What’s cooking at the Grand Tasting?

Franklin Becker | Tierra

How do you feel being part of this inaugural festival?
This is very exciting for me personally as well as for Sheridan Square and Tierra, my restaurants. The event will allow us to showcase our restaurants in a positive light and give us exposure to the foodies that will be in attendance. I have been to Miami, and for me the chefs' demos are the best.

How do you prepare for a massive, multi-day tasting?
It is grueling to prepare a tasting for 3,000, but like anything else it is all about being ready.

Most memorable festival/benefit tasting dish you have ever, well, tasted?
The sushi mosaic Makoto did for StarChefs 2006. We were both named rising stars in 2006, and his dish just blew me away.