Long Island Food Critic

On Monday, November 10, 2008 The Carltun of Eisenhower Park hosted March of Dimes’ 11^th Annual Signature Chefs Auction. The event was well attended both by supporters and sponsors. Many local catering companies and restaurant sponsors brought samples to participate in Tiny Tastings for a Big Cause to benefit the March of Dimes.
American Classic Ice Cream brought a choice of mango or raspberry from their line of Fresh Fruit Sorbet, which was sweet, fresh and fruity. Café La Strada presented their Lamb Shank Ossobuco that fell off the bone, along with a broccoli rabe breaded sausage.

Roasted beet soup with sour cream was fashioned from the Classy Café booth (above left). E.B. Elliot’s of Freeport (above right) served Seared Sea Scallop and Pastrami on a bilini (mini pancake) with butternut squash and onion puree, which created a unique combination of texture with hard flat bread and tender scallops. Fiddleheads (below left), an American Fish House & Grill, offered guests lump crabmeat salad with avocado, mango and jalapeño vinaigrette – an excellent presentation and great taste.

Garden City Pizza and Catering does corporate catering from NYC to Montauk, as well as weddings, communions, etc. They even provide servers and bartenders upon request. At the event they had attendees taste Gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms, which were tender and had a nice mix between Gorgonzola and spinach. Mini pannini’s of mozzarella cheese, Portobello mushrooms and red peppers were also served. The mini rice balls were flavorful; the rice was soft, and the breading was delicious.

Tuna tartar was brought from Page One Restaurant (above left) that was very fresh and flavorful. Something Different Catering presented their Pork with Brie Apple Compote, which was very sweet, their Apple Pie, and Candie d Apples on very long sticks. Tesoro Ristorante (above right) wrapped pancetta around shrimp to create a delicious crunchy exterior. An amazing Prime Rib eye and butternut and lobster satay with a vanilla sage butter was served by 21 Main Prime Steakhouse (below left), which is owned by Gerard Scollan and located in West Sayville. Delicious pasta options of Angel Hair Pasta and Penne ala Vodka were presented by Zaro’s (below right)Café.

Beverage companies also made an appearance with a variety of tastings. The Blue Point Brewing Company brought a variety of their traditional and seasonal options. Boston Beer Company provided samples of Samuel Adams (below left). A representative from Orange Vodka (below middle) was making signature drinks, such as the White and Orange Cosmopolitan and the Orange Kiss. Real Coffee Roasters (below right) provided an excellent non-alcoholic option – Fresh Roasted espresso, sipping coco, and Italian Kiss (combination of the previous two). Of course those interested in alcohol could choose espresso martini or a sipping coco martini.

After all the delicious tasting, attendees were invited to sit down for dinner. During dinner the charity conducted a live auction. The runaway hit of the auction was a private dinner served by personal Chef Lance Kindberg. Live Auction Prizes included a New York Islander High Five Package, Troy Aikman autographed football, Eli Manning Autographed Giants Helmet, Golfing with Sports Legends, Color and Cut by stylist Oscar Blandi in his Madison Avenue Salon, Winery Tour at Waters Crest Winery, and many more. Overall, It was an evening of great food for a great cause.