NEW YORK-JUNE 3: TASTE OF SUMMER 2009 To Benefit CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Naumburg Bandshell (Mid-Park at 72nd Street), New York City, NY. More than 900 New Yorkers kicked off the hottest season in Central Park at Taste of Summer on June 3. The Central Park Conservancy’s sizzling benefit transformed the Naumburg Bandshell. The event featured savory dishes, dancing under the stars and a luxury auction. Restaurant highlights included: Gordon Ramsay's smoked kingfish; tuna sashimi with sea urchin from the Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room; ocean-fresh hamachi from Laurent Tourondel’s BLT Market and pea pancakes whipped up by Bill Telepan’s Upper West Side Eatery. A VIP Café area – hosted by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group-– offered tastes from some of New York City’s most beloved and highly acclaimed restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, Blue Smoke & Jazz Standard, Shake Shack, The Modern, Café 2, Terrace 5 and Hudson Yards Catering, USHG’s catering and events business. Danny, his restaurants, and his talented teams have earned an unprecedented 19 James Beard Awards. Each Union Square Hospitality Group restaurant is renowned for its unparalleled cuisine and warm hospitality. Guests had the rare opportunity to taste all of these celebrated eateries. Event Chairs: Jay Mandelbaum and Norman Selby. Host Committee: The host committee included Rebecca Campbell, Dawne Marie Grannum, Kristy & Jonathan Korngold, Sandra Lee, Johanna & Frederic Levy, Danny Meyer, Gillian Miniter, B. Smith, Connie Anne Phillips and Susan Shin. Guests included: Danny Meyer, Sandra Lee, Tom Kempner, Jay Mandelbaum, Norm Selby, Gillian & Sylvester Miniter, Alexandra Lebenthal, Suzanne & Bob Cochran, Alison Brod, Liz Lange, Frederick Anderson & Douglas Hannant, Alison Minton, Christine Cachot, Clementine Crawford, Dolly Lenz, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe ...and many more... DJ Tom Finn of TOPSPIN Entertainment kept the crowd dancing into the night. The evening’s signature cocktail, Sip of Summer, was by Sandra Lee. Special thanks to Bally, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Antinori Wines, Ed Libby & Company, Estrella Damm Lager, GuS – Grown-up Soda, Jose Cuervo and VOSS Artesian Water from Norway. The ultimate coffee experience was provided by Nespresso. About: The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 as a public-private partnership with the City of New York. The Conservancy raises 85% of Central Park’s annual $27 million operating budget and is responsible for the maintenance and management of the Park. PHOTO CREDIT:Copyright ©Manhattan Society.com 2009 by Christopher London | tel: Private |e-mail: ChrisLondon@manhattansociety.com PLEASE NOTE: More photos, notes and id's to come later this evening