Culinary and Wine Tasting Event Coming to Asbury Park

Chef's Extraordinaire, an event that has drawn a huge crowd for several years, is moving to Asbury Park and takes place on April 6th. Here's why you'll love this incredible night out.

Chef's Extraordinaire is a Culinary & Wine Tasting event that features an even better array of restaurants this year, along with exceptional wines, beer, and delicious desserts from great places in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. It takes place at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on Thursday, April 6th, from 6 pm - 10 pm.

This year 28 restaurants and their chefs have put together recipes honoring a child who has lost a loved one. One child or teen worked with each of these chefs personally to come up with a dish in remembrance of the person they lost in their lives. And now you'll get to sample them all!

This, of course, is because the money raised at Chef's Extraordinaire is going to support Common Ground Grief Center, a special place in Manasquan for teens, children, and their families to gather, free of charge, to help in the healing process after losing a loved one.

For a young person who has lost a sibling, parent, relative, or best friend, this service is invaluable and very necessary. And when you attend Chefs Extraordinaire, you will get to meet some of the teens who have been a part of Common Ground and hear their stories.

In fact, the event will be Co-Hosted by two of the amazing teens (Peter and Andrea) that have attended Common Ground in their quest for healing. They are incredible young adults that I have had the honor of coaching (on the art of hosting/public speaking) and I just know that they will be incredible as they guide you through an evening of fine food, wine, beer, desserts, and some stories that you will never forget.

I can't think of a better cause and a nicer evening out. I have loved being involved with this non-profit that is actively helping teens and kids in ways that not many others can.

Some of the restaurants and eateries involved in Chefs Extraordinaire include Brandl, Arugula, Prime 13, Jersey Shore BBQ, Catch of Red Bank, Local Urban Kitchen, Blend on Main, Poached Pear Bistro, and Esposito's...and desserts from SWEET! along with six other delectable dessert places, and some of the leading brands of exceptional wines!

This year's Honoree will be Peter Grandich, who is devoted to giving back to our community. And he is bringing with him three special guest athletes that you may know:  Jeff Feagles (former NY Giant), Grant Marshall (former NJ Devil) and Keith Elias (former NY Giant). There will be a silent auction full of sports memorabilia, plus some wonderful gift baskets and items for women.

Tickets in advance are $125 each, or 2 tickets for $200. Tickets will be available at the door for $135. Turnpike Mike will provide the musical entertainment, and there will be a fashion show from The Bee.

For more info or to get advanced tickets, CLICK HERE!

You also have until March 31st to order a gorgeous 'legacy globe' that will hang on special trees during the event and that you can take home afterwards in remembrance of a loved one you have lost. CLICK HERE to order.

For more info on Common Ground Grief Center and the services they offer to kids, teens, and family members, or to make a donation to this wonderful organization or find out how you can volunteer, CLICK HERE!