Restaurateur Honored for Work With StreetSquash Newark

James Laird, executive chef/co-owner of Restaurant Serenade, is being honored by FAMILYConnections with its Champion of the People Award during the organization's "A Taste of NJ's Best" Gala on Tuesday, May 2 at Westminster Hotel in Livingston.

FAMILYConnections is an East Orange-based nonprofit of 35 specialized programs delivering professional counseling, skills-building, training and prevention services to more than 4,000 children, adults and families each year in Essex County and surrounding communities.

Its annual Champion of the People Award is given to someone with a special commitment to helping young people and their families. Chef Laird is being recognized for his longtime work as a board member of StreetSquash Newark and his mentorship of young chefs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Ellen M. Davenport, FAMILYConnections Past president, will receive the organizations Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Gala features a walkaround tasting provided by 20+ of New Jersey's most exceptional restaurants including Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar, Fiorino Ristorante, Restaurant Latour, Strip House, and The Bernards Inn; specialty cocktails by Iron Shaker winner and Serenade GM/Sommelier John Jansma; spirits from Kenilworth's Tree City Vodka; and more.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017
6:30 - 9:00 pm

Westminster Hotel
550 West Mount Pleasant Ave. (Rt. 10)
Livingston, NJ 07039

Tickets: $150-400 pp

For complete details and to purchase tickets, go to FAMILYConnections.