Almost 50 Island restaurants will take part in
the annual fund-raiser set for March 29 at the college
Chefs participating in the 2003 Taste of the Mediterranean at the
College of Staten Island (CSI) will hop-scotch the entire
Mediterranean region when deciding on the specialty foods they'll
present at the March 29 event.
The annual "Taste" benefit will begin at 6 p.m. in the college's
Campus Center.
Almost 50 Staten Island restaurants, bakeries and catering
facilities will offer samples of dishes typically found in Italy,
Spain, Greece and other countries bordering the Mediterranean. A
decor in red, white, blue and green will carry out the theme and
help define the colorful Mediterranean area. In addition, students
enrolled in CSI's music program will provide background music
typical of the various countries.
Previously restricted to "A Taste of Italy," the name and concept
for the event was broadened in recent years to take in the many
cooking styles found in the Mediterranean region.
"The alumni and committee members look forward to the Taste of the
Mediterranean," said Francine Raggi, CSI's director of alumni
relations. "It offers them the opportunity to volunteer their time
for a worthy cause -- providing scholarships for deserving students
who attend the College of Staten Island."
Ms. Raggi described the food-tasting benefit as "an informal, fun
evening." "Getting away from the title, 'A Taste of Italy,' brings
more ethnicity to the program, and this year, we're happy about the
number of different groups that have become involved."
Over 200 people are expected to attend, and 50 volunteers have
agreed to give their time to once again make the evening both a
social and financial success.
Many of the restaurants participating in the tasting benefit will
showcase some of their menu specialties. Chef Ted Nicholas of
LaSabia Restaurant in South Beach, for example, plans to catch the
attention of guests with his own signature dishes, including Ravioli
in a Lobster Bisque Sauce topped with Grilled Shrimp and Chicken
Sorrentino, his interpretation of a classic item, featuring
mushrooms, chicken and prosciutto in Sherry wine sauce.
"I like to mix the Old World with the New World," said Nicholas.
"The ravioli is my own dish, something new to Staten Island."
Joe Pappalardo, owner of Joe and Pat's, Castleton Corners, plans to
prepare Cavatelli with Broccoli as well as his version of Lasagna.
"Both dishes are delicious, and they appeal to everyone," he said,
adding, that his choices will stand up well throughout the two-hour
event.
Longtime CSI Alumni Association volunteer Brian Michaelson, customer
relations coordinator with the United States Postal Service on
Staten Island, is chairman, while James McBratney, proprietor of
Jimmy Max in Westerleigh and the Parsonage in Historic Richmond
Town, will serve as honorary chairperson. McBratney, who has been
involved in community service projects on Staten Island for more
than 15 years, also is president of the Staten Island Restaurant and
Tavern Association.
Sponsored by the College of Staten Island Alumni Association, the
event is open to the public with tickets selling for $32 per person.
For reservations and additional information, call 718-982-2290.
