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.