summer by the sea

On June 9, 2014 Summer by the Sea, the 29th Annual Chefs' Tribute to Citymeals on Wheels raised $820,000 for Citymeals – enough to prepare and deliver 127,725 meals to homebound elderly New Yorkers.

Rockefeller Center Plaza was transformed into a seaside getaway by renowned architect David Rockwell. Nearly fifty of the world’s most renowned chefs prepared a coastal-themed tasting menu for more than 1,100 business leaders, gourmet enthusiasts, food industry trendsetters, socialites, and young professionals. The event featured extraordinary cuisine, signature cocktails from top spirit sponsors, stellar wines from notable wineries, live music and dancing.

Participating chefs included: Michael Anthony, Jarett Appell, Eric Basulto, Jonathan Benno and Richard Capizzi, Matteo Bergamini, Daniel Boulud and Travis Swikard, Justin Cogley, Leah Cohen, Scott Conant, Ben Conniff, Franck Deletrain, Richard Diamonte, Matthew Dillon, Jose Enrique, Bobby Flay, Larry Forgione, Marc Forgione, Jason Fox, Yuhi Fujinaga and Michael Gabriel, Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier, Stephanie Izard, Matthew Jennings, Elizabeth Karmel, Craig Koketsu, Nobu Matsuhisa, Laurie Jon Moran, Charlie Palmer and Marcus Gleadow-Ware, Francois Payard, Alfred Portale, Antonio Prontelli, Alexandro Reyes, Ted Rozzi, Dan Silverman, Joachim Splichal, Ari Taymor, Bill Telepan, Silvana Vivoli, Michael Voltaggio, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jonathan Waxman, Jennifer Yee and Damon Wise, and Sang Yoon.

Citymeals Executive Director Beth Shapiro explained, "This event raised critical funds that will help us deliver thousands of meals to our most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you to all of the chefs who made Summer by the Sea a remarkable success. Special thanks go to Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, our Grand Host for the evening. I’d also like to thank Event Chairs Ninah and Michael Lynne, Laura and John Pomerantz, Randi and Dennis Riese, Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, as well as Beverage Chairs Audrey Saunders and Daniel Johnnes."

"Patina Restaurant Group is proud to host this annual feast at Rockefeller Center on behalf of all the frail aged New Yorkers Citymeals serves each year," Valenti commented.

Major sponsors included Patina Restaurant Group, The M.O. & M.E. Hoffman Foundation and the Riese Organization. Citymeals Official Sponsors are American Airlines and FIJI Water. Other sponsors included ARC, Bedell, Belvedere Vodka, Bernardaud, Citadelle Gin, Courvoisier, Duane Reade Charitable Foundation, Lexus, Loews Regency, Luxury Worldwide Transportation, NBC 4 New York, Rockwell Group, Saks Fifth Avenue, Specialty Food Association, Travelers, UNIMAC Graphics, Wild Turkey^® Bourbon, and Zacapa Rum.

See photos from the event.