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Table to Table’s Chefs Gala

Editor’s note: This aggerated article was first published on mybergen.com. Click here to read the entire article.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, celebrates its 2026 Chefs Gala presented by American Express Oct. 15 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.

The Chefs Gala is moving to a new, larger venue due to popular demand: The Rockleigh in Rockleigh. 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.”

Related:

Over 30 top NJ chefs will cook tableside at the 2026 Table to Table Chefs Gala to help fight local food insecurity.

Editor’s note: This aggerated article was first published on NorthJersey.com. Click here to read the entire article.

More than 30 top New Jersey chefs will cook multi-course dinners tableside at the annual Table to Table Chefs Gala on Oct. 15, 2026 … and you can participate.

The gala is a fundraiser for Table to Table, North Jersey’s largest food rescue organization, and features chefs cooking for and chatting with small groups during the dinner, with wine pairings included. Participating chefs include Robbie Felice (pastaRAMEN, Viaggio and others), Roberto Carnero (Warique), Melanie Gonzalez (Saddle River Inn), Andrew Riccatelli (Bacarosa), Greg Power (Matisse 167) and others. The chef honoree at the gala will be acclaimed chef and author Kwame Onwuachi.

“What Table to Table is doing, rescuing nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it directly into communities, is read, tangible work,” Onwuachi said. “I’m honored to be recognized at the Chefs Gala, but more importantly, I’m proud to be support an organization addressing both sides of that equation – reducing waste while helping feed people who need it.”

The gala format is unique and was such a smash hit last year that Table to Table decided to run it back this year, just in a bigger space.

“It’s not easy to get tables at these chefs’ restaurants,” Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson said. “And when you do, you’re not going to have that experience of a chef right next to you watching them work their magic.”

Related:

Editor’s note: This aggerated article originally appeared on thepressgroup.net, Northern Valley Press’ website. Click here to read the entire article.

James Beard Award-winning chef, restauranteur, and author Kwame Onwuachi will be honored this fall as more than 30 chefs gather in Rockleigh to support a North Jersey organization that rescues surplus food for people in need.

Table to Table’s 2026 Chefs Gala is set for Thursday Oct. 15 at The Rockleigh. Organizers said demand prompted the annual fundraiser’s move to the larger venue.

A cocktail reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a multicourse dinner prepared and served tableside by participating chefs. The evening also will include wine pairings and a live auction. American Express is the presenting sponsor.

Related:

A smiling bald man with short gray hair on the sides, wearing a light blue patterned collared shirt under a navy blue blazer, stands beside a smiling woman with straight brown hair and glasses. The woman is wearing a black and white floral top and a delicate pendant necklace. They pose together against a plain light gray backdrop.
Emil and Debbie Iannone

This Year’s Chefs Gala is at The Rockleigh, which Complements the Unique, Multi-Course Dining Cooked Tableside, Featuring 30+ Outstanding Chefs

Editor’s note: This aggerated article originally appeared on The Paramus Post’s website. Click here to read the entire article.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, will honor Paramus residents Debbie and Emil Iannone at its 2026 Chefs Gala.

The Iannones are longtime supporters of the food rescue nonprofit. They will be inducted into Table to Table’s Founder’s Table.

Presented by American Express, more than 30 outstanding chefs will personally serve their signature multi-course menus prepared tableside for Chefs Gala 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, which is moving to a new, larger venue due to popular demand, will take place at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, NJ on October 15th 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 northern New Jersey’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.

Related:

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 15th 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

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

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 Charles Schwab, Columbia Bank Foundation, Mannino, Silverman Shin & Schneider PLLC, and Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite (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

We participated in BD’s annual year’s Difference in a Day in Franklin Lakes.

BD associates helped our staffers create practical solutions for real challenges that will have a lasting impact on our 27-year mission of rescuing food, reducing waste, and relieving 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:

Ed Trucil is the subject of Table to Table’s most recent volunteer spotlight.

“Volunteering to help rescue food, reduce waste, and relieve hunger has been such a rewarding way to enjoy my retirement,” Ed said. “Providing transportation from the generous donors to the agencies that serve the hungry has helped connect me to our community in a new way, and also opened my eyes to the importance of sustainability. In addition, I’d like to give a big shoutout to the many volunteers and behind-the-scenes staff who make this organization so successful!”

Volunteering Like Ed Does

Signing up to be a Table to Table volunteer is easy. Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s Vice President of Operations, said all you have to do is download the Table to Table I-Rescue App, powered by Food Rescue Hero, on your phone to become a food rescue hero! You’ll complete a simple registration process and volunteer agreement, and then you can get started. The app walks you through every step! This is what Ed uses.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to volunteer with our food rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, and a valid vehicle registration and insurance. 

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, our mission is to reduce food waste and provide nourishment to our food-insecure neighbors throughout North Jersey. We rescue millions of pounds of fresh food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We deliver it to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people in our area who need it most.

Together, we can reduce food waste in our home and make a positive impact on the planet. Every little bit of effort — no matter how small — leads to change.

More than an estimated 120 million pounds of food, worth about $400 million, will go uneaten during the upcoming Independence Day weekend. That is about 20 percent of the food meant to be eaten during that time, according to ReFED, a national nonprofit working to end food waste by leveraging data and connecting individuals to help foster large-scale change within the food ecosystem. ReFED calculated the amount based on a survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

About an estimated 126 million pounds of food was wasted during the 2025 Independence Day weekend, according to ReFED.

Cost and Scale
  • Total Food Wasted: Over 120 million pounds of food ends up in the trash.
  • Financial Loss: The wasted food costs nearly $400 million.
  • Spending Per Person: Consumers spend an average of $94.41 on Fourth of July food alone

The most popular, and costly, type of wasted food is beef. More than half of the methane emissions from wasted food on Independence Day come from beef, according to ReFED. These emissions are equal to the emissions generated by powering 50,000 American homes for a year. Other high-waste foods include ice cream, pork, and potato chips.

The waste associated with the Independence Day holiday does not just occur when consumers fail to eat it. It can be measured throughout the food ecosystem lifecycle. The wasted used to produce this food can supply about 14 days of residential waster use throughout the state of California, according to ReFED.

Fourth of July Food Waste Reduction Tips

  • Buy only what you need: Plan out your meal ahead of time. That way, you only buy what you know people want. You also avoid impulse buying. You reduce food waste and save money!
  • Storage is key: Explore the best way to store different types of produce to keep them fresh for as long as possible – learn what goes on the counter, what belongs in bags, what should or shouldn’t be pre-washed. And don’t forget about your freezer. Many foods can be frozen for later use, like rolls and hamburger and hot dog meat.
  • Love your leftovers: Make sure you eat your leftovers. Instead of letting them droop in the back of the fridge, try folding them into new meals. Got some roasted veggies from last night’s dinner? Throw them into an omelet for breakfast or a salad for lunch. Leftover chicken? Shred it up and make tacos or toss it into a stir-fry.

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 work with food businesses of all types to rescued 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.


Editor’s note: The above screenshot of photos first appeared in 201 Magazine’s June 2026 issue. Click here to view the photos.

201 Magazine ran a series of photos in their “be social” section from the 16th annual Behind The Seams fashion show that benefitted Table to Table. The event raised $200,000, enough to fund the rescue of nutritious food for 2 million healthy meals for our hungry neighbors.

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.

© 2026 TableToTable - All rights reserved. Table to Table is a 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID 22-3646125

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