The 5th Annual JOCEF’s “Recipe for Success” gala will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Navesink Country Club, 50 Luffburrow Lane, Middletown and will feature the Jersey Shore’s Best Restaurants and create scholarships! The Joe Romanowski Culinary Education Foundation was established in the memory of chef Joseph Romanowski who mentored and nurtured many of the Jersey Shore’s finest up-and coming chefs. Romanowski was chef and owner at his highly acclaimed restaurants, Joe and Maggie’s Bistro in Long Branch and Bay Ave Trattoria in Highlands.
Staff that once worked with Joe Romanowski will be featured at JOCEF’s 5th annual “Recipe for Success” (L-R) Standing – Drew Araneo, Mike Maxwell, Erik Weatherspool. Seated Rick Willgerodt, Maggie Lubcke, Chris Atamian, Karen Farrell.
Funds raised are awarded as scholarships to students at the Culinary Education Center, a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocational School District. Since the nonprofit was formed in 2014, JOCEF has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships.
Bob Sickles hosting the rare wines by the glass table at “Recipe for Success”
“Recipe for Success” is an evening that features tastings from over 20 of the Jersey Shore’s best restaurants, samples of beer, wine and spirits, an oyster bar, the opportunity to taste rare wines by the glass and live, silent and chance auctions. Big Joe Henry of New Jersey 101.5 will once again be the emcee for the evening.
In honor of the five-year anniversary of Recipe for Success, chefs that worked with Joe Romanowski at his restaurants will be grouped together and will present dishes that represent their experiences cooking with Joe. Drew Araneo, Ryan Strubbe and Erik Weatherspool worked at Joe and Maggie’s Bistro. Chris Atamian and Karen Farrell worked at Bay Ave Trattoria.
Students from the Culinary Education Center will assist the chefs at their stations and present a tasting station to represent the school.
Participating Restaurants & Businesses:
2nd Floor Restaurant
B2 Bistro & Bar
Blu Grotto
Cafe Mumford’s
Culinary Education Center
Danny’s Steakhouse
d’jeet?
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro
Guaranteed Plants & Florist
Lusty Lobster
Piccola Italia
Porcini
Raven & the Peach
Salt Creek Grille
Semolina Catering
Sickles Market
The Vintage Cake
Trama’s Trattoria
Tuzzio’s
Val’s Tavern
Ye Olde Pie Shoppe
Yumi
Wine, Beer & Spirit Tastings by:
Astral TequilaConstellation Brands
Folio Fine Wine Partners
J Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Opici Wine Group
Shore Point Distributors
Stateside Vodka
Auction Items Include:
Dinner for 8 courtesy of Salt Creek Grille
Sunday Cocktail Party for 10 courtesy of Danny’s Steakhouse
Sunset Cruise to Nowhere courtesy of Captain Doug Douty
Custom Men’s Suit courtesy of Michael Duru Clothiers
“Wagon of Cheer” Cooler of Premium Liquor courtesy of Fedway
Gift Certificate Tree – A beautiful tropical plant laden with gift certificates from the best restaurants at the Jersey Shore!
“Cooler of Deliciousness” Premium Seafood and Meats
courtesy of Tiger’s Tale Restaurant and Lusty Lobster
“Cooking with Joe” Basket – recipes and cookware courtesy of JOCEF
Wine Pull
50/50
More information, sponsorship opportunities and tickets: www.culinaryjoe.org
Participating Restaurants & Businesses:
Follow JOCEF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @JOCEFNJ
Photo credits: James Connolly