon & Vinny’s, but for all associated restaurants in the group: Animal, Son of a Gun, Petit Trois, Trois Familia, Trois Mec, and Kismet. She also hosts wine classes and has a curated wine club, and was named Best New Sommelier by Food & Wine in 2016, as well as one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 this year.
Jordan Salcito
Jordan Salcito is the Founder of RAMONA and Bellus Wines, Director of Wine Special Projects for Momofuku, and a wine veteran with over a decade spent in the industry. She is a Master Sommelier Candidate, one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40, and a 2018 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional.
Lizzie Honan
Lizzie Honan serves as the VP of Growth Strategy & Development at Edible Schoolyard NYC, which operates gardens, kitchens, and food education programming at NYC public schools. She previously raised money for NYC's public parks, and has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising.
Deepti Sharma
A lifelong entrepreneur, Deepti is the CEO and Founder of FoodtoEat, a community-minded catering service. She started FoodtoEat in 2011 to connect immigrant and minority-owned food vendors to opportunities for growth - ultimately helping them strengthen their own business skills. She is also a Co-Founder of Bikky, a platform solving customer engagement for restaurants. Deepti has been honored as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.
Chris Stang
A co-founder of The Infatuation, Chris serves as CEO of The Infatuation and Zagat, and has been the architect of The Infatuation’s editorial voice, creative vision, and marketing strategy. Today his role still encompasses all of those things, but also includes pushing the company forward into new arenas, including the creation and launch of Text Rex and leading the company’s recent acquisition of Zagat. He's also the person who came up with the idea for EEEEEATSCON, so you can direct your compliments and complaints (mostly compliments, please) to him.
Andrew Steinthal
A co-founder of The Infatuation, Andrew Steinthal serves as the Chief Revenue Officer of The Infatuation and Zagat. He oversees the company's pioneering sales and partnerships operation, using his skillset as a former music business publicist to build deep, meaningful relationships with like-minded brands such as American Express, Anheuser Busch, Caviar, JetBlue, and many more. Andrew keeps The Infatuation in business, so that we can do things like throw massive food festivals with our favorite restaurants from around the country.