chefs gala Archives - Table to Table

Chef Kwame Onwuachi sitting at a reddish-wood dining table in a dimly lit, upscale restaurant, wearing a white chef's coat, clear glasses, and a black baseball cap while touching the brim. Wine glasses are arranged on the table in front of him against a blurred background of warm, glowing pendant lights.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Total Food Service, a food service trade publication. Click here to read the entire article.

Feeding neighbors facing hunger remains one of the region’s most persistent challenges, but New Jersey and Metro New York’s chefs have long responded by donating their time, talent, and resources to help.

On Oct. 15, that tradition of giving back will take center stage as nearly 40 culinary professionals join Table to Table for an evening designed to turn extraordinary dining into meaningful community impact.

Table to Table has named James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author Kwame Onwuachi as the honoree for its 2026 Chefs Gala, presented by American Express.

“It is a great privilege to recognize Chef Kwame as our 2026 Chef Honoree. As a James Beard Award-winning chef, acclaimed restaurateur, and best-selling author, Chef Kwame’s career is a testament to culinary excellence, bold innovations, and an unforgettable influence that extends far beyond the kitchen,” said Heather Thompson, Table to Table’s Executive Director.

The move to a larger venue reflects growing interest in a fundraiser that has distinguished itself from the traditional banquet format. Participating chefs will personally prepare and present signature multi-course dinners tableside. Each table will receive its own culinary experience, complemented by wine pairings, curated beverages, and direct interaction with the chefs.

Related:

This Year’s New Venue at The Rockleigh Complements the Unique, Multi-Course Dining Cooked Tableside, Featuring Nearly 40 Outstanding Chefs

August 25, 2026 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, celebrates its 2026 Chefs Gala presented by American Express with more than 30 outstanding chefs who will personally serve their signature multi-course menus prepared tableside for guests. Taking center stage as this year’s honoree will be James Beard Award-winning Chef, Restaurateur, and Author Kwame Onwuachi. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala,whichis moving to a new, larger venue due to popular demand, will take place at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, NJ on October 15^th at 5:30 pm. Seats are selling fast, so reserve your table today!

Far from a typical banquet fundraiser, Table to Table’s Chefs Gala brings together the region’s top culinary talent, creating unique personal dining experiences in the setting of an elegant Gala with unforgettable cuisine, impeccable wine pairings, an exciting live auction, and so much more—all in support of Table to Table’s mission to rescue food, reduce food waste, and relieve hunger in our New Jersey communities.

“It is a great privilege to recognize Chef Kwame as our 2026 Chef Honoree. As a James Beard Award-winning chef, acclaimed restaurateur, and bestselling author, Chef Kwame’s career is a testament to culinary excellence, bold innovation, and an unforgettable influence that extends far beyond the kitchen,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We are honored to celebrate his achievements and are grateful that he is sharing our mission of reducing food waste and feeding our community in need,” Thompson concluded.

Chef Honoree Kwame Onwuachi

Kwame Onwuachi is a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author. His impressive career includes being named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year, and a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. On top of that, he was named the most important chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle. His highly acclaimed restaurants Tatiana, Dōgon, and Maroon all maintain the status of the toughest reservation to get in their different cities. Chef Kwame has appeared on countless TV shows and is about to launch his 3rd published book.

Co-Chairpersons Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio

Chef Jamie Knott is owner of Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335, and Madame. He is also a Table to Table Trustee. Chef Ryan De Persio is the Chef/Partner of Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse. Both are long-time supporters of Table to Table’s food rescue mission.

Participating Chefs

Giuseppe Agostino
Verana

Brandon Campney
Stirling Tavern

AJ Capella
Summit House

Roberto Carnero
Warique

Casey Colaneri & Gus Gutierrez
Cubita Cafe

Michael Cosenza
Mike’s Pasta Shoppe

Antonio De Ieso
Fiorentini

Luis Estacio
The Capital Grille

Robbie Felice
Viaggio

Leia Gaccione
The Saint Clair

Jeffrey Galan
Fossil Farms

Melanie Gonzalez
Saddle River Inn

Alex Gorant
Axia Taverna

Stephen Hayek
Saddle River Cafe

Aaron Kirtz
Wheelhouse Cheese & More

Dan Lipow
The Foraged Feast

Dennis Mathews
Ember & Eagle

Jack O’Connor
Adelaide

Salvatore Pisani
Jersey Artisan Co.

Greg Power
Matisse 167

Jay Powles
Sushi by Sea

Timothy Quinlan
Private Chef

Logan Ramirez
Gioia Mia

Andrew Riccatelli
The Morris Proper

Leonardo Argoti Rubio
Bijoux Pastry

Dean Schreefer
Echo Lake Country Club

John Sclafani
Off The Hook Seafood

Robert Sigona
Gelotti

Tom Silvestri
ORA

Sam Stymest
Sam’s Table

Daniel Suseck
Petrossian

Lawrence Talis
The Committed Pig

Joe Tartamella
Canoe Brook Country Club

Koen Vanderstraeten &
Matthew Pasquinucci
Fortune Fish & Gourmet

Christina Vene
Cakes of Wrath

Sean Yan
Ram & Rooster

Curated Libations

John Michael Beam
Afficionado Coffee Roasters

Frankie Medina

JCR Hospitality, Battello,

Ember & Eagle, & TillingHouse

Dirty Pelican

Ghost Hawk Brewery

NJ Beer Co.

One Hope Wines

Sangri

Silk City Distillers

Tequila Rosaluz

Wilson Daniels Wines

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome new members to its Founder’s Table: Elisabeth Durbetaki^†, Debbie and Emil Iannone, and Ilene Isaacs. ^†In Memoriam

The Founder’s Table was established in 2023 by Table to Table’s Founder Claire Insalata Poulos to recognize individuals, companies, and foundations that have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 27-year history.

Crossroads Companies will be recognized with the 2026 Mission Impact Award.

Sponsors for this year’s Chefs Gala include: American Express (Presenting); Crestron (Grand); Arca Restaurant and Lounge, The Hildes Family, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, and Summit Associates (Platinum); Sal Lauretta for Men (Gold); Crossroads Companies, Takasago, Tito’s, and Wegmans (Silver), and Mannino (Bronze).

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 276 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane.

Contact

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on binje.com. Click here to read the complete story.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s premier and largest food rescue organization, has announced that James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author Kwame Onwuachi will serve as the official honoree for its upcoming 2026 Chefs Gala.
Presented by American Express, the signature fundraising event will take place on Oct. 15, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Moving to a new, larger venue due to overwhelming popular demand, this year’s gala will be hosted at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh.
Departing from a traditional banquet format, the Chefs Gala brings together nearly 40 of the region’s top culinary talents. Participating chefs will personally prepare and serve multi-course signature menus tableside for attendees, paired with fine wines, live auctions, and networking.
All proceeds directly support Table to Table’s mission of rescuing nutritious food, reducing food waste, and reliving hunger in northern New Jersey.

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 276 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Chef Tom Valenti. Beyond his incredible culinary talent, Chef Valenti was a champion of Table to Table’s mission, most notably at our annual Chef Galas throughout the years. We are truly grateful for his passion, kindness, and belief in what we do. He will be dearly missed.

Valenti’s philanthropic efforts went beyond Table to Table’s mission of recuing food, reducing waste, and relieving hunger.

Chef Valenti established the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund dedicated to benefit the surviving family members of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks who worked in the foodservice industry. A “Dine Out” date of Oct. 11, 2001 was set to generate funds for the effort. News of the effort soon spread beyond New York City and more than 5,000 restaurants around the world contributed to the endeavor. More than $23 million was raised as a result.

Valenti helped lead the Restaurants for Relief effort to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Table to Table's annual Chefs Gala was Oct. 9 at Edgewood Country Club. Chef Christian Petroni was the chef honoree.

Editor’s note: The following aggregated article first appeared in an article and photo gallery on NorthJersey.com. Click here to view the article and click here to view the photo gallery.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, welcomed to its 2025 Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who personally served their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests.

Shining in the spotlight was this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the Italian American chef, restauratuer, author and Food Network star. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala raised enough funds to reduce food waste and deliver nearly 5 million nutritious meals to our neighbors in need.

The event was held at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale on October 9, 2025.

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Editor’s note: The following article first appeared in (201) MAGAZINE’s December 2025 issue on page 47.

Shining in the spotlight was this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the Italian American chef, restaurateur, author and Food Network star. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala raised enough funds to reduce food waste and deliver nearly 5 million nutritious meals to our neighbors in need.

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Table to Table Food Rescue held their annual Chef’s Gala at Edgewood Country Club

https://www.bcthemag.com/post/table-to-table-1

Credit: BC The Mag

Table to Table's annual Chefs Gala is Oct. 9 at Edgewood Country Club

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Total Food Service magazine’s October 2025 issue. Click here to read the rest of the article.

In kitchens all across New Jersey, long before any guests are seated and well after the last table is cleared, chefs are doing something more than cooking. They’re feeding people who can’t afford to dine out—some who can’t afford to eat at all That commitment to serve extends beyond their restaurants, and it’s made possible by the quite force that drives this movement year after year: Table to Table.

For over two decades, Table to Table has been the guiding link between food excess and food need. It’s not a food pantry. It’s not a soup kitchen. It’s the engine behind a logistics miracle — rescuing fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it to places where it’s desperately needed. In doing so, it’s become a lifeline for more than 300 partners —shelters, food pantries, community centers, and school programs — across Northern New Jersey.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, the people who make this effort possible — New Jersey’s chefs — will gather at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale for one extraordinary night: the Table to Table Chefs Gala. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of generosity, talent, and shared purpose.

Ryan DePersio, co-chair of the event, reflected on the impact of the night.

“It’s not a typical charity event,” DePersio said. “It’s almost 300 people we’re cooking for, but each table gets their own chef. That personal interaction is rare, and the guests love it as much as we do.”

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Editor’s note: This story originally ran on Jersey Bites’ website.

Food lovers, mark your calendars—Thursday, October 9 is the night Table to Table’s legendary Chefs Gala takes over Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. This over-the-top food lover’s dream brings together 25+ incredible chefs, impeccable wine pairings, local breweries and distilleries, and an exciting live auction—all to support Table to Table’s food rescue mission.

This Chefs Gala offers a unique personal dining experience in the setting of an elegant Gala with unforgettable cuisine, impeccable wine pairings, an exciting live auction, and so much more—all in support of Table to Table’s mission to rescue food, reduce food waste, and relieve hunger in our communities.

This year, the spotlight shines on Chef Christian Petroni—Bronx-born Italian American chef, restaurateur, and TV personality. Known for his infectious energy, love of red sauce, and fan-favorite Food Network appearances (Food Network Star winner, Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay), Petroni has built his career around connecting people through food. His debut cookbook, Parm to Table, drops September 23, 2025.

Not only is Chris’ passion for food, family, and community infectious, he is also strongly aligned with Table to Table’s food rescue mission.”
Heather Thompson, executive director of Table to Table

Who’s Cooking

This is no ordinary gala dinner. Guests will be served tableside by a powerhouse lineup of chefs:

John Michael Beam – Aficionado Coffee Roasters
Brandon Campney – Sterling Inn
AJ Capella – Summit House
Bianca Concepcion and Jeff Galan – Fossil Farms
Michael Cosenza – Mike’s Pasta Shoppe
Mary Cumella and Logan Ramirez – Gioia Mia
Ryan DePersio – Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse
David Felton – Morris Proper
Leia Gaccione – The Saint Clair
Felix Gonzalez – Viaggio Ristorante
Melany Gonzalez – Saddle River Inn
Alex Gorant – Axia Taverna
Bryan Gregg – Blue Morel
Dan Lipow – Foraged Feast
Lulu’s Truck
Christina Marcelli – Marcelli Formaggi
Off The Hook Seafood
Sal Pisani – Jersey Artisan Co.
Timothy Quinlan – Ava’s Kitchen
Andrew Riccatelli – Bacarosa
Dean Schreefer – Echo Lake Country Club
Robert Sigona – Gelotti
Tom Silvestri – Ora
Melissa Stanard – The Goods
Lawrence Talis – The Committed Pig
Joe Tartamella – Canoe Brook Country Club
Geoff Taylor – The 130 Club
Christina Vene – Cakes of Wrath
Wine pairings provided by Chuck Russo’s Wine and Spirit World

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Frankie Medina – JCR Hospitality, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and Tillinghouse
Dirty Pelican
Don Julio
Ghost Hawk Brewery
Sangri
Silk City Distillers
Tito’s
Wilson Daniels Wines

Special Recognition

This year, Table to Table will also induct Edgar Brieva, James P. Bush, the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Chef Jamie Milkman, and Gerard Woods into the Founder’s Table, which honors extraordinary supporters of the nonprofit’s 26-year mission.

Why It Matters

Every $1 raised = 10 healthy meals rescued and delivered to New Jersey neighbors in need. Since 1999, Table to Table has provided more than 241 million meals by redirecting surplus food to pantries, shelters, and community hubs.

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Personal, Multi-Course Dining Extravaganza, Featuring 25+ Notable Chefs, Takes Over Edgewood Country Club on October 9th

September 4, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – On Wednesday, October 9th, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, will welcome to its Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who will personally serve their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests. Shining in the spotlight will be this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the charismatic Italian American chef, restaurateur, and author. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala will be held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ on October 9th at 5:30 pm. Seats are limited, so reserve your table today!

“We are delighted to welcome Christian Petroni as our Honoree at this year’s Chefs Gala,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “Not only is Chris’ passion for food, family, and community infectious; he is also strongly aligned with Table to Table’s food rescue mission and has a deep commitment to nourishing our neighbors in need,” Thompson concluded.

Chef Honoree Christian Petroni

From the age of six, all Christian ever wanted to do was to become a chef. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, he spent his early years in the kitchen under the tutelage of Andy Pforzheimer and the Barteca Group until opening his own wood-fire Italian restaurant, Fortina. He opened five more successful restaurants in just eight years, becoming one of New York’s authorities on Italian cuisine and the art of red sauce. Christian hit the national stage, winning Next Food Network Star season 14 and became an instant fan favorite through his charm and infectious positivity. He became a recurring guest judge on Food Network shows that include: Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Diners Drive Ins, and Dives, and Tournament of Champions. Christian founded Gabagool Media, a multi-media and consulting company specializing in content creation, apparel, and providing guidance for chefs and small businesses worldwide. Christian’s first cookbook, Parm to Table, hits shelves Sept. 23, 2025. At his core, Christian loves to connect with people through food and lives to make them feel like family.

Co-Chairpersons Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio

2025 Chef Gala Participants

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Frankie Medina – JCR Hospitality, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and Tillinghouse
Dirty Pelican
Don Julio
Ghost Hawk Brewery
Sangri
Silk City Distillers
Tito’s
Wilson Daniels Wines

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome five new members to its Founder’s Table: Edgar Brieva, James P. Bush, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Chef Jamie Milkman, and Gerard Woods.

The Founder’s Table was established in 2023 by Table to Table’s Founder Claire Insalata Poulos to recognize individuals, companies and foundations that have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 26-year history.

Sponsors for this year’s Table to Table’s Chefs Gala include: American Express (Presenting); Crestron (Grand); Arca Restaurant and Lounge, David and Kathleen Hildes, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, and Summit Associates (Platinum); Restoration Technologies Inc. (Gold); Takasago and Tito’s Homemade Vodka (Silver); The YMCA Meadowlands (Bronze); and Charles Schwab (Bronze).

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Tag: chefs gala

This Year’s New Venue at The Rockleigh Complements the Unique, Multi-Course Dining Cooked Tableside, Featuring Nearly 40 Outstanding Chefs

Chef Honoree Kwame Onwuachi

Co-Chairpersons Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio

Participating Chefs

Curated Libations

About Table to Table

Contact

Table to Table Food Rescue held their annual Chef’s Gala at Edgewood Country Club

Who’s Cooking

Special Recognition

Sponsors

Why It Matters

Personal, Multi-Course Dining Extravaganza, Featuring 25+ Notable Chefs, Takes Over Edgewood Country Club on October 9th

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