by Norma Schwartzberg
On April 17th, the most anticipated chef event took place at the
Altman Building
gathering New York City's top chefs, loyal supporters, and movers & shakers all together for a great cause to raise funds for the benefit of the
Diabetes Research Institute (DRI)
at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This amazing event was originally created in South Florida and has become one of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation's (DRIF) signature affairs now that it has made its way to New York City. Each chef proudly served their masterpieces for attendees to enjoy. The evening started with a relaxing cocktail reception which included delicious passing hors d'oeuvres and a top-shelf open bar. While guests were having a great time before the program, they had the opportunity to bid on the silent auction items featuring concert tickets, vacations & getaways, baseball games, and more.
Amanda Goldberg,
Out of the Kitchen-New York Vice Chair and Emcee for the dinner experience, gave a warm welcome to all as the program started. She is a former professional tennis player who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of nine years old, and now she is dedicated to inspiring others to live better with diabetes. She was forced to leave tennis because of her condition; however, she is happily living with no fear. She now works as a fourth generation professional in her family business, Goldberg Famous Bagels (*), which is also one of the event sponsors. She announced the upcoming most popular dish contest reserved for the best and the first "DRIF Distinguished Chef".
As the tasting started, attendees were able to sample all the delicious dishes from Mae Mae Cafe, which presented a vegan burrito that was seriously delicious, TBar with Chef Segundo Pelaez, Aarthi Sampath from Moonlight Flavor LLC, Lolo's on the Water with Leti Skai Young & Raymond Mohan, Oscar Lorenzzi from Contento, Lee Knoeppel from Extra Sauce, David Burke from David Burke Tavern & David Burke's Lee Dixie Bakery, and Jae Jung from KJUN.
The signature drink of the evening was the "Everything but the kitchen sink" which was a tasty, spicy, and refreshing cocktail made with Ja Ja Tequila, mango juice, Jalapeno, fresh limes and lemos, triple sec, and a Tajin rim.
Dr. Giacomo Lanzoni, DRI Research Assistant Professor, gave a speech on how important is to properly take care of diabetes, and how to handle it using the advanced technology and latest resources available today. Logan Cohen, a high school freshman who is a Diabetes Advocate kindly gave a short, but passionate speech sharing with the audience his experience as a diabetes patient. Samantha Shanken Baker, the Out of Kitchen-New York Chair and DRIF Northeast Regional Board Director spoke to attendees about her personal experience having Type 1 diabetes for over 36 years as well as her successful kidney transplant a few years ago. All of the speakers shared, educated, and advised those who have this condition which is manageable thanks to the DRIF. To warm up the event a live auction took place with amazing items and many winners. I happened to share the table with the CEO of "Soggy Doggy" Productions and her friends one of whom went home with tickets to a Billy Joel concert and memorabilia. Lee Knoeppel was the absolute winner of the "DRIF Distinguished Chef", congratulations!
(see images below)
There was no surprise that all guests were having a great time at this wonderful charity event. A station offering cheeses, meats, dry fruits, and bread that was curated and presented by Pascal Vittu, Head Cheese Steward of Restaurant Daniel, was open during cocktail hour, and during the program as well, was replaced by a nice selection of desserts presented by Chef David Burke that was perfectly paired with a tasty cup of coffee after the live auction and appeal were over. The centerpieces adorning the tables were clever and very creative featuring spring flowers and a double-function kitchen spoon/spatula that was a removable gift for guests to add to their full goodie bags. The fundraiser was a huge success!
Event video (*)
NYC77Events wants to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who shared the experiences and the love.
AMANDA GOLDBERG
Out of the Kitchen – New York Vice Chair and Emcee
DR. GIACOMO LANZONI
DRI Research Assistant Professor
LOGAN COHEN
High School Freshman, Diabetes Advocate
SAMANTHA SHANKEN BAKER
Out of the Kitchen – New York Chair and DRIF Northeast Regional Board Director
As part of the entertainment
a Tarot card readers were on-site
to explore your future, and give you some advice
The original and clever centerpieces
The Founder of "Soggy Doggy" pet products Joanna Rein (second from left to right), with her friends. She developed the ultimate doormat for messy dogs click HERE to find out more.
"Soggy Doggy" was one of the generous sponsors.
