Tag Archives: Charity

Social Saturday – Sip for the Sea

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On September 27, 2018, I had the privilege to win the Yelp/ Instagram contest to attend the Sip for the Sea event at the Central Park Zoo to benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society and New York Aquarium.  The mission of the event was to promote marine conservation and education at the New York Aquarium.  The event featured 22 sustainable dishes and wine pairings from various restaurants.  The food and wine options were overwhelming and unfortunately had only seven of these items so I can’t have favorites, but they all tasted good and the wine pairings complemented each bite.

I can’t wait to visit the restaurants that participate at this event.  Thank you Yelp, Instagram for everything.  Thank you to the organizers at Sip for the Sea for accommodating me and my guest for this great event.

Below are images from the event.

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Social Saturday – 13th Annual American Cancer Society Taste of Hope

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On May 10, 2018, I attended the American Cancer Society 13th Annual Taste of Hope event in New York City. I purchased my VIP ticket at $275 which included a gift bag and early access to the food and festivities.  The event had two honorees:  Sarabeth Levine was this year’s culinary honoree and Chef Antonio Prontelli was this year’s survivor honoree.

My top 5 favorite savory tastings from the event were the:

  • The Smith’s Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi with White Truffle Cream
  • Calle Ocho’s Pastelillos Cubanitos
  • Jing Fong’s BBQ Roast Pork Pastry Puffs
  • Casa Nonna’s Siamese Agnolotti
  • L’Amico Fontina Cappelletti with Wild Mushroom and English Peas

My top 5 sweet tastings from the event were the:

  • Bonsai Kakigori’s Strawberries and Cream Kakigori
  • Loi Estiatorio’s Yiaourti Me Meli
  • Melt Bakery’s Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches
  • Java Melts
  • Frose & Campari Popsicles

Below are images from the event.

There were a lot more stuff at the event. The event set up gets better and better every year. There were a lot of wine tastings, beer tastings and emerging food companies promoting their products.  More importantly a lot of the food tastings were on the healthier side; there were salad variations, ceviches, and barbecued dishes.

I can’t wait to visit these restaurants during the upcoming restaurant week if they participate.  Stay tuned.

Throwback Thursday – Taste of Hope Goes to Broadway

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Early this week, I was invited by the co-chairs of the American Cancer Society Taste of Hope to attend and support the first ever Taste of Hope Goes to Broadway. It was a chill low key event filled with Broadway stars who did not recognize, but what is important is that money was raised and tickets were only $50 and it could be paid at the door. Admission included the opportunity to tour the newly renovated $6 million condo plus wines, and bites from Tolache and Delicatessen. Executive Chef Michael Ferraro led a team to present the delicious dishes that covered all types of eaters. The food presented were lean and healthy. 

Tacuba HK – Brisket Tacos

Delicatessen’s Duck dumplings and Tuna Tartare

It was great to reconnect with the management team and committee members who I’ve had the pleasure of working with during the planning of the 12th Annual Taste of Hope Committee.  

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death. Funding and donations are critical to finding the cause and cure to the various cancers.  

To make a donation go to http://www.tasteofhopenyc.org. 

Social Saturday – Taste of Hope 2017 & Taste of Hope Comes to Broadway

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Happy Saturday! Trying to stay cool on this end, I’ve recently had a brief meeting with the committee at the American Cancer Society and guess what?! They will be hosting another event – the first ever Taste of Hope Comes to Broadway this coming Monday July 24.  This is another opportunity for people who were unable to attend the 12th Annual Taste of Hope that took place on Tuesday May 9th.  Another plus to this Monday’s event is the cost of admission is only $50 and it’s 100% tax deductible.  Tickets to this event can be purchased here or at the door.

M Friedman Taste of Hope eblast v4Below are images from the 12th Annual Taste of Hope event that took place on May 9th.

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The food options were overwhelming but I was semi health conscious this time and did not consume as much carbs so I did not eat the sandwiches that was offered.   In addition, some of these restaurants are also participating in this season’s NYC restaurant week, which also starts on Monday and it goes until Friday August 18. Stay tuned for a post containing my recommendations for this season’s restaurant week.

Throwback Thursday- Taste of Hope

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Happy Thursday! It’s been a week since my last post plus I’ve been getting over a sinus infection/cold/sore throat. As a result my meals has been chicken soup and miso soup. 

Anyways today’s Throwback Thursday post will be about a charity event that I am honored to be a part of the Benefit Committee for. It’s the American Cancer Society Taste of Hope. This year, they will be hosting their 12th Annual event on Tuesday May 9, 2017 in New York City. Early Bird tickets start at $175 for general admission, but the best deal is $450 for two premium tickets, which includes a gift bag. 

Below are images from last year’s Taste of Hope event. I have had the privilege to purchase a ticket and donate to this great cause. 

Bombay Sapphire Cocktail

Calle Ocho – Guava BBQ Meatball Slider

Triomphe – Foie Gras Mousse Hazelnut & Rooftop Greens

The Leopard at Des Artistes – Gnudi

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Todd English Enterprises – Crispy Duck Buns

Delicatessen – Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

Nobu – Tuna Sashimi with Tofu Aioli

Magnolia Bakery – Banana Pudding, cupcakes, chocolate chunk cookies

BLT Prime – Salt Brick Beef with Aji Amarillo

Serendipity- Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

The food options were overwhelming but thanks to one of the honorees who provided direction that I was able to enjoy the best aspects of the food sampling. Obviously I was not paying attention on what was being consumed was healthy. 

Another plus is some of the restaurants are also participating in NYC restaurant week. Stay tuned for a post containing my recommendations for this season’s restaurant week.