The Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization and civic institution responsible for managing Central Park, toasted with friends and supporters to celebrate New York City’s culinary best at its annual Taste of Summer benefit. The festive evening raised over $1.2 million to support the Conservancy’s ongoing critical work to maintain and care for Central Park.
Presented by Northern Trust, this year’s Taste of Summer event featured a wide range of diverse culinary delights, cocktails, and more. At the Taste Café by Quality Branded, tastings were expertly curated, courtesy of Bad Roman, Quality Bistro, Quality Italian, Quality Meats, San Sabino, and TwinTails. Specialty Taste Café cocktail pairings, along with spirits and champagne, were provided by Pernod Ricard USA. Katalyst Productions created lakeside-chic décor and wildflower florals, while DJ PiERSON got attendees dancing with lively music.
“Taste of Summer is a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of summer in Central Park,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary chefs and restaurants who share their time and talents, and to our supporters whose generosity helps sustain the Conservancy’s essential work to care for the Park year-round.”
Honorary Chairs Laurie and Jay Mandelbaum, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Melissa Vail and Norman C. Selby were joined by Event Chairs Pepper Evans and Bob Lieber, Baily and Nate Kempner, Amy and Jeff Tarr, and Beth and Leonard Wilf, among special guests Bonnie Brennan, Councilmember Gale Brewer, Rick Cotton, Kate and Andrew Davis, Gillian Hearst, John Hoffman, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Speaker Corey Johnson, Conservancy Board Chair Tom Kempner, Jill and Barry Lafer, John Lee, Elyse and Michael Newhouse, Katie Nixon, JennyPrice, Barbara and James Scott, Michael Stillman, John Stossel, and Wing Wilson.
Some of New York’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs participated in the festivities, including Tania Apolinar, Juthika Bedi, Giovanni Cervantes, Nicholas Larsen, and Michael Stillman. Guests enjoyed gourmet samplings from over 40 of New York City’s renowned restaurants, including Altair, Breads Bakery, Bridgewater Chocolate, ByClio Bakery, Canard Inc, Carmine’s, Carnitas Ramirez, Central Park Boathouse, Chama Mama, COTE Korean Steakhouse, Covacha, Ella Social, El Mitote, Flutter Butter Bakery, Haven, Le Botaniste, Maya, Nom Wah, OTI, OyamelNew York, Paisley NYC, Parla Rosa Mexicano, Scarpetta, Serafina Restaurant, Serendipity 3, Sugar Hill Creamery, Table d'Hôte, tán, Tavern on the Green, The Bazaar by José Andrés, The Smith, The Tyger, Upland, Veselka Restaurant, Virgil’s Real BBQ, and William Greenberg Desserts.
Guests sipped on wines by 90+ Cellars, beer provided by Industrial Arts Brewing Company and water provided by Open Water.
Image credit: Madison Voelkel/BFA
