On Wednesday night, crowds flocked to Miller Motorcars for the Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party, featuring samplings from local restaurants and shops. The event benefited Transportation Association of TAG, which is funding Safe Rides this year.
Safe Rides president Peter Negrea and TAG executive director James Boutelle. Credit: Leslie Yager
Jim Boutelle who is the executive director of TAG said Safe Rides was resurrected recently through the help of his organization. Last spring the Junior League donated $5,000 to Safe Rides. The new arrangement relies on TAG vehicles and drivers, including Mr. Boutelle himself. Whereas in the past the teens did the driving, now, for insurance reasons, the adults do the driving. Still the teens organize teems, field the calls and ride along with the adult driver to collect teens and give them rides.
Holly Roth, Alex Gibbons and Andrew Israel helped spread the word that Safe Rides is back in play, and funded through TAG. Credit: Leslie Yager
Holly Roth, who attends Sacred Heart, along Alex Gibbons and Andrew Israel, both of Brunswick, said they’re thrilled that Safe Rides is back in play. The three volunteers, along with several other teens involved with Safe Rides walked among the party-goers with their “giving tree.” The tree was festooned with tags representing the cost of a night of insurance for the Safe Rides program.
Remy Cook of “Party with Moms” and Jen Danzi, creator of Greenwich Restaurant Week and host of the kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Executive Chef Tim Passaro and General Manager Bill Taylor brought nibbles from Little Pub, located at 531 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob. Credit: Leslie Yager
But the focus of the party, of course, was a chance to visit with friends and sample delicious food and drinks from local restaurants and stores.
Grace Lawlor, Jackie Hvolbeck, Carol Swift and Wells Noonan enjoyed the kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week on Wednesday night at Miller Motorcars. Credit: Leslie Yager
Guests at the Greenwich Restaurant Week enjoyed sampling foods from local establishments, Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
The kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week, held at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Jen Danzi listens as James Boutelle of TAG sang her praises during the kick-off event for Greenwich Restaurant Week. Credit: Leslie Yager
Subscribe to the daily Greenwich Free Press daily 6:00am newsletter. We will never subscribe you without your permission.
Greenwich Restaurant Week’s founder Jen Danzi with Janet Lee, the Greenwich Psychic. Credit: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Free Press editor Leslie Yager with The Greenwich Psychic Janet Leet at the Kick-Off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week. Credit: Karen Sheer
Bella Nonna sampled a variety of hot food at the kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week. Bella Nonna is located at 280 Railroad Ave. Credit: Leslie Yager
Hernan and Kaitlynn Hurtado offered samples from Mt. Kisco Smoke House, located at 146 Mason Street. Credit: Leslie Yager
Desserts from Citarella were beautifully displayed at the Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off. Credit: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Cheeses from Greenwich Cheese Company during the kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week. Credit: Karen Sheer
Delicious food from Famous Greek Kitchen sampled at the kick-off for Greenwich Restaurant Week, Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Delicious food from Famous Greek Kitchen sampled at the kick-off for Greenwich Restaurant Week, Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Sidney Brodie and Logan Muskus greeted guests at the Greenwich Restaurant Week. Credit Leslie Yager
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Sampling drinks from Val’s. Credit: Karen Sheer
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Silent auction items at the Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off event to benefit TAG,and Safe Rides. Credit: Leslie Yager
Jackie, Carol and Grace take a moment for a selfie at the kick-off for Greenwich Restaurant Week, Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Jennifer Graziano from Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home and Clyda Bell at the kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Jen Danzi was presented with flowers by James Boutelle, the executive director of TAG. Jen is on the TAG board and the event benefited that non-profit that provides transport for seniors and also Safe Rides for teens. Credit: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
More Safe Rides leaders at the Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party. Credit: Karen Sheer
Greenwich Restaurant Week kick-off party at Miller Motorcars on Nov. 11, 2015. Credit: Karen Sheer
Danielle Turano and Cynthia Flood pose at the sponsor wall during the kick-off party for Greenwich Restaurant Week. Credit: Leslie Yager
Last week Greenwich Restaurant Week hosted a blogger and press preview party at Harvest at 372 Greenwich Ave. (Greenwich Restaurant Week Press-Party Draws a Crowd at Harvest)
All specials, events and contact information for participating locations can be found on the website www.GreenwichRestaurantWeek.com, as well as, on the Greenwich Restaurant Week Mobile App.
Anyone who would like to donate to the Safe Rides initiative or learn more, should visit the TAG.See also:
Junior League of Greenwich Comes Through for Safe Rides to the Tune of $5,000
Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor [email protected]
Like us on Facebook
Twitter @GWCHFreePress
Subscribe to the daily Greenwich Free Press newsletter.