Sign of the Times: Charity Events Replace Lavish Openings

The city's top restaurateurs and chefs are no strangers in the world of New York food charities. When they're not hosting benefits at local restaurants, organizations like Citymeals, the Food Bank, Share Our Strength, and God's Love we Deliver are snagging the likes of Mario Batali, Dave Chang, and Daniel Boulud to offer up their services for auction. That said, big New York restaurant openings are usual reserved for the friends and family of the staff, food world celebs, the chef underworld, and the greedy food press.

Not so anymore. Two of the biggest restaurants to open next month—Michael White's Marea and Daniel Boulud's DBGB Kitchen & Bar—are opening their lavish debuts to New Yorkers willing to shell out over $100 to Citymeals. It's a laudable and much appreciated shift we say.
· DBGB KITCHEN & BAR PREVIEW PARTY [Citymeals]
· Marea Opening Reception & Fundraiser [Citymeals]