Seventh grader Adriana Politis donned a chef’s jacket to make her professional cooking debut last week, serving up fresh salads and her family’s famous meatballs to the crowds of foodies at the 10th Annual “A Taste of Weehawken” fundraiser on Tuesday. Adriana and her father, George, were letting guests sample dishes from the family’s Guttenberg-based Italian restaurant GP’s.
The annual event welcomed 26 area restaurants and nearly 500 guests for an evening of food and fun that raised approximately $12,000 for the Weehawken Free Public Library. The money will help sustain children’s activities in particular.
“I really wanted to come,” Adriana said, adding that she enjoyed helping her dad and checking out the delicious foods on display from all the participants.
“It’s a little different every year.” – Elia Roderick
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Helping out
Weehawken residents Kyrene Friedhoff and Michael Bailey pitched in by helping their friend Richard Seidenberg, the owner of Red House Roasters in Union City, give samples of his international array of coffee.
“He needed help,” said Friedhoff. “And it’s for a great cause.”
Michael Mullins, a resident of Weehawken and the manager of Turning Point in Hoboken, brought his culinary prowess to “Taste” by working the table for Paula at Rigoletto. He and restaurant owner Paula Frasier dished out penne vodka with parmesan and pancetta, cavatelli with broccoli rabe and asiago cheese, and tortellini with veal Bolognese.
The crowd’s response to Paula’s pasta favorites was so good that they were the first table to close up for the night after dishing out all they had.
High school is a hit
Attendees throughout the “Taste” agreed the table they always look forward to visiting is the one hosted by Weehawken High School.
This year, the students served chocolate manicotti and lobster pierogies, a menu created by foods teacher Allan Hecht and guest chef for the evening Michael Fiorentine.
Kyran Guerra, a senior at WHS, was sautéing with sass for the second year in a row. Guerra said the event is a great opportunity to meet new people, help out, and make guests happy with good food.
As he decides on a career path, Guerra said the event also helps him to understand the ups and downs of the industry.
Hecht, who chooses kids from his elective classes to attend each year, agreed. He said the opportunity teaches the students how to work under stress and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
“These are the students that have done the best for me all year,” said Hecht. “They’re all team players.”
Favorites
Attendees lined up around the Atrium for a taste of fresh guacamole from Charrito’s, frozen lattes from Ben and Jerry’s featuring a “secret, fair trade extract,” and a full-scale wine tasting hosted by Giannone Wine and Liquor Co.
Elia Roderick of Weehawken said she most enjoyed the offerings from Touch of Spice, Lorraine’s Table, and the high school.
“It’s a little different every year,” said Roderick. “I really enjoy coming here. It’s such a good cause, we have a beautiful library.”
For her friend, Claudia Pastrana of Union City, the best taste of the night was a sandwich from Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Pastrana said she was inspired by how many residents came out to support the event.
From the art
“It’s one of the best nights we’ve had yet,” said Mayor Richard Turner. He added that it was wonderful that the community came out to raise money, even during tough times.
Turner also gave special recognition to Anna Yglesias, the artist who has done the promotional artwork for the event every year.
Yglesias, who now lives in Montvale, said she was happy to have the opportunity to donate her work to help her family’s hometown.
As part of the festivities this year, several donated prizes were raffled off, including dinner and hotel certificates, and a chef’s jacket signed by Hoboken’s Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bake Shop and “Cake Boss” fame.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.