Todd English, Hannah Bronfman and NY Socials at the Central Park Conservancy Bash

When the Central Park Conservancy holds its annual Taste of Summer benefit, it’s one of the greatest nights of the year for New York foodies 

This year the event, presented by Macquarie, drew over 800 guests for tastings and cocktails prepared by top New York chefs and mixologists. There was also a silent auction of luxury goods, and dancing and music by Hannah Bronfman. The benefit raised $930,000, with all proceeds directly supporting the Conservancy’s mission to keep Central Park in pristine and gorgeous condition.

So who was there? Event chairmne like Kelly and Joe Coffey, Kristy and Jonathan Korngold, Carol Sutton Lewis and William M. Lewis, Jr., Laurie and Jay Mandelbaum, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and Melissa Vail and Norman C. Selby, Other notables included Charles Altchek, Judy Hart Angelo, Paul Arnhold and Wes Gordon, Todd English, Marigay McKee and Bill Ford, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, Anne and Bill Harrison, Yaz Hernandez, Kim and Sean Klimczak, Amelia Ogunlesi, Michelle Marra and Jim Rizos, Alexandra and Alex Robertson, Paula Zahn, and Douglas Blonsky (President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy).

This year’s Taste Café host was The Plaza and famed chef and restaurateur Todd English was on hand to serve scrumptious dishes from The Plaza’s Todd English Food Hall. Additional restaurants that served savory bites under the Arcade of Bethesda Terrace included: A Voce Columbus, Aretsky’s Patroon, The Back Room, Benoit New York, Bodega Negra at Dream Downtown, Canard, Casa Lever, Delaware & Hudson, Felice, Junoon, Kappo Masa, The Loeb Boathouse Central Park, Maccioni Restaurants, Maya, The Milling Room, Pampano Restaurant, Petrossian, Porter House Bar and Grill, Ristorante Morini, Rotisserie Georgette, Sant Ambroeus, The Smith, Southgate Bar and Restaurant, Spice Market, Sushisamba, Tavern on the Green, Thalassa Restaurant, Toloache, Tulsi and Vandal.

There were plenty of desserts to tempt even the size 0s in the crowd provided by Añejo Tribeca, Bridgewater Chocolate, Canard Inc., Loi Estiatorio, Serendipity 3 and Sprinkles. Wines were donated by Kim Crawford, spirits by William Grant and Sons, beer by Brooklyn Brewery and coffee came from Illy Caffé. Event designer Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events created the gorgeous summery décor. 

About Central Park Conservancy: A nonprofit organization founded in 1980, the CPC works  to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park. The CPC raises 75 percent of the annual budget for keeping the Park beautiful.  For more information on the Conservancy go to:  www.centralparknyc.org.