'Chefs Against Hunger' dinner series to raise money for the Long Island Cares food bank

Nine acclaimed Long Island chefs have come together to form "Chefs Against Hunger," a unique dinner series to raise money for Long Island Cares — The Harry Chapin Food Bank at a time when, advocates say, hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders are food insecure.

"There’s currently 313,880 food insecure Long Islanders, based on our own studies," said Kaylin Wasilchuk, Long Island Cares' corporate philanthropy manager.

Long Island Cares is "satisfying a need on Long Island," said Michael Bohlsen, who is spearheading the chefs' campaign. He is co-owner, with his brother Kurt, of the Bohlsen Restaurant Group. One of their Islip venues — Tellers Next Door, an event space adjacent to Tellers: An American Chophouse — will be hosting the fundraising dinners in October and November. 

"Long Island is an expensive place to live," Bohlsen, a member of Long Island Cares board of directors, said on Friday. "People sometimes have to choose between rent and food." Those in need, he said, "come from all different walks of life, all different ages, all different backgrounds ... A lot of them are gainfully employed. They are contributing members to Long Island society." And yet, he said, "they are down on their luck and need a little help."

This will be the second Chefs Against Hunger fundraiser for Long Island Cares, Bohlsen said. 

"We actually did one in 2019, [a] Chefs Against Hunger dinner series. That was my first introduction to Long Island Cares," Bohlsen said. That fundraiser brought in about $25,000, he said. "Then the pandemic hit. This is the first time we’re doing it again."

Bohlsen said other premier chefs on the Island were eager to help and were donating the food, the wine and their talents. They will be preparing special dinners on eight days spanning October and November with a ticketed price of $195 per person. The dinners, served from 6:30-9 p.m., will seat 30, he said.

The chefs who are on tap to create what officials say will be unique, multicourse meals paired with wine, and their partner wineries, are: John Fraser, of North Fork Table & Inn, and Macari Vineyards on Oct. 6; Stephen Gallagher, the Trattoria Restaurant, and Anthony Nappa Wines on Oct. 7; Ben Hoffman and Julio Genao, Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar, and Raphael Wine on Oct. 27; Thomas Gloster, Trahanas Hospitality, and Palmer Vineyards on Oct. 28.

And in November, the chefs and their partner wineries are: Eric LeVine, 317 Main Street, and RG/NY on Nov. 3; Gregg Lauletta, Louie's Prime Steak & Seafood, and Bedell Cellars on Nov. 4; Armond Joseph, Leon 1909, and Channing Daughters Winery, Nov. 10; and Francis J. Derby, The Halyard, and McCall Wines, Nov. 11.

Gallagher, of Trattoria, said Friday: "I'm still working out the menu right now, but it’s going to be a five-course tasting menu paired with Anthony Nappa wines. It’s going to feature seasonal local ingredients." He added, "Michael Bohlsen reached out to me and asked if I was interested in participating. He’s a pleasure to work with ... It’s a great cause and really good people involved."

They hope to raise $50,000 for the food bank, Bohlsen said.

The $195 ticket price equates to 122 meals, Wasilchuk said. "When people buy a ticket, they’re essentially buying 122 meals for Long Islanders in need. If Michael achieves his full $50,000 goal, that equates to 31,500 meals."

She added, "we appreciate him [Bohlsen] and the chefs ... They’re all helping to put food on the table of Long Islanders."

Tickets are available at the food bank’s website licares.org.

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By Olivia Winslow

olivia.winslow@newsday.com@newsollie