One of New Jersey’s elite chefs will host a benefit dinner for one of our region’s most critical and conscientious environmental organizations.
Chef Drew Araneo, owner of Drew’s Bayshore Bistro in Keyport, is hosting the NY/NJ Baykeeper’s Annual Conservation dinner starting at 7 pm on Monday, April 9 at his restaurant, located at 25 Church Street in the Bayshore borough.
The mission of the NY/NJ Baykeeper’s organization is to “protect, preserve and restore the ecological integrity and productivity of the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary.” To that end, Araneo, a longtime patron of local seafoods and supporter of New Jersey’s foodways, cooks a special dinner annually to help fund and support the Baykeeper’s work.
This year’s dinner will honor Assemblyman Raj Mukherji of Jersey City, who represents the 33rd District in the New Jersey State Legislature. The Baykeeper’s organization cites his “tireless work to save Liberty State Park from commercial development.”
The theme of this year’s benefit dinner is “A Taste of Drew’s.” The menu is:
First course: Voodoo Shrimp
Second course: Spinach and Berry Salad
Third course: Seared Dayboat Sea Scallops with Hoppin’ John Risotto, Black-eyed Peas and Country Ham
Fourth course: Root Beer-Braised Pork Shank with Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Braised Greens
Dessert: Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce.
The cost of the dinner is $125 per person; wines are being curated by Wine & Spirits magazine.
To purchase tickets for the dinner, which must be done in advance, visit nynjbaykeeper.org or call 732-888-9870, Ext. 4.