New York, NY The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) announced its new annual event is bringing on more of New York City’s top chefs to join a dynamic networking reception and food tasting experience that will bring together nearly 2,000 attendees from throughout New York City. 

The event’s food tasting experience will offer an array of canapés from top chefs including Daniel Boulud, one of America’s leading culinary authorities, who will provide a taste of creative vegetable and seafood-focused cuisine from his newest restaurant, Le Pavillon at One Vanderbilt. Dubbed “New York Forever: A Celebration of Our City,” REBNY’s annual event will be held this year at The Glasshouse in Manhattan on June 23.

“The real estate and hospitality industries are both essential to the fabric that makes New York City such a unique place to live and work and such an unforgettable destination for visitors from across the world,” Boulud said. “I’m excited to join REBNY to celebrate the city and our collective efforts to create an even brighter future through the art, passion and community-minded spirit that guides us all forward.”

Michael Lomonaco, chef and partner of the highly successful Porter House Bar and Grill and recently opened Hudson Yards Grill, and JJ Johnson, the restaurateur behind fast-casual rice bowl concept FIELDTRIP in Harlem and Rockefeller Center, will join Boulud as chefs at the event. 

“It’s exciting to contribute to such a great event alongside my peers, some of the best in the business,” said Lomonaco. “The impact of the pandemic was felt similarly by both the real estate and hospitality industries, so it feels good to be able to work together as we all emerge stronger than ever.”

“REBNY is doing amazing things for our city right now. The real estate industry is such a vital part of New York, much like its food,” said Johnson. “It’s wonderful to gather in person again and to find ways to make people happy with food. I’m honored to work alongside Michael and Daniel to help deliver an evening to remember for REBNY and its members.”

This year’s celebration will depart from the traditional black-tie affair and sit-down dinner. Guests will enjoy a networking reception featuring an open bar and a food tasting experience that will offer a diverse array of canapés from these chefs. Beverage offerings will also be curated by Brooklyn Brewery, New York Distillery, Tenmile Distillery and some of New York City’s top mixologists.

A portion of event proceeds will go to the REBNY Foundation, which is helping to increase diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry through ongoing initiatives such as the REBNY Fellows Leadership Program in partnership with Coro New York and REBNY’s Internship Program in partnership with Project Destined and the City University of New York (CUNY). The Foundation also supports ongoing efforts by Project Parachute – an initiative seeded by REBNY members in collaboration with the non-profit community – to provide rental assistance and other support to vulnerable New Yorkers impacted by the pandemic. 

Additionally, REBNY’s new partnership with the non-profit NY Forever on this year’s event will help to amplify the work of an array of citywide volunteer and philanthropic initiatives promoted through the NY Forever network. More news on fundraising and volunteer efforts will be announced by the REBNY Foundation and NY Forever in advance of the event. 

“These are some of the most celebrated chefs in New York City,” said REBNY president James Whelan. “This reimagined summer event is a true celebration of our wonderful city, and no celebration is complete without good food. We couldn’t be happier to have this amazing roster of chefs join us as we celebrate real estate’s biggest night in New York.”