Taste of Newport Takes On New Partners and a New Format

NEWPORT, RI – Child & Family is pleased to announce changes to its signature benefit event, Taste of Newport, which will take place Sunday, November 16, 2014. The transformation has been made possible through a collaborative effort by two of Newport’s iconic hospitality businesses, Newport Restaurant Group and the Hotel Viking. Both have partnered with Child & Family to provide professional guidance and to re-design Taste of Newport which is sure to dazzle guests at this highly anticipated culinary event.  In addition to returning to its roots at the historic Hotel Viking, which is where the inaugural Taste of Newport was held 30 years ago, guests will also be able to choose from two mouthwatering and diverse experiences.  Taste of Newport will be the grand finale event of Newport Restaurant Week, which is November 7-16, 2014.

“We were very fortunate to have the generous support from both Newport Restaurant Group and the Hotel Viking as we worked through the venue change and looked to create a new Taste of Newport. Both organizations and the many other businesses putting forth their time and effort are truly representative of what community support means.”        

• Keith Tavares
• Vice President of Institutional Advancement
• Child & Family

“We are truly honored to be involved in redesigning such an established event in Newport. We are thrilled to collaborate with our hospitality colleagues to create an event that truly reflects the diversity and talents of the Rhode Island culinary scene. Taste of Newport 2014 is certain to be an unforgettable night of hospitality that benefits children and families throughout the State of Rhode Island.”

• Kerri Quinn Jaffe
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Newport Harbor Corporation

“We are thrilled to once again have this important fundraiser back at the Hotel Viking and look forward to working with Child & Family to create an exciting and successful event.”

• Mark Gervais
• General Manager
• Hotel Viking

“My culinary team and I are excited to be involved in another year of Taste. The change in dining experience and cooking alongside some of the best chefs in the state is exciting for us, and we’ll definitely delight guests with amazing course after course during the Dining Experience.”

• Lou Rossi
• Executive Sous Chef
• Castle Hill Inn

Taste of Newport will offer:

The Taste Experience, 5pm-8pm, Viking Ballroom Guests will be able to enjoy Taste as they have always known it, mingling with their favorite chefs and friends for an extended cocktail party with both savory and sweet tasting stations.  Appetizers, entrées and desserts will be presented by some of the most talented chefs, restaurants, caterers, bakeries and confectionaries from across Newport County. A silent auction will be held during the Taste Experience.

$125.00 per person

The Dine Experience, 7:45pm-10pm, Bellevue Ballroom, introduces a new way to Taste this year features an expanded culinary program celebrating the spirit of collaboration in our community.  This experience takes the entire event to the next level where guests will enjoy an elegant seated dining adventure with eight of the area’s acclaimed chefs collaborating to produce an original four-course meal paired with meticulously  chosen wines from around the world. Guests will learn about the creative process and relationship between food and wine from the chef teams and sommeliers throughout the dinner.  Participating restaurants and chefs include Executive Chef Jim Colleran of 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille, Executive Sous Chef Lou Rossi of Castle Hill Inn, Executive Chef Ted Gidley of the Clarke Cooke House, Executive Chef Matthew MacCartney of Jamestown Fish, Pastry Chef Matthew Petersen of Newport Restaurant Group, Executive Chef Kevin Thiele of One Bellevue at Hotel Viking, Executive Chef Dave Sturgeon of Stoneacre Pantry, and Executive Chef Richard Silvia of The White Horse Tavern.  A live auction featuring a select number of special items will be held during the dinner as well. Guests opting for The Dine Experience are also invited to partake in The Taste Experience.

$225.00 per person (includes The Taste Experience)

About Child & Family

Child & Family is the largest and most comprehensive social service provider in Newport County, and one of the largest in the State of Rhode Island.  It is a center for community involvement – a place where people come together to give help, to receive help and to support the work of others.  Child & Family is the lead agency for the Rhode Island Care Management Network, which was selected by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families to serve as one of two statewide Family Care Networks for the Rhode Island System of Care for children and families.  With state-of-the-art Community Centers in both Middletown and Providence, Child & Family provides important services and programs to thousands of children, teens, families and elders each year.  For further information, please contact Child & Family 401-848-4150 or visit online at www.childandfamilyri.com

About Hotel Viking

Hotel Viking, a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America is, located in the heart of Newport’s Historic Hill neighborhood.  The hotel offers a total of 208 guest rooms and suites, and 13,400 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms.  The award-winning One Bellevue Restaurant and Lounge offers indoor and seasonal dining on a beautifully landscaped outdoor patio.  Afternoon Tea is served daily.  SpaTerre features a selection of massage, facials and manicures/pedicures.  Additional amenities include an indoor heated pool, fitness center and the historic Kay Chapel.  For information, please contact Hotel Viking 401-847-3300 or visit online at www.hotelviking.com

About Newport Restaurant Group

Newport Restaurant Group’s award-winning portfolio of restaurants includes: Castle Hill Inn, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille, The Boat House, Waterman Grille, Trio, and the Smoke House. Newport Restaurant Group provides the highest quality culinary experience with a creative, thoughtful and responsible approach in preparing all of our menus. Food is one of the fundamental joys of the human experience; therefore it is our goal to provide guests with an unparalleled culinary experience in a unique, service-oriented atmosphere. For more information on the Newport Restaurant Group, please visit www.newportrestaurantgroup.com

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