First Annual Taste Of Tuckahoe

Originally Posted: May 09, 2011

Judy Klinghoffer and James R. West (Owner and Franchisee), Arthur Murray Dance Studio. (Vanessa Pinto)

Southampton - On Friday, April 29, 2011 The Tuckahoe Common School Parent-Teacher Organization hosted a networking event titled "Taste of Tuckahoe," hosted by "Iron Chef America's" judge Karine Backhoum.

Many local restaurants, wineries and breweries came to the event to show their support, while serving a delicious array of food, wines and cocktails, in addition to a cash bar featuring their specialty cocktail, "Tiger's Blood." Examples of hor d'ouveres served included succulent ribs from Rumba, Tostadas and tamales from DeJesus Deli and Grocery, and pasta dishes from La Parmigiana.

Executive chefs and business owners were on-hand to answer any questions about their business or to simply converse with guests. Local retail shops and organizations such as the Southampton Animal Shelter also came to show their support for this unique event as well as the Hamptons community. The purpose of the event was to raise money for the Tuckahoe School PTO. The event was an huge success.

Karine Backhoum, "Iron Chef America" Judge and Taste of Tuckahoe Host. (Vanessa Pinto)

Rumba of Hampton Bays' Executive Chef, David Hersh, relayed how important this event is for the community, "It is an excellent fundraiser meant to bring the community together and raise money for a great school." He also added that he became involved with the event through Backhoum, who he knew as a guest at Rumba. Rumba serves island inspired cuisine and serves a "Rum Punch Brunch" every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. featuring a live steel drum band.

Donald Sullivan, the owner and president of the Southampton Publick House, explained how he wishes do to every charity event he is able to in the Hamptons. "Our goal is to support our local community," Jiudice said. The restaurant also does licensed beverage services through their beverage catering company, Hamptons Barkeep.

Guests of all ages danced the night away to a Disc Jockey/Master of Ceremonies, and with professional dancers from the Arthur Murray School of Dance in Southampton.

Justine Charos, an ESL teacher at Tuckahoe School, and Kristen Leuzze-Quinn, The Pampered Chef. (Vanessa Pinto)

Delectable desserts were served by Mommy Lou's Cheesecake and Blue Duck Bakery Café, among other talented caterers and restaurants. During the event, there was a silent auction, a Chinese auction and a raffle for the chance to win one of several gift baskets donated by Tuckahoe community members, families and students.

Backhoum was very pleased with the success of "Taste of Tuckahoe." "I see this event growing in momentum for the future. There is a great deal of parental involvement and restaurant involvement. There was an extensive amount of organic outreach through the restaurants within the community. This event will definitely happen again in the future." This also reflects the organic efforts of the Tuckahoe Common School, where Chef Matthew Doris cooks and prepares organic meals for the students. The school also has an organic garden.

The event was held at 230 Elm Street. The Tuckahoe Common School educates children beginning in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

For more information on the Tuckahoe Common School District go to www.tuckahoe.k12.ny.us.