A ballotine is a piece of meat stuffed with other meats and rolled into a bundle -- a protein inside a protein inside a protein. That the Top Chef: Las Vegas contestants were asked to make this many-layered dish on Wednesday night's show was appropriate, as the episode was a kind of metaphoric ballotine itself -- a competition within a competition within a competition.

The winner of the episode's elimination challenge, in which the chef whose food fares worst with judges is dismissed, was to win a spot to compete in the prestigious Bocuse D'Or USA,  a competition to represent America in the Bocuse D'Or culinary tournament held every two years in Lyon, France. Fittingly, a screening of the episode at New York City's Astor Center Wednesday night was a veritable meta-smorgasbord, where attendees at the benefit for Bocuse D'Or USA, watched the show's host, judges, and one of its remaining contestants, the uber-likeable Kevin Gillespie, watch themselves in a live screening of the episode.

A surprinsgly dry "Quick fire chardonnay" was served and party-goers admired a large round of bread into which the words "Top Chef" had been carved. "It's too fancy to eat," the woman next to me proclaimed. Though guests managed to keep their hands off the bread, no one was turning down the plates of sea bass tartare, a variety of pâtés, and corners of croques messieurs, supplied by Feasts and Fêtes, Daniel Boulud's catering company. Chef Boulud also happened to be a guest judge on Wednesday's episode, and was on hand to provide an additional layer of meta-fun to the benefit. 

Although the pairing of Top Chef and Bocuse D'Or might seem as perfect as a pinot noir with a pungent piece of roquefort -- since the Top Chef alum who would eventually go on to compete in the Bocuse would have a season of high-stakes competition under his or her toque -- most of the chefs on hand agreed that the Bocuse is in another league.  

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The only way I want to drink champagne from now on is out of this crystal black stiletto flute (with a 14 cm heel and signature red sole!) designed by Christian Louboutin for Piper-Heidsieck. Called Le Rituel, the limited edition box set comes with the Loubie bohemian crystal flute (ballerinas used to serve champagne to thirsty gentleman fans in their slippers at the Bolshoi Ballet in the 1880s) and a bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut. Dress up and pretend to be Cinderella -- wasted on bubbly!

Although I admit I'm not usually one for accessories, I was truly wowed at last night's New York unveiling of designer Delfina Delettrez Fendi's Anatomik collection at the uber chic Chinatown boutique Opening Ceremony. Delfina, a fourth generation Fendi and daughter of French jeweler Bernard Delettrez, presented an array of pieces that showed a wide range of influences, from the human physique to Tim Burton-esque animals and insects, and even the late King of Pop. Guests including Jen Brill, Sally Singer and Mirabelle Marden oohed and aahed over the collection, which first debuted last month at the Louvre. The sheer variety of materials used, from precious metal to Tuscan marble and practically everything in between, is quite remarkable. A number of the pieces feature moving parts, such as a silver spider bangle whose body opens to reveal a cluster of pearls. 

Humberto Leon, owner of Opening Ceremony, sees the collection as perfect for "the girl who is maybe a little tired of ordinary jewelry. There are all levels of costume jewelry: this is exquisite but really kind of fun. It's for someone who's willing to have fun." His favorites come from the newest series, a glamorous and surreal interpretation of the human body. "I like the mix of the chunkier less fine jewelry mixed with something like a nose encrusted in all diamonds," he says, pointing to a set of pieces including a pair of fantastic bejeweled earrings and a ring that featured a thong-clad golden derriere. 

1. Versace's former South Beach home Casa Casuarina has been closed following the collapse of an alleged Ponzi scheme by one of the mansion's current investors, Scott Rothstein.  Maybe it's time they changed their current tag-line: "An oasis for the privileged few."

Sometimes the packaging is better then the product, a theory proven time and again with liquor, perfumes and, now, spaghetti? Alex Creamer, a design student at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK, created this unusual ode to the Big Apple for a school assignment in which students had to come up with creative ways to package difficult everyday items. The pasta sits on a 3D model of the Chrysler Building modeled out of high-density foam hidden in the bottom of the thin box. Creamer managed to incorporate three of my favorite things: pasta, NYC and a keen eye for design.    

WHAT: The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Pink Carpet arrivals, backstage and fashion show.
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
WHERE: The Lexington Armory
WHO: Heidi Klum, Ana Beatriz Barros, Doutzen Kroes, Marissa Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio, Selita Ebanks, Chanel Iman, Ivana Trump, Kings of Leon
OVERHEARD: "Fergie will be walking the pink carpet but she will not speak"; "Someone gave that model one Goldfish, wanna bet she doesn't eat it?"

This week, Gucci announced the details of their annual UNICEF campaign featuring the artistry of yet another distinctive collaborator. Since 2005, supporters such as Madonna and Rihanna have helped the brand raise over $7 million for programs focused on helping orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. This holiday season, creative director Frida Giannini commissioned acclaimed author, illustrator and Vanity Fair style director Michael Roberts to create a sequel to his whimsical 2004 children's book Snowman in Paradise. Part two follows the title character through Africa and is filled with Robert's colorful, lovely illustrations. The book is already available in over 200 Gucci stores worldwide and 100% of the retail price will be donated to UNICEF. But because every book needs a great bag, an exclusive line of accessories inspired by Roberts' illustrations also debuts this month. 25% of proceeds from the sales of two new bags from the label's Joy lines, add-on charms and small leather goods will also be donated. In the past, funds raised have been used for the "School's in Africa" campaign that focuses on improving the quality of basic education for children in Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa ,where 2.3 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.

I was puffing away at the gym this morning watching MTV and noticed that the new video for Jay-Z and Alicia Keyes' sserenade to New York "Empire State of Mind," was actually taped at the redesigned TKTS booth in Times Square! Native New Yorkers Jay and Alicia were dancing away on the red stairs where patrons can chill after standing in long lines for discount Broadway tickets. I wonder if they picked up some tickets while they were there? Maybe to Fela!, the new musical about Fela Kuti for which Jay-Z just signed on as a producer? Here's the video. What a great shout out for Broadway!

1. The Glee folder that arrived in the mail.
2. The Glee pencil that came with hit.
3. And the Glee: The Music Vol. 2 CD!!!!!!! (The tracklist includes a cover of Lily Allen's "Smile" and Cindy Lauper's "True Colors"! I cannot wait to listen. )

While world leaders continue their hamstrung efforts to combat climate change in Copenhagen, Nau is taking matters into its own hands in New York with its SoHo pop-up shop.

With roots in sport-based outdoor performance apparel, the two-year-old brand adds fashion, mobility and sustainability to its innovative designs, which are built upon a business chassis aimed at "unfucking" the world. The garments, many made from re-used materials, are fully recyclable. Even better? Nau employs an independent watch group to monitor the labor and environments practices of its overseas factories, purchases carbon offsets for all of its shipping and gives 2% of gross sales to charities.

The temporary location at 69 Mercer St., was built with with up-cycled materials from dumpsters and other refuse found throughout the city. A full schedule of live music, art shows, and guest speakers is planned through its close December 31st. This evening (Thurs., Nov. 19) camp-glam crooner Har Mar Superstar performs. On Saturday, Nau prestents its first Grant for Change of $10,000 to the film and photography team of Benjamin Drummond and Sara Joy Steele.

At the store's recent opening, I sat in a dressing room with general manager Mark Galbraith and design director Peter Kallen to discuss the future of eco-friendly fashion.

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1. Get yer ya-yas out!  The Morrison Hotel Gallery (313 Bowery) and ABKCO Records are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Rolling Stones 1969 US tour tonight, November 19, with an exhibition of photos by Ethan Russell and a performance by NYC "supergroup" The Soul Ramblers.  OK, ours are out.

2. Doctors' neckties eyed as flu risk.

3. It's collab time:  LEGO x Muji, OK Go x Fendi, Carhartt x Vestax

4. Danish trio Mew are looking for a band to open their NYC show on December 4 at Webster Hall.  You decide.

5. Check out this cool new architecture website.

6. Film Forum is celebrating Manhattan with a festival of 39 comedies set in New York City.  The fun(ny) starts on December 11 and the full schedule is here.  (Scene from Taking Off pictured above.)

One can never have too many sunglasses and that's why I have over 300+ pairs -- top that Anna Wintour. My latest must-own is this pair, "The Skeleton" from Ksubi's 2009/2010 eyewear collection, dubbed "book club." The 13 unisex frames are unpolished and as "raw as possible." Sexy!

If ever there were a place where the term "bad economy" isn't part of the lexicon, it is A Voce Columbus, bustling on a rainy Thursday night. Wine was flowing and dishes like roasted mushrooms ($14) and mezzaluna ($21) -- taleggio cheese filled pasta with butternut squash, brown butter and sage  -- flew out of the kitchen in some sort of food frenzy. Chef Missy Robbins's multidimensional and refined Italian cuisine has been given the presidential stamp of approval: the Obamas were regulars at her last post in Chicago, Spiaggia. And now here she is at the second incarnation of A Voce in the Time Warner Center (the first is near Madison Square Park), where no details have been overlooked. From the second you enter the sleek, modern dining room and on to the very end of your meal, when the dolci di Carnevale cookies are presented, you will experience restaurant service at its finest. Robbins' menu holds many appealing items -- charcuterie, cheese, pork belly with figs ($12), pappardelle with rabbit ($25) and an exceptional pork chop ($29), more than an inch thick. To go with it all, we chose a humble Qupe Syrah ($40) from a wine list that boasts over 850 selections. For dessert, the pumpkin bread pudding ($10) with orange gelato and pumpkin seeds, is a sublime melding of taste and texture. A Voce is a democratic delight -- you will enjoy yourself here whether you're having antipasti with a glass of wine or going all out with multiple courses and maybe even the biggest wine splurge in the city: a $14,000 Rothschild from 1945.    

A Voce Columbus 
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Floor 
(212) 823-2523
Avocerestaurant.com

WHAT: Late Night With David Letterman
WHERE: The Ed Sullivan Theater
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
WHO: Robert Pattinson
OVERHEARD: "Bite me." "No, no, no, no, bite ME!!"

Obama is in Korea and so am I! But we are not staying at the same hotel. :( He's at the Hyatt downtown and I'm at the W Walkerhill. It's 5:55 a.m. Can you say jet lag?! Annyong!

One of his poems, To an Innocent Prisoner, was blown up to poster-size scale and showcased next to work by contemporary fine artists. "People were looking at the poem so differently, they were looking at it as a piece of art," he said, "And that was a very unique experience."

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1. Three former members of Velvet Underground -- Lou Reed, Maureen "Mo" Tucker and Doug Yule -- are getting together for a little chit-chat with writer David Fricke on December 8 at the New York Public Library (Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street).  $25 tickets are available here.

2. "Graffiti is becoming a true art, fine and delicate.  And breakdance is something peculiar," according to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin after jumping onstage at a hip-hop concert last week. Fresh! (via France 24)

3. Hot British duo The Big Pink will be in New York on December 3 (Bowery Ballroom) and December 4 (Music Hall of Williamsburg).  The track to love on their debut album, A Brief History of Love, is "Dominos."

4. An exhibition of photos by Renato D'Agostin and Alessandro Zuek Simonetti opens tonight, November 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Leica Gallery (670 Broadway at Bond).  Last summer, Simonetti's photos appeared on a line of skateboard decks for Zoo York.

5. Jimmy Kimmel used Yoostar to perform a scene from Friday the 13th last week.  Funny, but we thought Mr. Mickey was better.

6. Philly artist Amanda Blank is opening for Ebony Bones at the free Basel/Miami opening night beach party on December 2 (10 p.m., Collins Park between 21st Street and 22nd Street.)  The Misshapes are DJing at LIV (4441 Collins Avenue) later that night.

7. JELLY NYC's pool parties are in danger of losing their access to East River State Park. According to a press release, "news came from the New York State Parks Department and the Open Space Alliance that the East River State Park may not be available to JELLY for the 2010 season. This will ultimately put an end to the flourishing free summer series." JELLY organizers are asking folks to call Senator Charles Schumer at (212) 486-4430, or contact him via email phil@schumer.senate.gov to tell him how much they love free, sweaty, hipster-fests! 

Actor Zero Mostel was one of Broadway's giants.  Not only because of  his generous girth, but for his immense talent onstage.  He's well remembered for his comedy turns in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and in Mel Brooks's movie, The Producers; but he was also a fine musical and dramatic performer, as exhibited in Fiddler on the Roof or Ionesco's surreal Rhinoceros.  Actor/playwright Jim Brochu knew Mostel, and he has written and toured this one-person show around the country for the past few years.  His director is the great Hollywood star, Piper Laurie, a three-time Academy Award nominee for The Hustler, Carrie and Children of a Lesser God.  I spoke with Brochu.
 
How did you meet Zero?
I met him for the first time in May, 1962, when I was 16.  I had a mentor, David Byrnes, who was a character actor in Forum.  I went to see him and I sat in the Alwyn Theater, and this man, Mostel, came on stage.  I remember pushing back in my seat and thinking, "This man is a force of nature."  I went backstage after the show to see David and I turned a corner and I ran into Zero, soaking wet, still in costume.  I was going to La Salle Military Academy at the time and I was wearing my West Point uniform.  He looked at me and said, "You must be General Nuisance; what are you doing here?"  I told him I'd come to see David, and he said, "Well, you never come to see me."  "I will," I said.
 
I know the show is set in July, 1977, shortly before his death, and Zero is being interviewed. Tell me what we're going to see.
I play Zero, and I actually become him.  There is an interviewer, but we never see him.  The audience becomes the interviewer.  Zero hi-jacks the interview and begins asking his own questions.
 
I understand the piece is set in Zero's painting studio on West 28th Street.  I didn't know he was a painter.
Yes, he always said, "I'm a painter.  I only do comedy to buy more paints."  Through the questions he begins to tell the story of his life, growing up, the conflicts he had with his Jewish father, who said, "You can't create a graven image."  But he wanted to be a painter.  His mother understood and she took him to the Met museum and he would sit there for hours and copy the masters.  Later he married a Catholic Rockette and then both of his parents disowned him.

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WHAT: The American Eagle Outfitters Flagship Opening
WHERE: Smack dab in the middle of Times Square
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
WHO: Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr, Michelle Trachtenberg, Adrienne Bailon, Christian Siriano, Andrew WK, Pete Wentz
A LITTLE CHIT-CHAT WITH CHRISTIAN SIRANO...
PAPERMAG: If you were to run your own magazine, what -- other than PAPER --  would it be?"
Christian Siriano: I love love love PAPER, but OK, it would be Vogue Italia.
PAPERMAG: What would you change about it?
Christian: Not one thing -- it's perfect!

African girl that I am, it's a no brainer that I'd be going mental over this editorial. It features my fellow African sisters, models Mey Bun, Rila Fukushim and Ai-li Wang in the most visually lush and kinetic take on "tribal" themes I've seen. Ever. The spread is featured in the latest issue of Buenos Aires-based magazine D Mode. Kudos to the creative team behind this including stylist, Laurean Ossorio, makeup artist Bryan Zaragoza and photogs Herring & Herring.