Wine Pairing, Chef Sharing Fundraiser Set for ARC

Fundraising can be a simple donation, but when it's in the form of a fun event, it’s a win-win.

The ARC of Rockland, a non profit, is hosting a new fundraising event called Wine Pairing & a Chef Sharing. The ARC is known for the more popular annual A Taste of Rockland that’s held every September. The inaugural Wine Pairing & a Chef Sharing is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at Del’Arte Restaurant located at 20-F Mountainview Avenue in Orangeburg, just off of Route 303.

Tickets are $55.00 each or $100.00 for a pair. Buy them by calling 845.267.2500 ext. 3118 or ordered securely online at www.arcofrockland.org.

Wine sommeliers Charlie Gratz and Chandler Webber represent ten premier wines from California and across the world and are teaming with Del’ Arte owner and Chef John Carollo for a unique culinary experience. 

Chef Carollo will share with guests his secrets for making perfect pastas and sauces and he will cook live in the dining room a few of his famous dishes:

• Linguine alla Vongole
• Risotto Ai Funghi
• Rigatoni alla Bolognese

Sommeliers Gratz and Webber will pair the dishes with appropriate wines that provide the best complements. There will be a light buffet of Fusilli Alla Bolognese, Chicken Scaloppini with Artichokes and Eggplant Rollatini.

There is also an opportunity to ask these chefs and wine experts related questions such as:

“Is it okay to change from a Chardonnay to a Cabernet during dinner?”

“Do red wines always pair better with red meats and whites with fish & poultry?”

“Are expensive wines that much better that value wines?”

“Should you mix fruity or acidic wines with creamy pasta?”

“How long will wine last once it’s uncorked?”

The following labels will be featured for tasting:

• Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi 2006
• Estancia Reserve Meritage 2007
• Clos du Bois Russian River Valley Chardonnay
• Wild Horse Central Coast Pinot Noir 2007
• Robert Mondavi Winery Fume Blanc 2008
• Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti
• Echelon Pinot Noir
• Kono Wine of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
• Sonoma Cutrer Estate Chardonnay 2005
• Bran Caia Tre 2007 (Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet).

Proceeds from "Wine Pairing & A Chef Sharing" go to support programs at ARC of Rockland, the county's nonprofit that provides programs and services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. ARC of Rockland was founded more than 50 years ago by a small but determined group of parents who wanted their sons and daughters to enjoy education, housing, employment and participation in community activities. Today, ARC provides programs and services to 1,200 people throughout Rockland County. More at www.arcofrockland.org.