Bowery Hotel Hosts Chefs for Steven Scher Benefit With Samples By Bobby Flay And Rocco DiSpirito

[Matt Dillon waits in line to try out the goods]

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An estimated 500 people, including Matt Dillon, Lauren Graham, and Jill Hennessey streamed into the Bowery Hotel last night for samples of Bobby Flay and Rocco DiSpirito's cuisine at Chef's For Scher. Steven Scher was an important figure in the New York restaurant scene, a co-founder of Main Street Restaurant Partners, the group behind Barbao, and Calle Ocho (both of which had booths at the Bowery last night.) Proceeds from the event benefit a scholarship in Scher's name. More story and photos below....

The event boasted 16 sampling stations, including mini pot-pies from The Waverly Inn, shrimp served in a coconut shell from Mesa Grill (prepared by Mr.Flay himself), and strawberry shortcake from Gramercy Tavern. (Apparently improvised after the fresh strawberries failed to arrive--we wouldn't have guessed!) Food (and Food Network) fans were able to not only taste the work of their idols, but interact with them and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment. The chefs were personable and seemed only too eager to lend their talent to a great cause.

And as a mini side-note for any Gilmore Girls fans out there....Lauren Graham is JUST as pretty in person as she is on TV, and according to our GofG photographer, just as friendly, too. Doesn't that make you feel good about the world?

Aimee Scher, Wendy Maitland, Matt Dillon Photo via PMc

Drew Nieporent, Bobby Flay, Rocco DiSpirit. Photo via PMc

Bobby Flay, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Garcia. Photo via PMc

Rocco DiSpirito, Bobby Flay, photos via PMc