The Wall Street Hotel, in partnership with the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ, hosted the 2025 Chef After Party.

The rooftop celebration capped off the city’s most anticipated culinary weekend, drawing a dynamic crowd of celebrities, award-winning chefs, and industry tastemakers who came together for an unforgettable night of flavor and festivity at one of downtown Manhattan’s chicest rooftops. 

Hosted by The Wall Street Hotel’s General Manager Prince A. Sanders, New York City Wine & Food Festival Founder Lee Brian Schrager, and a21 CEO Brett Friedman, the soirée drew an energetic crowd of renowned chefs, festival talent, industry insiders, and New York tastemakers.

The celebration brought together an impressive roster of culinary talent, including Vijaya Kumar, chef of the award-winning New York restaurant Semma; Andrew Zimmern, chef and Emmy-winning TV personality; and Alex Guarnaschelli, Food Network star and acclaimed chef. Joining them were Leah Cohen, Michael Voltaggio, Bryan Voltaggio, and Antonia Lofaso—all celebrated chefs and television personalities—alongside Ayesha Nurdjaja, chef and Food Network favorite; Rōze Traore, chef and hotelier; and Lior Lev Sercarz, chef and spice master behind the award-winning La Boîte in New York City. New York–based Barbuto owner and Chef Jonathan Waxman, burger historian and filmmaker George Motz, and Food Network personality Jeff Mauro were also on the scene.

The stylish crowd included VIPs Alex Lundqvist, renowned supermodel; Bevy Smith, beloved TV personality and radio host; Ryan McGinnis, contemporary artist; Jackie Gebel, food influencer behind @noleftovers; and Elle Luan, chef and creator of the popular plant-based platform @veganbunnyelle. 

The eclectic mix was also joined by political commentator Ana Navarro and fashion designer Jill Stuart. Also in attendance were nightlife icon Diane Brill, influencer Eric Goldie, journalist Kendis Gibson, comedian Seth Herzog, news meteorologist Mike Woods, fitness expert and model Evan Betts, model Brendon Beck, jewelry designer Christian Dunbar, writer and former Vanity Fair columnist George Wayne, interior designer and TV host Genevieve Gorder, food influencer Jeremy Jacobowitz, celebrity hairstylist Ric Pipino, artist Kaves (Michael McLeer), designer Marc Bouwer, model Octavia McKinney, IMG Vice President Lisa Benson, and model and TV personality Sophie Sumner adding to the star-studded atmosphere.

The evening featured high-energy sets by DJ Niks and Dovemother, caviar bumps, a mixology spectacle, and a special culinary moment from Chef John Fraser, paired with dazzling skyline views and Champagne Telmont toasts. The ballroom transformed into a playground of decadence with surprises throughout the night, including burlesque performances, flash tattoos, and elaborate mixology creations crafted by the flair bartenders.

Guests indulged in playful, elevated bites such as Lobster Corn Dogs, Foie Gras Croquetas, Wagyu Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Truffle Arancini, and Smash Burgers—followed by a whimsical finale featuring a moving dessert table dancer, candy bar, and cotton candy station. Guests also received personally engraved mother-of-pearl caviar spoons as a keepsake of the evening’s indulgence.

“As a hotel deeply rooted in the art of hospitality, it’s an honor to host the final celebration of New York City Wine & Food Festival —a night that brings together the industry’s finest and reminds us that great food is best enjoyed in great company,” said Prince A. Sanders, General Manager of The Wall Street Hotel. “This event embodies the essence of The Wall Street Hotel—where connection, creativity, and celebration converge under one roof. We’re proud to light up Wall Street with renewed energy and excitement, highlighting the neighborhood’s continued evolution as a vibrant hub for culture, cuisine, and community in the heart of Downtown Manhattan.”

Sponsors for the evening included Champagne Telmont, Acqua Panna, S.Pellegrino, Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Image credit: Madison McGaw & Hannah Turner Harts/BFA