Nationally and internationally renowned chefs Floyd Cardoz, Ariane Duarte, Amanda Freitag and Carmen Quagliata have partnered with Newman Cares, Inc., a Verona-based charitable organization whose mission is to bring communities and neighbors together for a variety of worthy causes, to raise funds and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The chefs will pool their culinary talents for the “Dine 4 a Difference” charity dinner at Ariane Kitchen & Bar in Verona on Thursday, November 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
An advocate for suicide prevention amongst young adults, celebrated Indian-American Chef Floyd Cardoz, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters Season 3 and owner of casual-modern Indian restaurant, Paowalla – and a Verona resident, first developed the idea for the charity dinner, and enlisted the help of fellow friends and chefs. Celebrated chefs Ariane Duarte, whose restaurant, Ariane Kitchen & Bar, will serve as host of the dinner, Amanda Freitag of Chopped fame and Carmen Quagliata, executive chef of Union Square Café and Daily Provisions, have partnered with Newman Cares to create the Dine 4 a Difference concept as part of Verona’s commitment to suicide prevention and promotion of mental health.
“Watching an amazing community of chefs and vendors come together for this cause has been incredible,” said Cardoz. “We are so grateful to have so many partners participating and look forward to hosting this dinner for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is a cause that is very close to my heart, and being able to work alongside great chefs and friends like Ariane, Amanda and Carmen has been spectacular.”
The ticketed event will begin with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by a four-course sit-down dinner featuring dishes prepared by each chef. Wine will be served with dinner, and a cash bar will be available. Guests will also have the opportunity to win various prizes throughout the evening, including dinner for eight at Ariane Kitchen & Bar, dinner for four at Paowalla, a complimentary dinner and show at Papermill Playhouse, autographed cookbooks from Thomas Keller and more. The menu includes:
- Anson Mills Polenta, Kale Pesto and Mushroom Trifolati – prepared by Chef Carmen Quagliata
- Slow Cooked Halibut, with Crispy Rice Flakes and Sun-Dried Ginger Broth – prepared by Chef Floyd Cardoz
- Braised Short Ribs with Parsnip Puree, Greens and Crispy Shallots – prepared by Chef Ariane Duarte
- Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Cranberry Compote – prepared by Chef Amanda Freitag
“Helping Floyd, Newman Cares and The AFSP organize this event has been a pleasure,” said Duarte. “We are a close-knit community, and we are so proud to come together for such a worthy cause that is very much in need of increased awareness. As local residents and friends, working together to fundraise is one of the best parts of being a chef.”
Tickets to Dine 4 a Difference can be purchased online, and cost $150 each for bar seating and $200 each for general admission seating at a table. Sponsorship packages, which include a meet and greet with the chefs, sponsorship listing on the website, exclusive wines and a signed cookbook, are also available for purchase through the website.
Dine 4 a Difference is a Newman Cares, Inc. event. Newman Cares, Inc. is a recognized charitable organization that has coordinated and run music-based blockfests for various other large organizations for the past five years. Newman Cares, Inc. recently raised $10,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can learn more about Newman Cares, Inc. and its mission at https://www.newmancares.org/.
So nice to see our verona celebrity chefs get involved in such a worthy cause!