On September 30, the Red Hook Initiative hosted its annual Taste of Red Hook event at Pioneer Works Center for Art and Innovation. Dozens of local restaurants and vendors volunteered their time — and their best dishes — to raise funds for the Initiative.
The Red Hook Initiative is a not-for-profit organization that offers a helping hand to Red Hook residents. They have multiple programs that support young people through their educational careers, and they provide professional development to ensure that local residents are given opportunities to serve their community. Overall, RHI focuses on building a healthy and sustainable Red Hook community.
Along with all the food that was on display, local manufacturers showed off their wares.
O’Connell Organization Principal Gregory Thomas O’Connell is a board member of RHI, and an ardent supporter of the group.
“As a board member for the past few years at the Red Hook Initiative I have seen first hand the impactful change that it has made for the youth of this community and through its efforts as a primary support mechanism for residents and businesses throughout Red Hook, especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” said O’Connell. “This organization’s annual event truly epitomizes what it means to be part of a community, from the involvement of many local food and drink vendors, to Pioneer Works’ ability to provide their amazing space, to what was a record turnout. The success of Taste of Red Hook is indicative of the appreciation we all have for the Red Hook Initiative and this neighborhood as a whole.”
The restaurateurs were stationed inside and out. Kings Coffee offered a Vodka Coffee cocktail to keep the guests buzzing.
Hometown’s Bar-B-Que ribs were a hit at the event, and they had to work hard to keep up with the demand.
Back inside, Red Hook Bait and Tackle were offering cocktails…
…there were tasty dishes courtesy of nationally acclaimed restaurant The Good Fork…
…and Nobletree served cold brew iced coffee.
Another favorite was the Court Street Grocer’s pulled pork slider, with green tomato picalilli, bacon-fat mayo, and cheddar.
Alma had a hard time keeping their plates full, as the food just kept on disappearing into the attendees.
Shelsky’s Smoked Fish’s offerings were also going like hotcakes.
The offerings from Red Hook Waterfront tenant Fleisher’s Grassfed and Organic Meats offerings were amazing.
Slowteria decided to up the ante, presentation-wise.
There were lots of adult beverages available outside, including artisanal spirits from the Van Brunt Stillhouse….
…and the astoundingly delicious wines from another Red Hook Waterfront tenant, the Red Hook Winery.
Back inside, Kevin’s was busy all night shucking oysters.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez was there as well, seen above with TD Bank Senior Vice President of Government & Community Banking Jack Rainey.
The 2014 Taste of Red Hook raised more than $175,000 for the Red Hook community, and the O’Connell Organization looks forward to supporting the Red Hook Initiative for years to come.
Check out Red Hook Initiative’s site to see how you can contribute and participate.