How do you get a free lunch prepared by one of the hottest chefs in New York City?

One way was to answer a question about the Big Apple on NBCNewYork.com, where 200 contest winners (and others, like us) gathered to sample some of David Chang's, chef/owner of Momofuku Noodle Bar, creations.

The event was one of the Locals Only meet-up activities, which include concerts and more, that are now part of the marketing strategy of NBC stations around the country. Brad Soroca, SVP of marketing for the NBC's Local Media Group told us one of the goals of the events was to attract "social capitalists" — and of course, generate buzz for both NBCNewYork.com and Chang.

New York is just one of the cities with a Locals Only plan — Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia (each following the NBC[city name].com formula) are a few of the growing list. Brian Buchwald, SVP of local digital media and multiplatform development for NBCU, told us the event was one of the most popular yet — and for those who didn't make it on the list this time and were getting turned away by the "bouncer," there are more events on the way.

Check out the scene at the Locals Only event below:



(photo by Rachel Rique, NBCNewYork.com)