Benefit for Haiti

Wine & Dine for the Arts and Albany Area Chefs have announced that they will host "A Taste of Haiti" on Thursday, January 28 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany to benefit Haitian earthquake relief efforts through the American Red Cross.

"A Taste of Haiti" will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., featuring Haitian cocktails, wine, soft drinks and hors d'ouevres. From 6:30 p.m. 'til 9:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a menu of sumptuous traditional Haitian dishes created by top chefs Michael St. John of The Desmond, Brian Molino of Marché at 74 State, Jaime Ortiz of Angelo's 677 Prime, Yono Purnomo of Yono's, Kevin Roberts of the Crowne Plaza, Chef Luc Pasquier of Jack's Oyster House, John Marizilli of Salty's Pub & Bistro, and Rachel Mabb of the Hilton Garden Inn Troy. Desserts will be provided by Gio Culinary Studio. Please note: list of chefs is current as of 11:00 a.m. on January 21. More chefs may be added before the event--check http://tinyurl.com/ATasteofHaiti for updated listings.

100% of proceeds will benefit American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Advance registrations are strongly encouraged, although walk-in registrations will be available. Reservations for the cocktail reception are $25 per person; reservations for the cocktail reception and dinner are $50 per person. Free parking will be available at the Crowne Plaza Albany Hotel(on State and Lodge Streets in Albany), with valet parking services available for an additional $10 donation to the American Red Cross.

Guests can make reservations by calling the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at (518) 458-8111 or online at http://tinyurl.com/ATasteOfHaiti. For multiple or group reservations, guests must call (518) 458-8111.

In addition to delicious food and drink, "A Taste of Haiti" will feature live music, a 50-50 raffle to benefit the American Red Cross, and remarks by American Red Cross leaders and local dignitaries.