This was a perfect way to add a little mellow to my energy.
Chairs Jeff Monacelli and Corrado Gigante were also happy, since the sold out crowd means their non-profit and beloved organization, the Glen Ridge Kiwanis, raised some serious money that will go to numerous worthy causes.
The first annual Kiwanis of Glen Ridge October Feast was a giant success, with over 200 happy guests and about 18 chefs/food venues on hand to wow the hungry crowd.
Fairway offered a wine tasting; a table of give-aways and all the fresh items needed to impress even the most finicky foodie, as Chef Jesse Jones whipped up a luscious entree of shrimp set upon a Harissa sauce and corn bread type of mixture - with a taste that was out of this world. It was layered simply yet perfectly upon the corn bread with a Fairway harissa/red pepper roulade. Wow!
Local Glen Ridge favorite Fitzgeralds 1928 did not disappoint either, with shrimp wrapped bacon that begged to be eaten, along with a dollop of a tasty and tangy Dijon mustard sauce, and served with a shot glass of creamy squash soup. This was Fall food done right.
From macaroni and cheese from Mac Attack to risotto seafood balls from Fin or a sausage meatloaf from Salute, to Greek Taverna to every kind of pasta and more, this was a tasting for the very hungry.
Even Java Love got into the spirit, with a cold brewed coffee cocktail, shaken with a spiced rum that had me smiling from ear to ear. Wow!
This was a perfect way to add a little mellow to my energy.
Chairs Jeff Monacelli and Corrado Gigante were also happy, since the sold out crowd means their non-profit and beloved organization, the Glen Ridge Kiwanis, raised some serious money that will go to numerous worthy causes.Some of the proceeds will go to the Glen Ridge Kiwanis Club scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors every year, chosen from a pool of teenagers who do community service. Another beneficiary is The Glen Ridge Key Club, a high school club that will donate 100 percent of their proceeds from October Feast to the Children’s Specialized Hospital, a pediatric rehabilitation hospital located in Mountainside, New Jersey. The club is also donating some of the proceeds to the “Eliminate Project”, an international campaign Kiwanis clubs are running to help reduce maternal and neo-natal tetanus in 3rd world countries that kills both mothers and infants. Their ambitious plan, working with partner Unicef, is to give 400 million tetanus shots worldwide within 5 years.
Expect this event to become a staple every fall. Not too big, not too small and truly just right - there was something for everyone at this inaugural October Feast in Glen Ridge.
Restaurants, Chefs, Market and Beverages List at October Feast 2014
Chef Jesse Jones
Egan & Sons
Fairway Market
Fin Rawbar and Kitchen
Fitzgerald's 1928
Fricassée French Bistro
Greek Taverna
Halcyon Brasserie
La Couronne Restaurant
Mac Attack Gourmet Cheesery
Nanina's In The Park
R. Violante & Son
Salute Bistro
Stamna Greek Taverna
Town Pub
Desserts
Jarets Stuffed Cupcakes
Miss Nicky's Gourmet Toffee
Beverages
Fairway Wines
Glen Ridge Home Brewers Association
Java Love Coffee Roasting Co.
Jersey Artisan Distilling
