Clara Maass Puts On 'Tasteful Experience' To Benefit Children's Center

Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation’s signature fall event A Tasteful Experience will be Monday at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange. 

Funds raised at this year’s event will benefit the Medical Center’s Child Life Program which helps children and their families cope with illness and hospitalization.

In addition to the event supporting pediatric services that improve the quality of life for children in need of medical care, A Tasteful Experience has repeatedly showcased the best food and wine in New Jersey to large audiences of philanthropic and influential guests.

“We are delighted that there will be so many outstanding participants at this year’s event,” said Jane Newman Kessler, vice president of Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation. “Guests who attend this year’s event can expect an evening chock full of exceptional food and libation.”

Food and wine aficionados can attend the main event beginning at 7 p.m. for $110.  For the VIP Experience, guests can purchase a ticket for $200, which offers early admission at 6 p.m. and a luxury swag bag.

To purchase tickets, visit www.claramaassfoundation.org or call 973-450-2251 for more information. 

The evening features more than 40 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers and purveyors of spirits who donate their time, talent and delicious product to benefit Clara Maass. 

Among the culinary delights will be Italian, French, Peruvian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and continental cuisines. 

Representing some of the finest wines will be CMMC Trustee, Sommelier and Proprietor of Amanti Vino in Montclair Sharon Sevrens.

Sevrens has been a loyal supporter of A Tasteful Experience since 2005, and brings a passion for hand-selected artisanal wines from around the world. 

In addition, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, New York’s wildly popular micro-distillery, will be a participant. The Distillery is co-owned by Jeremy Kidde, whose grandfather, John F. Kidde, was a hospital trustee and leader in the $2.8 million campaign in 1948 to relocate Newark’s Lutheran Memorial Hospital, build it in Belleville and rename it Clara Maass Hospital. 

David Bowler Wine, Michael Skurnik Wines, Polaner Selections, Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Sussex Wine & Spirits, T. Edward Wines, New Jersey Beer Co., Hunterdon Brewing Co. and Opici Family Bourbon Distributors will also be at this year’s Tasteful Experience.

NJ Monthly's Top 25 Winners, CulinAriane and Fascino will be participating, as well as many other award winning restaurants, including: Osteria Giotto, Costanera Cocina Peruana, Café Matisse, Fin Raw Bar and Kitchen, Pleasantdale Chateau, Senorita’s Mexican Grill, Nanina’s in the Park, Strip House and Toscania Trattoria.