Did you miss The American Cancer Society‘ 14th Annual Taste of Hope this year? It was held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. The event raised over $250,000 in support of the organization’s goal to eliminate cancer.
WCBS TV Channel 2’s Chris Wragge once again hosted the night, which was sold out, and I mean, it was like four star dining at Grand Central Station at rush hour. That’s a good thing.
Jamie Koff and my brother, Mark Friedman, produced the triumphant night. I’m very proud of the work they do. Plus in the silent auction I won a year’s worth of Cottonelle toilet paper. Forget Chopard!
This years’ Volunteer Host Committee included Alysia Reiner, Danny Burstein, Harry Carson, David Alan Basche, Rebecca Luker and Clarke Thorell.
You know it’s a good night when you run into Drew Nieporent right off the bat. I ran into a bunch of familiar faces all night including Otto Cedeno, Chef Ralph Scamardella, Dana Cowin, Chef Michael Lomonaco, Geraldine Hughes, Chef Todd English, Sarabeth Levine, Chef Antonio Prontelli, Fabiana Dwyer, Matthew Dwyer, Guy Tomlinson, Hazel Koch, Pearl Koch, Matt Leone, Stephanie Leone, Jean Shafiroff, and David Pogrebin.
I haven’t recovered still from all the great food. More than 90 restaurants participated, including: Baby Brasa, Barbounia, Ben & Jacks Steakhouse, Benjamin Prime, Bonsai Kakigori, Boulud Sud, Calle Ocho, Hunt & Fish Club, Jing Fong, Jora, L’adresse, LAVO, Loi Estiatorio, Magnolia Bakery, Motel Morris, Mr. Crabby’s Craft Kitchen + Bar, Nick’s Lobster House, Nobu Fifty Seven, Ortzi NYC, Otto’s Tacos, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Patina Restaurant Group, Sarabeth’s, Serendipity 3, STK Steakhouse, Surfish Bistro, Sweetcatch Poke, TAO, The Algonquin Hotel, The Kati Roll Company, The Sea Fire Grill, The Smith, Toloache Restaurant, Tommy Bahama, and XYST.
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