Donna and Soloway. (Rob Rich)

New York City - The Emperor's Banquet served up a luscious and lavish 10-course feast on September 25, 2011, at Chelsea Pier 60 in Manhattan. A combination of the finest of Imperial China and the delicious delectables of 21st Century America were served. The Emperor's Banquet is the amazing culmination of a global competition of the finest Chefs of Chinese Cuisine from around the world.

The Banquet is a blending of 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture, with the elegance and beauty of a New York Gala. The most stunning Han Couture Fashion show where the most beautiful Chinese models in 500 year old exquisite dresses wowed the crowd. Violinist Corin Lee transfixed his listeners with his classical performance, earning a standing ovation from the audience. And, to wow the audience, swordplay Maestro Long Fei, had a few fluttering hearts as the mighty sword slashed through the air, but no one's head was loped off!

Over 40 top chefs, from numerous countries and parts of the U.S., competed for two days in the heart of Times Square. The winning chefs, in five distinctive regional cuisines, prepared the extraordinary meal at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60.

Leshai Lemish and Jenny Fang. (Rob Rich)

A special presentation during the evening was made to Kerry Kennedy, President of The RFK Center for Justice & Human Rights. Their mission is to realize Robert Kennedy's dream of a peaceful and just work by advancing human rights. Kennedy gave a riveting speech and quoted the eloquence of her father.

Food Networks celebrity host Marc Summers served as a special guest host. He discussed the importance of NTD's mission and shared with the crowd his extensive food knowledge while listing the 10 salivating courses they would be eating.

Celebrities, and a long list of VIPs, added to the excitement and glamour of the event. Patrick Harvey and Catherine Saxton, co-chairs of the event, Zhong Lee, chairman of NTD, Samuel Zhou, VP of PR and Development, Pia Maria and Stephen Norris, Bob and Paula Butler, Dick and Donna Soloway, Ava Roosevelt, Jane Holzer, Tim Gannon and Jamie Figg attended the banquet. Maribel Alvarez led a glittering Palm Beach contingent headed by Judy Grubman.

Kerry Kennedy. (Rob Rich)

To salute and celebrate NTD's 10th anniversary, donors and sponsors from around the globe contributed their products and services. There was an Emperor's Vodka ice luge and Atlantico Rum served ice cold mojitos. Villa Magnolia was a highlight of the evening, sponsored by Domodimonti Wines. Black River Caviar provided more than a tasting - they served 'generous samples' of exquisite Ossetra Caviar. A tasteful signature gift bag included spa products by Cornelia and Dilmah Tea.

NTD was established 10 years ago and is a nonprofit, multi-language TV network. The station serves more than 250 million potential viewers in China and around the world. With reporters in over 70 cities worldwide, NTD is a pioneer in broadcasting uncensored news directly into mainland China via satellite and the Internet. NTD is a longtime proponent of the human rights of journalists in their never ending quest for "Freedom of the Press."

Dr. Samuel Zhou spoke at length about how 9/11 affected the way reporters presented news to the public. He discussed how important it is to have a news station that can deliver messages without any constraints.