Carol Kravitz went to the second annual “A Taste of Weehawken” event at Lincoln Harbor Plaza last Wednesday night with an open mind. As a food aficionado, Kravitz wanted to sample a bit of everything that was offered at the fundraising event for the Weehawken Free Public Library.
When the night was over, Kravitz was floored by the fine array of tasty cuisines offered. And much like a food critic would, Kravitz offered her opinions on the dishes served.
“The food was absolutely delicious,” Kravitz said. “Ruth’s Chris offered steak on garlic bread that was delightful. The sushi from Kawabae [on Boulevard East] was outstanding.”
But Kravitz gave her gold star of approval only to Matt Krimski and the Weehawken High School culinary department.
“They had chicken terrine and lobster sausage,” Kravitz said. “It was delicious and beautifully presented. It was glorious to look at. I was blown away, because I didn’t even know that the high school had such a program.”
Kravitz was not alone in her seal of approval. More than 350 people attended the scrumptious event that nearly raised $7,000 for the library, exceeding last year’s number of $5,000.
“It was bigger and run smoother,” said Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “People came from all over town, from all the different neighborhoods, from different walks of life, all to help the library. It was a casual, great night.”
More than 30 area restaurants and food preparation organizations donated their time, services, and, of course, culinary delights.
“And by the end of the evening, nothing was left over,” Turner said. “Everything was gone. I was impressed with the way everyone raved about the food. The vendors were just great and the staffs volunteered their time.”
The money raised will go toward cultural and historical programs for the library, as well as children’s activities.
“The money will be used to fill in the areas that township funds cannot cover,” Turner said. “It shows how much our library is becoming the key center of community life in the town.”
Resident Carmela Mezzina had a grand time, listening to the music provided by the Weehawken High School Jazz Ensemble, under the supervision of Steve Spinosa. “I loved the different kinds of food they had there,” Mezzina said. “I got to sample all the different kinds of restaurants in the area. It was very diversified.”
Both Kravitz and Mezzina agreed that the best part of the evening was the desserts from Ganache of Hoboken, located on the corner of 13th and Clinton streets (not Washington Street, as was incorrectly reported in last week’s editions).
“They were such exceptional desserts,” Kravitz said. “The chocolate ganache was wonderful.”
“The deserts were the best,” Mezzina said. “I never had anything like it.”
That has to be good news for Weehawken resident Keith Carpentier, the owner of the new dessert location in the mile square city.
Other people also raved about the camaraderie of the evening. “It was nice to see people that you don’t get to see so much,” Mezzina said. “People from all over town. Good people getting together for a good cause.”
Kravitz agreed. “I had such a good time seeing neighbors and friends. It’s really a nice thing to do for the library. I’m already looking forward to next year.”