Taste - and support - Red Hook

Photo by Bess Adler

By Joe Anuta

It’s not often you can feel good about yourself after a round of binge eating — but at the Taste of Red Hook fundraiser on Oct. 6, you can stuff your gut in the name of charity.

Organizers will bring Red Hook’s best food offerings into a spacious art gallery, plus items from local businesses for auction, performances by renowned resident musicians, and booze from local microbreweries.

“There will be a huge variety — everything from food vendors to upscale dining,” said Jill Eisenhard, director of Red Hook Initiative, the charity that benefits from the event.

There will also be a variety of old and new, with neighborhood stalwarts such as Hope and Anchor Bar, the always-intoxicating Sixpoint Craft Ales, and of course, sandwiches from Defonte’s.

But there will also be the “newcomers,” such as Baked, The Good Fork, and Home/Made Wine Bar.

The only person from outside the neighborhood might be the special guest, Sam Talbot from the program “Top Chef,” who will be preparing a special meal.

Eisenhard can guarantee delicious food. She can also guarantee that every penny will go to Red Hook Initiative, since all the food and décor is donated by the community.

“This year, we’ve only spent $75 on the festival,” Eisenhard said, mentioning that $25,000 was raised for education and health programs last year. 

Taste of Red Hook at Kidd Yellin Gallery [133 Imlay St. between Pioneer and Verona streets in Red Hook, (917) 860-1147], Oct. 6, 6–9 pm. Tickets, $100. For info, visit www.rhicenter.org.