Patrons and friends of the Central Park Conservancy enjoyed culinary tastings from some of New York City’s best restaurants at its annual Taste of Summer benefit event. The festive evening, presented by Northern Trust and held at the iconic Bethesda Terrace, raised over $1.4M - a new event record - to support the Conservancy’s critical work to restore, maintain, and enhance Central Park, 365 days a year.
Honorary Chairs Laurie & Jay Mandelbaum, Gillian & Sylvester Miniter, Melissa Vail & Norman C. Selby, were joined by Event Chairs Aileen & Chris Bruner, Pakhi & David Eder, Mo Sakurai & Harry Taylor, and guests including Tom Kempner, Chair of the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees, along with Rick Cotton, Gillian Hearst, Deputy Mayor of Operations Julia Kerson, Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Susan Magrino, Carol Sutton Lewis, William Lewis, Merryl Tisch, James Tisch, Beth Wilf, and more.
As the nonprofit organization responsible for the management and care of Central Park, the Conservancy oversees every aspect of the Park’s operations across its 843 acres, including horticulture and landscaping, preservation of historic structures, public programming, and more. Funds raised through Taste of Summer directly support this essential work, helping to ensure the Park remains beautiful, safe, and welcoming for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Over 900 guests gathered under the spectacular archways of the Arcade – the Park’s architectural showpiece - for the summer soirée that featured diverse culinary delights, cocktails, and music. Guests sipped on spirits by Pernod Ricard USA, wines from 90+ Cellars, and beer provided by Peroni.
“Central Park and New York City’s restaurants are both deeply woven into the fabric of City life, bringing people together and creating moments of connection and joy,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “Taste of Summer celebrates that shared spirit while supporting the essential work of the Conservancy to keep the Park thriving every day of the year.”
Conservancy members and their guests enjoyed gourmet samplings from over three dozen of New York City’s most renowned restaurants, including: Apertivo by Carta, Bangkok Supper Club, Beefbar NYC, Brasserie Cognac, Breads Bakery, Bridgewater Chocolate, ByClio Bakery, Canard, Inc., Central Park Boathouse, Chama Mama, Covacha, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, El Mitote, Ella Social, Fish Cheeks, Hawksmoor, HEYTEA, ilili Restaurant NYC, Le Botaniste, Limusina, Marlow East, Maya, Melba's, Nom Wah, Parla, RAS Plant Based, RedFarm, The Ribbon, Salt & Straw, Serafina, Serendipity 3, The Smith, Soso's, Sugar Hill Creamery, Tavern on the Green, Tommy Bahama, Twin Tails, Unglo, and William Poll Gourmet Foods.
Amalfi Coast-inspired décor created by Katalyst Productions set the atmosphere, while DJ Alex Delany brought attendees to the dance floor with lively music.
As one of the Conservancy’s signature annual fundraising events, Taste of Summer brings together supporters and restaurateurs in celebration of Central Park’s enduring role as New York City’s backyard. Proceeds from the evening help fund the Conservancy’s year-round operations and long-term restoration projects, ensuring the Park continues to serve future generations.
Image credit: Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com and Madison Voelkel/BFA.com
