The Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea NYC was the venue for The American Cancer Society the 14th Annual Taste of Hope. One of the most anticipated charity events of the year. The landmark space was transformed into a culinary wonderland. The Taste of Hope is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, featuring over 90 of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors. Guests enjoyed a walk-around tasting where they sampled signature dishes, premier wines and spirits, and inventive cocktails. Taste of Hope donations supports the mission of the American Cancer Society as they work to save lives, celebrate survivors, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
This year’s celebration recognized Culinary Honorees, Chefs Michael Lomonaco, Chef & Partner of Porter House Bar and Grill, his team prepared a delectable steak tartare and Ralph Scamardella, Chef & Partner of TAO Group Restaurants. The Tao Group served two dishes, heart-healthy eggplant parmesan and from Lavo a lobster dumpling in a delicious broth. Also honored was Otto Cedeno, Founder of Otto’s Tacos as the Corporate Honoree. Ottos Tacos served their signature Taco Al Pastor served in a pink tortilla in honor of breast cancer survivors. Dana Cowin, former Editor-in-chief of Food & Wine Magazine, was the Survivor Honoree and spoke about the time she has dedicated to survivor causes. CBS News’ Chris Wragge returned to Emcee. He entertained the crowd with jokes and dancing. The honorees were gifted custom engraved cleavers. Event Co-Chairs Mark D. Friedman and Jamie Koff volunteered year-round to produce this signature culinary, wine, and spirits event that provided the 900+ guests the opportunity to enjoy bites from New York City’s top restaurants and philanthropic chefs and sips from leading winemakers and spirit brands.
Over 70 of New York’s best restaurants donated their culinary skills to make Taste of Hope a foodie night to remember. Restaurants included Baby Brasa, Ben & Jacks Steakhouse, Benjamin Prime, Bonsai Kakigori, Boulud Sud, Butterfly Bake Shop, Caffe Palermo – Cannoli King, Calle Ocho, Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Company, Hunt & Fish Club, Insomnia Cookies, Java Melts, Jing Fong, Jora, L’angolo Tribeca, L’adresse, Loi Estiatorio, LTH, Magnolia Bakery, Melt Bakery, Nick’s Lobster House, Nobu Fifty Seven, Ortzi NYC, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Patina Restaurant Group, Patrizias of 2nd Ave, Sarabeth’s, Serendipity 3, STK Steakhouse, Surfish Bistro, Sweet Rae’s Cookies, Sweetcatch Poke, Talty Bar, The Algonquin Hotel, The Kati Roll Company, The Sea Fire Grill, The Smith, The Vegantry, Toloache Restaurant, Tommy Bahama, and Treat House. Cocktails mixology was provided by 1-800-BARTEND.
Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction prizes donated from leading organizations including Ark Restaurants, Tory Burch, Intersect by Lexus, Levain Bakery, Wine Spectator, Nautilus Hotel, New York Health and Racquet Club, and Rebecca Minkoff, Kelly & Ryan and Moulin Rouge: The Musical.
For a donation of $25 guests were invited to pull a cork and receive a bottle of wine valued up to $100.
Taste of Hope has raised over 2 Million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is attacking cancer from every angle.
Find out how you can join the fight at cancer.org.
-Sia Battle