C-CAP Annual Benefit

Over 36 chefs from around NYC came out to support this unique charitable program. C-CAP is designed to encourage high school students who show interest and aptitude in the culinary arts to turn their young passion into a long-term career. ICE President Rick Smilow is on the program’s board of directors.

Maurice DuBois of CBS served as the evening’s emcee, introducing President/Founder of C-CAP Richard Grausman who spoke about C-CAP’s mission to provide culinary employment opportunities for youth. After Grausman, the event’s honoree, Michael Lomonaco gave an inspiring speech about life in the industry. Lomonaco has worked in many of New York’s top restaurants, including Le Cirque, Windows on the World and Wild Blue. Now, he heads up the kitchen at Porter House New York.

He has also appeared on NBC, CBS, ABC, Travel Channel and Food Network and contributed to numerous publications such as Gourmet, Food & Wine, New York Times and Travel & Leisure. His support of C-CAP dates back to his time at the 21 Club and Windows on the World, where he hosted Awards Breakfasts where C-CAP students are awarded culinary scholarships.

The evening’s chefs includes stars such as Lincoln’s Jonathan Benno, Osteria Morini’s Michael White, Telepan’s Bill Telepan, Barbuto’s Jonathan Waxman, Southgate’s Kerry Heffernan and Gotham Bar and Grill’s Alfred Portale. ICE alum Marc Murphy of Landmarc served Shrimp Toast and ICE Chefs’ Advisory Board member Marcus Samuelsson served Dirty Rice and Shrimp. During the tasting, guests were able to bid on silent auction lots including a private class with ICE alum and famed cake decorator Elisa Strauss and a cooking class for 18 at ICE with Chef Instructor Gerri Sarnataro. The food was delicious and everyone is happy to generously support C-CAP’s program.