The inaugural “Taste The Towns” was a huge success Friday evening at The Stanwich Club where guests tasted, sipped and savored the delicacies from local chefs. This 31st annual benefit supported Community Health at Greenwich Hospital and the proceeds directly help the residents of Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Geri Corrigan and Norman G. Roth – Geri receives an engraved cutting board, an impressive event chair! Credit: Karen Sheer
“In this intimate setting, attendees get a chance to taste the wonderful talents of these local chefs, and to engage with them,” explained Geri Corrigan. As she spoke to the satisfied crowd, Geri said, “A special thank you to Kathy Carley-Spanier and the entire team at Community Health at Greenwich Hospital for their tireless devotion, which helps preserve the lives of all in our community.”
Jackie Hvolbeck, Carol Swift and Stephanie Dunn Ashley. Credit: Karen Sheer
Norman G. Roth, the hospital’s president, welcomed guests, as he said, “I am pleased to honor our community partners, three local emergency medical services for their devotion to our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
The recipients, Greenwich Emergency Medical Services, Harrison Emergency Medical Services and Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Emergency Medical Services all were presented with a commemorative glass bowls. Mr. Roth added, “I have sampled 15 out of 35 dishes – I need to taste more!”
Honoring EMS services, Lloyd Miller, Scott Moore and Joe Bilotto with Norman G. Roth. Credit: Karen Sheer
The annual Great Chefs fundraiser was updated with a new name this year, Taste The Towns, bringing a new vibe and a new, more intimate Greenwich venue, Stanwich Country Club, where guests visited chef-hosted tables scattered throughout the club.
Fern Halperin with Kathy Carly Spanier, director of Community Health at Greenwich Hospital. Credit: Karen Sheer
Shannon Bocchino, State Rep Fred Camillo, State Rep Mike Bocchino (R-150), State Senator Scott Franz and Konstantine Wells enjoying the event. Credit: Karen Sheer
Senator Richard Blumenthal addresses the crowd and praises Greenwich Hospital. Credit: Karen Sheer
Heather Worth and Helen Cawley. Credit: Karen Sheer
Sarah Bamford, Becker Chicaiza and Wells Noonan. Credit: Karen Sheer
Geri Corrigan with Jeb Fiorita from Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors. Credit: Karen Sheer
There were 39 participants, all eager to share their tantalizing tastings, and beverages were flowing. The displays were thoughtfully presented, and chefs highlighted their culinary expertise at its best. The chefs engaged with the tasters, explaining the details, flavors, ingredients and method in each bite.
And now – the incredible food!
Braised Short Ribs on Whipped Potatoes from J House Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Milk Chocolate Pudding with Whipped Cream and Hazelnuts from J House Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Marc Penvenne of Bistro V with Francoise Levinson. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Conor (center) and staff from J House Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Wild Mushroom Agnolotti in a spring vegetable consommé with a crispy gourgere from Aux Delices. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Debra Ponzek of Aux Delices. Credit: Karen Sheer
Classic Escargot in Puff Pastry from Le Penguin Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Jorge Escobar from Le Penguin Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Stellar seafood –Hawaiian Poke Bowl with Rice and Vegetables from Fjord Fish Market/Catering. Credit: Karen Sheer
Jedidiah Barrios and Chef Joey Boucher from Fjord Fish Market/Catering. Credit: Karen Sheer
Shrimp with Mango Salsa on Corn Tortillas from Tomatillo Taco Joint Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Allison Eng from Tomatillo Taco Joint. Credit: Karen Sheer
Marina Marchese of Red Bee Honey with varieties of her sweet, aromatic honey. Credit: Karen Sheer
New Orleans Style Cheddar Grits and Sausage with Scallions from Le Fat Poodle Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Tres Leche Cake from Le Fat Poodle Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Zoe Blech with Chef Adrienne Blech and Jose Molina from Le Fat Poodle Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Pulled Meat over Sweet Potato Puree from Paloma Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Gus Chimos and Chef Alex Rosado from Paloma Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Sauteed Shrimp with Cilantro Crema from a dash of salt catering. Credit: Karen Sheer
Carly Gooly, Patty Kelly, Jewel Ailes and Chef Jonathan Mathias from a dash of salt catering. Credit: Karen Sheer
Jieun Wax with Chef Francesco Casu (center) served Conchiglioni alla Napolentana and Crespelle Bolognese. Credit: Karen Sheer
Porchetta Crostini from Tarry Market. Credit: Karen Sheer
Duck Dumpling Crostini with Cranberry Relish and an Apple Cider Reduction from Bistro V Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Natalie Ramsay (left) with Curried Chicken Salad on a mini cone from Meli-Melo. Credit: Karen Sheer
Korean Style Braised Short Ribs on a Steamed Bun with Colorful Slaw from The Old Greenwich Social Club. Credit: Karen Sheer
Chef Alex Garcia with Jed Simon from The Old Greenwich Social Club Restaurant. Credit: Karen Sheer
It was an inspiring evening as local residents, advertisers and sponsors generously supported Greenwich Hospital’s programs and services.
Auction items included a “wish list” of from the Community Health staff members compiled to help the department achieve their goals. Other items offered, (over 90 displayed) were VIP restaurant dinners, tickets to local experiences, baskets of selected wines and more.
All received a lavish “goodie bag” which contained recent issues from Greenwich Magazine and Serendipity Magazine, tasty snacks and drinks, two Taste the Towns tee shirts (one for the gals, one for the guys), a monogrammed hat, a commemorative booklet (clad with recipes from the chefs) and a few extra goodies thrown in.
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