Hells Kitchen International Food Festival: Hells Kitchen is a neibourhood in mid-town Manhatten which historically has a bad reputation (historic emphasis on the word Hell rather than Kitchen!)  Now quite a trendy part of town, once a year they shut down 20 blocks of an 9th Avenue and turn in out to all manner of food vendors.  We went for a couple of hours and almost couldn’t walk after a couple of hours gorging!  Some of the food was spectacular – steaks and ribs being cooked on giant cone-shaped stands enclosing the flames (if anyone knows what these are called, please let me know), more Hispanic food than you could shake a Jalapeño at, lots of Greek (not exactly sure why) eateries, bakers selling fresh fried funnel-cake and other delicacies, and all manner of international cuisines.  Thanks to Emma at Saturday Kitchen for that tip.

Beer: I’ve mentioned before, but I’ll say it again – I’ve found some great American beers.  Dan got a load in for me in New York, and Ken did the same for me in New Jersey.  I have to thank you both as I’ve now discovered some great tipples (though I’m not sure liver would agree after 10 days worth of beers!)

There were plenty of other foodie moments out there, but I think I’ll stop there.