The third biennial Taste & Style in Mineola event at Jericho Terrace last Thursday night was deemed a big success by local officials and members of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce that sponsored it.
“We’re thrilled beyond belief,” said Bill Greene, president of the Mineola Chamber and owner of Tsontos Furs. “The turnout’s better than expected.”
Chamber officials said this year’s fundraising event, which features food from local restaurants and a fashion show, drew 18 restaurants, surpassing past years, as well more vendors that displayed a variety of products and services.
Restaurants and bakeries offering a sampling of their wares included Ardito’s Deli, Bakers of All Nations, Chez Bonet, Churrasqueria Bairrada, Cornerstone, Cugini Pizzeria, Eleanor Rigby’s, Eric’s Italian Bistro, Heart of Portugal, Jericho Terrace, Jonathan’s, Mama Soup, Piccola Bussola, Piccolo’s, Plum Tomatoes, Polito’s Bakery, Sangria 71, Uncle Bacala’s, Vinoco and For Vets Chocolates.
“It’s a great event for everybody. It’s a really hometown event,” said Tony Lubrano, Mineola Chamber vice president and owner of Piccola Bussola. “It brings everybody in Mineola together to see their neighbors.”
People who paid $65 a piece to attend the event lined up for the smorgsasbord of entrees and deserts from the restaurants and bakeries.
An enthusiastic crowd gathered for the fashion show that was the highlight of the evening, with local officials modeling some of the clothes from local retail stores.
Village Trustee Paul Cusato made two turns on the runway, modeling a suit from Roberts Mens & Boys Wear and a tuxedo from BonaVenture Tuxedo.
“This is a great community event,” Cusato said.
Village of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss, who also modeled a BonaVenture tuxedo, said the event gives people an idea of what village vendors have to offer as the holiday season approaches.
“I think it’s great. You’re getting a sample of the restaurants and shops in Mineola. You can get everything you need in Mineola,” Strauss said.
Designing Dreams presented outfits for young girls, and Tsontos Furs and Max Bridal presented furs and wedding gowns.
Behind the food and fashion of the event is the intent to raise money for local service organizations including the Mineola Fire Department, the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Mineola VFW and American Legion Posts, Friends of the Mineola Library, the Mineola Athletic Association and Harbor Day Care.
Lubrano said final figures for the amount of money collected and the attendance at the event were not immediately available.
Major sponsors of the event included Roslyn Savings Bank and the NYCB Family of Banks.
Participating vendors included Co Co Hair Salon, K’s Auto Body, Mineola Pharmacy, Nikki’s Obsession, Personal 1 Fitness, Phoenix Wellness, Revolution Fitness, Rose’s Gems, Salon Eco and Winthrop-University Hospital.
