Press Release
On Wednesday, June 6, the Central Park Conservancy kicked off summer in Central Park with its annual Taste of Summer benefit at the Park’s iconic Bethesda Terrace. More than 800 friends of the Conservancy enjoyed an evening under the stars with delectable food and seasonal cocktails from some of New York City’s best restaurants. Generously supported by the event’s presenting sponsor, Macquarie, the benefit raised $900,000 in support of the Conservancy’s mission to restore, maintain, and enhance Central Park.
“Taste of Summer is one of the Conservancy’s most popular events, and a great start to the summer season. Terrific food in an iconic location is a hard combination to beat!” said Elizabeth W. Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “We are always grateful for the generous support of those attending this wonderful evening, and we appreciate the fantastic restaurants who make it possible.”
Event Chairmen Kelly and Joe Coffey, Kristy and Jonathan Korngold, Laurie and Jay Mandelbaum, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and Melissa Vail and Norman C. Selby were joined by notable attendees including Chef Todd English, Anne Harrison, Gillian Hearst, Tracey and Craig Huff, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Thomas L. Kempner, Jr. & Katheryn C. Patterson, Alexia Leuschen, Shawn Lytle, Pamela Schein Murphy and Chef Marc Murphy, Fiona and Eric Rudin, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Elizabeth W. Smith and John Stossel.
The Plaza hosted the Taste Café and served bites from Café D’Avignon, CPS events at The Plaza, Doughnuttery, The Eloise Boutique, Frannie’s YoArt ‘Frozen Yogurt Boutique’, Lady M Cake Boutique, Ora di Pasta, Oysters XO, The Palm Court, Pizza Rollio, Sabi Sushi, Todd English at The Plaza, and William Greenberg Desserts. Featured restaurants included Amali, Canard, Inc., DaDong, ilili, Junoon, Kingsley, The Loeb Boathouse Central Park, Loi Estiatorio, Ristorante Morini, Rotisserie Georgette, Sauvage, Serendipity 3, Shake Shack, The Stanton Social, Tavern on the Green, Thalassa, Toloache, and The Wayfarer to name a few. Guests sipped fresh cocktails from William Grant & Sons, wine from 90+ Cellars, and beer from Brooklyn Brewery. Guests also enjoyed a luxury-filled silent auction sponsored by Discovery Land Company, dancing, and music by DJ Chelsea Leyland.