New York’s favorite orange Crocs-wearing chef is coming to The New York Botanical Garden on Saturday, October 16, and we couldn’t be more excited!

So to celebrate we’re running a contest in conjunction with the King of Eataly himself.  All you have to do is “like” both The New York Botanical Garden and Mario Batali on Facebook, and then leave a comment on both pages answering a simple question: What would you like to have Mario Batali cook for you if he were to come to your house? On the The Garden’s page, base your answer on this post. On Mario Batali’s page, base your answer on this database of recipes.  And that’s it!

Only people who leave a comment on both pages by 1 p.m. Friday, October, 15 will be entered into a drawing from which one winner will be chosen at random. We’ll announce the winner on Friday afternoon on Facebook.

What’s the prize you ask? If you’re in New York City, we’ll reserve two front-row seats at Batali’s cooking demonstration just for you and a guest, plus you’ll receive a special gift from Mario. Not in New York? Never fear! You’ll still get the gift from Mario Batali, plus a little something from us!

So remember: Don’t leave a comment here, leave it on each of the two Facebook pages. Buona fortuna!

Mario Batali loves food.  I know. I once, quite by mistake, was fortunate enough to follow him and his wife around the Union Square Greenmarket here in New York City. My husband and I were shopping for dinner and were quite focused on the task at hand, but we kept bumping into the chef and his wife. His love of the market, the farmers and the community surrounding it was obvious. Here was a man who truly loves food.

I see this same love, dare I say gusto, in Mario’s selections for his raised garden bed in the Home Gardening Center here at The New York Botanical Garden. The inevitable waning of the growing season has naturally dwindled the selection remaining in the garden, but everything that is still in there is beautiful, fragrant, delicious and just begging to be cooked. When I go to visit the Home Gardening Center (it’s quite near the Cafe, and a lovely place to stroll around for a few minutes after lunch) I love playing a game with the Celebrity Chef gardens planted in conjunction with the Edible Garden: If so-and-so were to come to my house tonight to cook me dinner, what out of this garden would I ask them to cook?

Head below the jump for an exciting chance to win front-row seats to Mario Batali’s cooking demo at The New York Botanical Garden Saturday, October 16!

The New York Botanical Garden and Whole Foods Markets® have partnered to promote and support local food and sustainable agriculture through weekly cooking demonstrations. Each Friday at 2 p.m. during The Edible Garden, a chef from Whole Foods Market® presents innovative seasonal recipes using fresh ingredients at the Conservatory Kitchen.

July’s grilling theme comes to a close with today’s event. In August the cooking demonstrations will focus on healthy eating, including Whole Foods Market’s Health Starts Here program. The bountiful harvest takes the spotlight on Fridays in September and October.

Click on the video to view a recent Whole Foods Market® Fridays presentation. Then come and see for yourself in person. The event is included in the Weekday ticket.

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