Payard restaurant was the backdrop for the annual Pride of New York Benefit that presents an award to a master chef who represents the best that NYC has to offer. This year, Chef Francois Payard was presented with the PONY Award. Colleen and Gary Rein were the honorary chairs of the event, benefiting the Maryhaven Center of Hope, one of Long Island’s largest programs for the developmentally disabled.

Special event planner and culinary consultant Pamela Morgan put her special touches on the event, which raised the already stellar PONY tradition to the next level. Guests celebrated Chef Francois’ accomplishments with a $500-per-plate dinner featuring Payard’s sig-nature dishes.