Federal Donuts and its automated donut-making “robot” was easily one of the biggest hits at last night’s FEASTIVAL, the second annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe fundraiser co-hosted by Stephen Starr, Michael Solomonov and Audrey Claire Taichman. Which is something, considering that everything from stilt-walkers, dancers perched atop sky-high poles and a red-gingham-aproned Marc Vetri competed for the attention of attendees. And that was just on the red carpet outside Pier 9. Inside well-heeled arts patrons, who shelled out $250 or more to get in, hob-noshed their way through the spread put out by more than 75 participating local restaurants, of which only, like, 10 were from FEASTIVAL co-host Stephen Starr.
Trapeze artists dangled from above pouring champagne for guests, while underneath restaurants from Amis to Zama turned out bite-sized tastes from their menus. Some highlights included foie gras “cherries,” a small foie orb formed inside cherry gelee and served with a “pistachio gravy” from Marigold Kitchen; mini cheddar burgers on pretzel rolls from P.Y.T.; and crispy-fried chicken drumsticks from Roots drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson’s ?uest Loves Food venture. Former Governor Ed Rendell, who was in the house, was rumored to have eaten five of them!
Earlier: Feastival, Fringe’s Foodie Event is Just Days Away
