Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Set for 10/11 With 'A Roast of Anthony Bourdain'

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is getting into the business of roasting for its 2012 edition - roasting one of the world's most recognized culinary explorers that is.

On Thursday, October 11 at Pier Sixty, Anthony Bourdain will take the hot seat while top culinary and comedic talent come together for Bank of America presents: "On The Chopping Block: A Roast of Anthony Bourdain" Hosted by Mario Batali & Willie Geist and Produced by Carolines on Broadway. The evening will feature a four course dinner prepared by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael White, highlighting items from his popular restaurants Ai Fiori, Marea and Osteria Morini.

"Bourdain's been trashing 'celebrity chefs' for years. Let's see how the shoe feels on the other foot," commented event host, author, restaurateur, and television personality Mario Batali.

It is well known that Bourdain, the Emmy award-winning Travel Channel host and New York Times' bestselling author, can dish it out, but the world will find out if he can take the heat too when his friends and distant acquaintances show up for an evening of endless possibilities and certain humor. Hosts Mario Batali and Willie Geist will lead the evening's panel of "roasters," including Guy Fieri, Gilbert Gottfried, Artie Lange, Marc Maron, Jim Norton, and a special appearance by S arah Silverman. The remaining talent on the dais will up the ante, with Ted Allen, Rachael Ray and Eric Ripert also taking part in the dinner's festivities.

Produced by Caroline Hirsch of Carolines on Broadway, recognized leaders in the arena of live comedy entertainment, and Lizz Winstead, this official Festival dinner is sure to be one of the weekend's most buzzed about affairs.

"I think Anthony is in for one painfully hilarious night," says Caroline Hirsch. "I know the comedians on this panel and they're sharper and more dangerous than any cooking utensil you'd find in Anthony's kitchen. But it's all for a very worthwhile cause," Hirsch adds.

Eat. Drink. End Hunger. To date the Festival has raised over $5 million to help fight hunger with 100% of its proceeds benefiting Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry® campaign. Tickets for this event and more can be ordered online atwww.nycwff.org or by calling 866.969.2933 (phone sales open Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT). Guests who would like to purchase 10 seats (one table) to this dinner, in a single order, are eligible for a 10% discount. If you are interested in purchasing a full table, please contact the ticketing department to place your order: tickets@nycwff.org. Stay up to date with the excitement by following the Festival at www.Facebook.com/NYCWFF or follow founder and director Lee Brian Schrager at www.twitter.com/Lee_Schrager.