To the editor:
The Friends of the Westwood Library thank all the sponsors and individuals who made the 10th Annual Taste of Westwood on Oct. 6 a huge success as we celebrate the Library’s centennial.
More than 300 guests enjoyed delicious food, a fine wine and beer tasting, great desserts, live music by an awesome band led by Dave Kopec, a competitive silent auction, a super 50-50 raffle and an exciting heads-or-tails game.
All of this came to the heart of Westwood at a transformed library and outdoors under three tents on a warm October evening.
This event was made possible by the generous contribution of Westwood’s finest restaurants and foodie destinations, as well as the work of many hands, and the generosity of our sponsors.
Signature dishes were beautifully prepared and served by Jack’s Cafe, P.J. Finnegan’s, Hanami, Mezza, The Iron Horse, Caffe Anello, Kimchi Smoke BBQ, The Melting Pot, Conrad’s Confectionery, Sogno Coffeehouse, Downtown Dhaba, Westwood Prime Eats, and Harmony Tea Room.
Our town welcomed three new gastronome destinations this year that are raising the bar: Osteria Crescendo brought a savory Ricotta Cavatelli, Joe’s Craft Pies served pecan, key lime, apple crumb, and Pumpkin pies with almond chocolate drop cookies; Technique served a fig and duck prosciutto with pea tendrils and a lamb shank cassoulet topped with individual creme brulee.
The evening’s festivities were started by our wine connoisseurs at Super Cellars, with their selection of four outstanding wines expertly paired with the evening’s dishes.
This year craft beer took center stage in our second Battle of the Breweries: Defiant Brewery brought their Oktoberfest and Fake News IPA, along with many other of their signature beers. Brix City Brewing brought us Acid Blend Fruited Sour and Grateful Jams Double IPA. Alementary Brewing Company brought Munich to Westwood with their Oktoberfest Marzen and #Island Life a citrusy goze.
New this year was Hackensack Brewing Co., which kicked it with Mr. Oktober and the delightfully juicy Musket Haze.
We thank our three Booker sponsors: Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley, Oritani Bank, and Pascack Press; Newbery sponsors Becker Funeral Home, Burton Agency, Burgis Associates, Edward Jones of Westwood, and Modera Financial Planning; and Caldecott sponsor Johl & Co. Together they made this happen.
A big part of the overwhelming success of this year’s event were the social media posts and contests created by Lauren Letizia, RoseAnn Ciarlante, and Suzanne Gorham. They brought the buzz around the event which led to our fourth straight sell-out.
For getting the word out, we thank Ray’s Reproductions, Pascack Press, SpeedPro Imaging, and Boozy Burbs.
The generous donations of goods and services from the following businesses and families were greatly appreciated for our silent auction: Chef John Vitale, John Birkner Jr. and Caffe Anello, Super Cellars, Dennis Francis, Esq., Bergen County Camera, Westwood Gallery, Tyrrells Florist, Technique French Bistro, Peter Grefrath and the Westwood Charity Golf Outing, Linwood Optical, Applerose Yoga, Conrad’s, Beautiful Revenge, White Oak Home, You Frame It, You’re So Invited, Gem Mine, Maci, Iron Horse, Flynn’s, Jack’s Cafe, Westwood Pets, Fox & Fawn, Muah Makeup, Dragons Soccer, Optical Illusions, Lewis Drugs, Canteen, Joey Drew, Kathy Carvallo, and George Mulhauser fine woodworking.
Ed Mathis walked away with his Super 50/50 winnings of $1,600
Finally, it was the tireless efforts of the Taste of Westwood volunteers and the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Westwood Library and Board of Trustees working since March to make this evening so memorable.
We have learned that food brings people together and we thank the chefs for bringing the community together. Our Library is the heart and soul of our community, and you only have to stop in to see what vital services are offered for free here every day.
ESL and programs for children, adults and seniors are just the beginning of the benefits that have a profound and long-term effect on our community.
We thank you all for your continued and generous support,
