[Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

In other industries, you might spend the night before the biggest event of the year—in the food world, that's tonight's James Beard Foundation Chef awards—I don't know, resting, or watching Mad Men, or eating a sensible meal and going to bed early. But that's not what chefs do. Instead, they turned out in full force to Chef's Night Out at Chelsea Market, for a Negroni or six and good eats from the Chelsea Market crew.

Take a peek at the notable chefs and food-world personalities (what's up, Thomas Keller!), the real place to be at the party (hint: ham is involved) and more.

About the author: Carey Jones is the Senior Managing Editor of Serious Eats. Follow her on Twitter (@careyjones).