What’s Cookin’? - Smithtown - 8th Annual Taste of Smithtown

What’s Cookin’?  -  Smithtown 

 By Nancy Vallarella

8^th Annual Taste of Smithtown 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Smithtown Children’s FoundationSmithtown’s civic, business and youth organizations pooled resources to deliver an enormously successful event to benefit The Smithtown Children’s Foundation, Smithtown Food Pantry and Gift of Life.  

Howard Essenfeld of the Senior Resources of Long Island stated this morning that the final numbers were not in but he estimated over 250 people were in attendance and over $5,000 of donated gift certificates and products were raffled.  Even those who did not walk away with a raffle prize left the event with an attitude of gratitude for all the effort and generosity displayed during this annual charitable gathering at Mercedes-Benz in Saint James. 

Jason from Towers FlowersEarly bird arrivals included team Elegant Eating led by co-owners Myra Naseem and Neil Shumer to do what they do best - set up, deliver food that tastes as good as it looks and break down.  Joining them was Jason from Towers Flowers of Nesconset who brought beauty to the event with fall flowers and his warm friendly smile. Representing Costco-Nesconset, Joanne Frishland and Joanne Durso were busy bees setting up refreshments and delivering baskets of goodies for raffle. 

In addition to the numerous gift cards, products, services and entertainment events donated from businesses in and near Smithtown, the Krantz family provided a remarkable amount of electronic appliances. Nancy Buzzetta and Bill Riedel of Mercedes-Benz not only graciously open their doors to host the event but provided the cherry on top – a Mercedes SLS 197 convertible fueled by tiny feet!  To help grow those tiny feet – The Kings Park Farmer’s Market supplied a bountiful gift basket over flowing with fresh local vegetables and homemade jams.

Smithtown’s youth contributed to last night’s success.  Smithtown High SchoolSmithtown Rotary sponsored Interact Club  East Chamber Orchestra made an appearance and Smithtown Rotary sponsored Interact Club provided helping hands where needed.  They were outstanding as was Miss Miss Teen NY Nikki OrlandoTeen New York, Nikki Orlando. 

The food was only out shined by the number of owners and chefs taking the time out to meet the people within the community.  Liz Keschl of Perfecto Mundo in Commack came through in the eleventh hour providing her delicious Latin fusion fare and friendliness.  Ben Schor from Main Street Meats teased the crowd with some holiday goodness – honey baked spiral cut ham and spaetzle.  Neil Shumer of Elegant Eating rolled up his sleeves to plate up open faced Banh-Mi style short rib sandwiches and warm autumn bisque. 

Team Moe’s spiced things up and is repeating their commitment to community next Thursday, Nov 21 as they join forces with Smithtown High School EastTeam Moe’s Southwest Grill DECA for a fundraising event. Give General Manager, Tracey Wilgenkamp at Moe’s Southwest Grill a call for details 631-360-MOES. 

Edible Arrangements - Stony BrookMost colorful display goes to …Edible Arrangements of Stony Brook.  While on the topic of displays… Florie’s Finales, Sweet Lucille’s, Crum Belle’s and Macayla Michaels Desserts tempted all of us into breaking our diets. They all succeeded.  

If that didn’t take the cake, John Harvard’s and Wolffer Vineyards were present for a tasting.  Prefer not to drink wine?  Frosae wine sorbae was there for the eating. 

On Site Body WorksThe above represents a small bite of the people and business that participated in last night’s event.  If all this seems overwhelming, guests did take a time out getting a chair massage from On Site Body Works. 

 See you there next year?