Judges John Sierp and Rob Burmeister, Event Chair James McBratney ’05, and winner of both Best Dish Second Place and Peoples Choice award, The Lake Club.

More than 200 attendees were treated to some of Staten Island’s best cuisine last month at the third annual “Savor the Flavors: Celebrate Our Island’s Diverse Cuisine” in the Center for the Arts. The event, presented by the CSI Alumni Association (CSIAA), with the support of Presenting Sponsor Liberty Mutual, provides much-needed funding for student scholarships. In its first two years, Savor the Flavors has helped to establish 14 new scholarships for CSI students. 

CSIAA President Dr. Arthur Merola commented on the importance of the event, “Savor the Flavors is one event of the CSIAA, which not only promotes  interaction between the community and the College, it directly helps raise awareness and funds needed to inspire and support students to continue academic studies.” 

The event was chaired by CSI Alumni Board Member and President of the Staten Island Restaurant and Tavern Association James McBratney ’05. Michele Karpeles ’08, ’10 served as Co-Chair. Alumni Board members and students volunteered to help with set up, assisting restaurant staff, and photography. 

Those in attendance not only enjoyed the signature dishes of local eateries, and learned how they are prepared, but also witnessed the annual competition among the restaurants that graciously donated food and beverages for the event, judged by Rob Burmeister from Food Network’s Chopped and John Sierp, winner of the Iron Skillet Cook-Off, 2005. Winners included: First Place, Best Dish: Joe Mozz Gourmet Shop; Second Place, Best Dish: The Lake Club; Third Place, Best Dish: Canlon’s Restaurant; First Place, Dessert: Cookie Jar; Second Place, Dessert: Canlon’s Restaurant; People’s Choice: The Lake Club; and Best Table Decor: Pepperjack Grill. 

Other eateries that participated included Afternoone’s, Alfonso’s Bakery, Angelina’s Ristorante, Beso, The Beer Garden,  Cake Chef, Celebrate at Snug Harbor, Da Noi, Dosa Garden, Jimmy Max (Westerleigh & Great Kills), Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, La Candela Espanola, Manor Restaurant, Mother Mousse, Nucci’s South, Paesano’s Pizzeria, Pasticeria Bruno, Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program, Oriental Plaza, Park Café, R. Ippolito Distributing, San Rasa Sri Lankan Cuisine, and Vino Divino. 

Raffles were also held, thanks to the generosity of NuWorld Beauty, Jimmy Max, and the CSI Alumni Association. 

Cola-Cola Bottlers of New York provided soda and water for the event, and music was supplied by Phil Fonesca of Jimmy Max, Great Kills.