Gala In The Garden

"Gala In The Garden" is a celebration conceived by Chef Colin Ambrose to give back to the community as well as honor his dear friend, the late Chef Gerry Hayden, and their mutual passion for Slow Food. The gala, which is hosted by Chef Ambrose, Jessica Ambrose, and Estia's Little Kitchen, will take place at Estia's in Sag Harbor on Saturday, September 10, raising money for ALS Ride for Life in honor of Chef Hayden, Slow Food East End, and Project Most. As Chef Hayden battled ALS, Ride for Life provided him with care and support. The Slow Food movement influenced Chef Hayden's cooking and his decision to open the North Fork Table & Inn in 2006. Chef Hayden was a three-time James Beard Award nominee. In the 90's he worked at restaurants in The Hamptons such as Della Femina and East Hampton Point. He went on to work in New York City at the River Cafe as well as Amuse and Aureole. In 2006, along with wife, acclaimed pastry chef Claudia Fleming, he opened North Fork Table & Inn. The North Fork Table & Inn went on to be known as one of the top restaurants on the East End. The evening will begin in Estia's beautiful garden with music, elegant hors d'oeuvres, wine, and craft beer. Following cocktials in the garden, guests will sit down to a festive multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Ambrose and Chef Paul Del Favero of Harbor Market & Kitchen in Sag Harbor. The intimate dinner is limited to 100 guests. Guests will enjoy local ingredients prepared by two of the East End's remarkable chefs. During the evening Slow Food East End will honor its founders who started the movement back in 2004: Ted Conklin, Mary and Tom Morgan, and Kate Plumb. Expect an evening of handcrafted food and beverages, the excitement and fun of a wine auction, and the chance to celebrate the best of the East End while raising awareness and funds. The wine auction will consist of collectable, autographed wine bottles donated from top restaurants and chefs such as Sylvain Delpique of 21 Club, Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group, Joe Realmuto of Nick & Toni's, Tom Colicchio of Crafted Hospitality, Michael Rozzi of 1770 House, Charlie Palmer of Aureole, John Delucie of Bedford & Co., and many more. Over 20 wineries will donate wine bottles for the acution as well, including Bedel Cellars, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, Raphael, Shinn Estate Vineyards, and Sparkling Pointe. Slow Food is a non-profit, member-supported organization that advocates for healthy food produced with minimal damage to the environment. The East End Chapter, encompassing the North and South Forks, is part of the global Slow Food network of over 100,000 members in more than 150 countries. Through a vast volunteer network of local chapters, youth and food communities, Slow Food links the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible. Tickets are $350 per person. Advanced Tickets are required. Visit www.slowfoodeastend.org.