Best Buddies Pennsylvania is hosting their third annual TasteBuds event on Monday, November 5 – and you’re invited to join in on the fun!
The organization pairs some of Pittsburgh’s best chefs with people with intellectual disabilities, or “buddies,” acting as their sous chef as they work together to prepare signature dishes for the tasting event.
Guests will enjoy bites from more than 20 stellar Pittsburgh chefs and restaurants, including Kate Lasky of APTEKA, Csilla Thackery of The Vandal, Kevin Sousa from Superior Motors, Pete Tolman of Iron Born Pizza and more.
The event also features a full open bar, live entertainment, and a silent auction, which will benefit Best Buddies Friendship programs for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Not only does the event raise money for the organization (last year’s TasteBuds raised a record $120,000 for Best Buddies Pennsylvania), but it also serves as a foundation for creating relationships between “buddies” and Pittsburgh chefs, with many of the pairings continuing for the event year after year, including four-time James Beard Foundation award nominee Justin Severino of Cure and Morcilla, who has been paired for the second year in a row with Abby Molinaro.
“Working in the kitchen and cooking with someone is a great way to connect and build a friendship,” Severino says. “Abby brings an amazing attitude and fun to the kitchen. I don’t just look forward to the night of the event, but all the prep and time we spend together planning our meal. It’s one of the highlights of my year.”
Tickets to the event, which will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., are $100 per person, and include all food and drinks.
The full list of participating chefs and restaurants includes:
- Kate Lasky, APTEKA
- Justin Steel, Bar Marco
- Robert ‘RC’ Carter, Cioppino
- Dominique Carnovale Metcalf, David L. Lawrence Convention Center
- Chad Townsend, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Meghann Walsh, Osteria 2350
- Nick Mineo, Sausalido
- Jeff Maag, Eddie Merlot’s
- Kevin Sousa, Superior Motors
- Derek Stevens, Union Standard
- Csilla Thackery, The Vandal
- Justin Severino, Cure and Morcilla
- Alex Balint, Twelve Whiskey & BBQ
- Steve Lanzilotti, Talia Cucina & Rosticceria
- Matt Stover, Il Pizzaiolo
- Niven Sabherwal, Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange
- Adam and Diane Kucenic, Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
- Jessica Lewis, Merchant Oyster Company
- Joey Hilty, Joey’s Snack Bar
- Phillip Milton, HOME
- Pete Tolman, Iron Born
- Scott Walton, Acorn
- Greta Harmon, Willow
- Andrew Stump, Madeleine Bakery & Bistro
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the event page.
Want to find out how you can win tickets to the event? Head to Good Food Pittsburgh’s Instagram page to learn more!
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