Cultural correspondent Bess Hochstein reports: The women of the Junior League take on serious tasks, promoting volunteerism to improve the lives of others. In Berkshire County, the Junior League confronts tough issues such as literacy, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, domestic violence, and alcoholism. But last Thursday, November 5, the organization focused on food and fun, throwing its formidable force behind a mouthwatering fundraiser, the second annual Taste of the Berkshires. The event transformed Pittsfield’s Masonic Temple into a global food court, where more than 20 chefs from across the county, such as Gennaro Gallo (left) of Prime in Lenox, dished up delectable fare. The menu ranged from the classic (New England clam chowder and apple crisp from the Shamrock Pub in Dalton) to the exotic (an Indian buffet from Williamstown’s SpiceRoot; Catalan chicken stew from Viva in Glendale; and Malaysian tidbits from Pittsfield newcomer Flavours.) The event set the stage for the debut of Perigee restaurant, opening this week in South Lee, from the culinary team behind Apogee Catering. Pittsfield Brew Works poured local ales, and serious sweet-tooths were satisfied as not just one but two Pittsfield carrot cake bakers offered up their enticing treats—which, by comparison, made Joshua Needleman’s Chocolate Springs confections seem like health food.
Nicole Garzino, president elect of the Junior League of Berkshire Country, and her fiance Kris Anderson; Luis Zambrano, the chef/owner of Viva in Glendale.
Canyon Ranch executive sous chef Laura Stanton and executive chef Steve Betti; Yvette Duval & Laura Shack of Firefly in Lenox.
Peter Masiero with his aunt Mary McGinnis of Mary's Carrot Cake of Pittsfield.
Steven Wolfe, Dawn DeMartino, Amy Wolfe, commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on Status of Women, Louis Bower-Bannister of Museum Facsimiles; Taste of the Berkshires co-chairs Heather McDermott & Betsy Strickler with Junior League members Wendy Coakley and Mary Beth Mitts.
Ricardo Cruz & Stephen Lawrence of SpiceRoot in Williamstown.
Sarah Sayers of Sarah's Cheesecakes & Cafe with daughter Katrina Sayers, son Nickolas Sayers and Rachelle Noel; Dawn LaRochelle, owner of Perigree restaurant opening in South Lee, with Catherine Elliot of Apogee Catering.
Bill Heaton of Pittsfield Brew Works hands a pint to Jeff Viner of Viner Building; Junior League president Jennifer Glockner flanked by Nick DiSantis of Pine Ridge Construction & Bill West of Mill Town Tavern in Dalton.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
