Jason Gao 3/21/16 Jason Gao 3/21/16

Taste of Waldorf Astoria

For the second year in a row, five chef teams went head to head to create the next "iconic" dish. These dishes were tasted by guests and judged by an panel of esteemed judges, including Questlove, Susan Ungaro, David Posey, Adam Sachs, and Wylie Durfresne.

I quickly made my way through all five tables and found each and every one of them to be equally delicious. At first, I was envious of the judges for having the best job in the world, but after tasting the food, I did not want to be them. It would have been impossible for me to pick a favorite as they were all equally amazing.

This dish was prepared by Stefan Kauth, Executive chef from The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The shrimp were to die for; I am a huge fan of seafood and Cajun sauce, so I really loved this dish.

This dish was prepared by Sidney Schutte, Excutive chef from Restaurant Librije's Zusje Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, a two Michelin Stars restaurant. The dish looked sophisticated and tasted just as delectable.

This dish was prepared by Itzik Mizrachi Barak, Executive chef from King's Court and Palace Restaurant at Waldorf Jerusalem. It was mouthwatering; I especially enjoyed the garnish with pomegranate seeds.

This was prepared by Bernard Fiemeyer, Executive chef from Waldorf Astoria Orlando. As I professed a love off seafood in the dishes above, you know I loved this dish. The black cod and mussels melted in my mouth and the "Florida Truffles" were just the icing on the cake.

This dish was prepared by Benoit Chargy, Executive chef from Waldorf Astoria Beijing. As much as I love seafood, I love steak even more. This dish was crowned the "iconic dish" by the judges and I definitely agree. The minced Wagyu beef dipped in chinese chili peppers was honestly one of the best dishes I ever tasted.

This event was fine dining at its best. I am so glad I was part of it. I also got to met one of my favorite people on the planet- Questlove.

For more information about future tasting, or recipes to the dishes mentioned above please visit: Taste of Waldorf

Jason Gao 3/17/16 Jason Gao 3/17/16

"The Intern" NY Premiere

*Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures*

The Premiere took place at Ziegfried Theater with a steep price of $1,500 (luckily I was invited) and included an invitation to the after party at Tavern on the Green. Being a world premiere, all of the heavy hitter stars of came out to show support, Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway included.

There was free popcorn and sodas for everyone, but for $1,500 they should been serving caviar.

While walking around waiting for the screening to start, I noticed someone familiar from the corner of my eye As I got closer, I realized it was Regis Philbin. I had no idea he was 84 years old; he looked really good for that age. Regis was sagacious and very kind, even offering me some of his popcorn.

The stars finally arrived, even Mariah Carey showed up with her billionaire boyfriend.

After all the stars, arrived it was finally time for the screening. This was my first movie premiere so I did not know what to expect. I sat four rows (Yes, I counted...) in front of Robert De Niro. When everyone was seated in the movie theater, someone came out and introduced all the stars. They stood up while everyone cheered on. It was a surreal moment, to be watching a movie with some of the biggest movie stars on the planet.

After the movie, everyone including the stars went into lobby and greeted each other for such a wonderfully done movie.

This was definitely the funniest guy in the movie. You might recognize Zack from the substitute teacher skit from Key and Peele where he played A-a-ron.

Christina played assistant to Anne Hathaway and she was just adorable. I see big things in her future, and I am wishing her the best. I actually sent her this picture on Facebook, and she responded!

My Movie Review: I thought the movie was great, charming, and lots of fun. I really did not expect anything less from Robert and Anne. The pacing and comedic bits between the two of them were well developed for a lighthearted film such as this one. The whole time I was watching the movie, I could not help but think about The Devils Wear Prada. The movie was like a sequel to TDWP with Anne being the boss this time, and Robert changing her perspective on life. Although the movie was not Oscar worthy or anything, it is a fun weekend escape.

Jason Gao 3/17/16 Jason Gao 3/17/16

Out of this World Party

WIRED magazine threw a Star Wars themed party in order to celebrate their December "Star Wars" issue. I was pumped for this event because it took place in the Conde Nast office which is located in One World Trade Center. I had yet to visit the building, let alone attend a party there.

We were greeted with RJD2 spinning away on the set.

In celebration of the new issue, the whole 37th floor was transformed into a photography exhibition by WIRED chief photographer Dan Winters.

Jack and coke and free star wars socks. It was a great night.

Jason Gao 3/17/16 Jason Gao 3/17/16

Force 4 Fashion

In order to promote and celebrate Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney and Bloomingdale's joined forces to create Force 4 Fashion. Top fashion designers created many Star Wars inspired outfits to be auctioned off for charity.

The event appropriately took place in Skylight Modern, a space that is typically used for fashion shows and other such events. The entrance with its Star Wars decor was outstanding. We were greeted at the entrance with Champagne, which is always a nice way to start a party.

Force Awakens stars came out to support the event

They did not let the guests go hungry. I did not get a picture, but they also passed around Wagyu steak hor devours style, and having been my first time having wagyu, I gotta say it was delicious.

This is the true definition of squad goals. Overall, the fusion of the Star Wars film and fashion worked out really well. The combination of Star Wars, fashion, and charity is a strong one.

Jason Gao 3/16/16 Jason Gao 3/16/16

Black Tie & Black Jack

The BTBJ Gala was such a fun night that even James Bond would have been envious. Everything you expect from a grand event was made available to the guests. The night consisted of an open bar, hor d'oeurvres, buffet style dinner, open bar, an ample selection of desserts, casino games, silent auction, raffle prizes, photo booth, as well as music and dancing. All the proceeds from the casinos games and auctions were going to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Every guest was given $15 in chips to start out the evening on the casino games. Being a casual poker player myself, I naturally found myself at the Texas Hold'em table. After an hour of holding and folding them, I found myself down about $100 dollars, and that's when I quit them.

I walked around and checked out the auction, and I saw a beautiful young women with a tiara on her head. I walked up and realized it was Miss New York.

Jamie was such a sweet young lady; we chatted for a few minutes about her journey to become Miss New York. She told me a funny story about how she could not drink for a whole year because it would ruin the Miss NY image.

After endless desserts; came the icing on the cake, literally.

I am so glad I came to this event because it supported a cause that I truly believe in. Last year, someone very close to me in my family passed away from Leukemia. It was the first time I lost someone in my life and it was devastating. Charity events like this one really do save lives, so please do whatever you can to help fight blood cancer.

To go to next years gala or to donate please visit: http://events.lls.org/pages/nyc/btbj2016

Jason Gao 3/15/16 Jason Gao 3/15/16

La Chine VIP Grand Opening

The grand opening of La Chine took place in October 2015 at New York's famous Waldorf Astoria. Waldorf is hoping La Chine will eventually become the city's finest Chinese restaurant. The restaurant should be serving some of the most authentic Chinese food around town. In addition, La Chine offers a raw bar which provides amazing seafood selections including oysters, lobsters, and Tasmanian sea trout. The food is selected and carefully prepared David Garcelon, the Waldorf's culinary director, and executive chef Kong Khai Meng.

I started off by going to the bar and I got a drink appropriately named "Dream", because it was one of the best Sake mixed drinks I have had in a long time. I had around 5 of them by the end of the night. The bartender recognized me and started calling me dream man.

My favorite dish by far was the half Peking Duck. I've eaten a lot of Peking Ducks in my life and this one was comparable to the ones I had in Beijing. The duck meat was so rich and deep in flavor, and the duck sauce was one of the finest I've ever had.

This dish really blew me way. Unlike most Szechuan pepper oil dishes, it was surprisingly not greasy or salty like it would be in most other Chinese restaurants. It's obvious that they used the best ingredients for the intense flavor.

Star Anise and Soy Flavored Foie Gras Cherries

What is there to say except Foie Gras cherries.

The tasting was nothing short of amazing. All the dishes that will be served in the restaurant were served Hors d'oeurve style. I believe I would come back to the restaurant on normal occasions. I definitely recommend checking out the La Chine, although it is on the pricier side.

Photos provided by Astoria Waldorf

Jason Gao 3/15/16 Jason Gao 3/15/16

Harper's BAZAAR Icons NYFW Party

New York Fashion Week always features great parties, and I was honored to be at one of the best ones. One of the most exclusive NYFW events was held at New York City's Plaza Hotel. Hostess Carine Rothfeld definitely knows how to throw a party. It was in celebration of Harper's Bazaar's "Icons" issue, and some of the most powerful people in every industry were in attendance. From fashion to business; and music, everybody who was somebody was present.

You know a party is good; when Katy Perry is performing. Katy debuted beautiful red hair, and had a short set performing five of her biggest hits.

Fashion "it" girls Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid were in attendance to support Carine Roitfeld.

My favorite model Rachel Hilbert was so sweet and obliged to entertain me with this picture. My roommate in college had pictures of her up on his wall, I knew he was crying somewhere.

The @thefatjewish is one of the funniest people on Instagram. This guy was nothing but class, and he has the naturally ability to be a great story teller. Earlier that day, the @thefatjewish had debuted his fashion line "Dad Fashion" and it stood out of from all the other shows due to its diversity of models combined with hilarity. Funny story: after posting this picture on instagram, @thefatjew actually liked it, and I had a spike in likes with over 200 more likes than I would usually receive, including a like from the Huffington Post.

Fashion designer Jason Wu looked like an Asian Gangster. I think we can pass for cousins, or maybe even brothers. I guess he is the more successful Jason in the family.

One of the most talented kid actresses. I was so happy to meet her because I watched her grow up as Sally Draper from Mad Men. She was so humble, and when I introduced myself to her; she went on and did the same. Never change, Sally Draper, never change.

The hostess with the most. A gracious lady with nothing but elegance and grace, and damn she knows how to throw one hell of a party.

This billionaire' and Patriots owner, was a funny man. I made a few jokes about deflate gate and he was totally cool with it. Stay classy Mr.Kraft.

Beautiful party girl Michelle Rodriguez lived up to her reputation and she was already in a different time zone when I met her and took this picture.

Even though I looked like an idiot here, I had to post it, right? I mean, how many chances do you get to meet the hottest model in the world? Exactly.

The night winding down

Overall, probably one of the best nights of my life.

Jason Gao 3/14/16 Jason Gao 3/14/16

Stepping on Anna Wintour's shoes for the Homeless

I want this to be my first entry because it is the event that inspired me to start this website. I remember it just like it was like yesterday. It was the night of the annual God's Love We Deliver gala, a star-studded charity event that pays tribute to an organization that delivers meals to ill and homeless families. The award ceremony was honoring Neil Patrick Patrick for his Outstanding Community Service. After accepting the Michael Kors Awards Neil gave an impeccable speech about how everyone of us should look out for the community. After the show, it was time to mingle with the celebrities. The event was hosted by Michael Kors, so naturally he brought all of his famous friends with him. A-listers included Kate Hudson, Emily Blunt, Diane Kruger, and tons of beautiful models.

**Kate Hudson casually chatting with someone as Emily Blunt looks on. NPH drinking his glass of wine, as Michael Kors chats up with a guest.**

As I squeezed my way through the crowds of photographers and guests, I arrived at the royal VIP table where all the A-listers sat. I was lucky to see NPH and got a quick picture with him.

NPH is just as nice as you would expect him to be. He was a true gentlemen who even told a few jokes before I asked him for the picture. As I looked around frantically wanting to get a picture of the host (MK), I accidentally stepped on someone's shoe and nearly tripped. I turned around; and before I could even say the words "so sorry", my mouth shut in utter disbelief. The person's shoe I stepped on was none other than the fashion icon, Anna Wintour. I panicked, not knowing what to say, and before I could find the words, Anna looked at me and said "don't worry about it honey, have a good night." I was in dismay, the woman that was portrayed by Meryl Streep as a cruel boss in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, was such a sweet woman. After gathering the courage to look at her again, I asked for a picture, and she happily obliged. I hope this does not ruin her cool image, but she is not as mean as people put her out to be.

Oh, I eventually found the host himself.

Emily Blunt and Diane Kruger share a picture

Overall, it was an amazing night of fun and the best part is that it was all for charity. The generous crowd raised over one million dollars for God Loves, We Deliver.

God Loves, We Deliver is a organization that provides nutritious individually-tailored meals to people who are not able to cook or shop for themselves. The organization was founded in 1985 when one woman began delivering food on her bicycle to a man dying from AIDS. Today, the program has grown tremendously and cooks 5,500 meals each weekday, delivering them to clients living with life-altering illnesses in all five boroughs of New York City. All of services and foods delivered are provided free of charge without regard to income.

To find out more about the organization or give a generous donation please visit: God Loves, We Deliever

Taste of Waldorf Astoria

"The Intern" NY Premiere

Out of this World Party

Force 4 Fashion

Black Tie & Black Jack

La Chine VIP Grand Opening

Harper's BAZAAR Icons NYFW Party

Stepping on Anna Wintour's shoes for the Homeless

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