Mike Wiezen of AAAA Bike Shop in Ventnor was host at Nucky's Speakeasy at the Ventnor Square Theater.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR - Under bright blue skies and not-so-hot temperatures, the city kicked off the summer dining season in a big way Sunday, May 22. The Ventnor Beautification Committee held its ninth Chef's Night Out event at 20 different eateries and a city park.
The restaurants served everything from lucious pillows of pasta to peaceful pies made from ice cream.
The event sold out weeks before the dine around, which included restaurants, bakeries, ice cream parlors and even a liquor store offering wine tastings.
There were numerous vendors stationed at or near the restaurants offering everything from high-end costume and handcrafted jewelry to skin creams perfumed with herbs and fine art. Musicians provided the atmosphere needed to make it a festive event.
Participants who paid $45 for the right to sample tastings at some of the city's finest dining establishments, including several pizza parlors, gathered in front of the establishments to taste offerings that beckoned them to make a reservation for a sit-down meal this summer.
The event is the brainchild of community organizer and Beautification Committee Chairwoman Shelley D'Orazio. This year, she purchased toques for the many volunteers who served as hosts and the participants. D'Orazio published a map containing a list of participating restaurants.
Rita and Stan Freeman, who live in the 5000 Boardwalk condominium and are D'Orazio's neighbors, served as volunteer hosts for as many years as the event has been held, they said.
"It's fun to talk to people. And no one can say no to Shelley or she'll have Elvis after us," Rita Freeman said.
D'Orazio is a big Elvis fan and she touched base with him before the event to put in her request for good weather, she said.
"And he delivered," Freeman said.
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Marie McQueen and Carol Feeley are year-round residents of Ventnor Heights and wouldn't miss the dine around.
"We try to do this every year and we also do Restaurant Week," McQueen said. "It's good to get out and support Ventnor and we get to meet a lot of nice people."
Rosemary Tripician of Ventnor was halfway through the restaurant tastings and was eager to continue taking small bites so she had room for more.
"My favorite tasting so far was the pappardelle with mushroom ragu at LaPadella. It was served with an arugula salad topped with shaved parmesean. Delicious," she said.
Irene Vaders of the North Beach section of Ventnor was part of a group of "good friends" who hitched a ride to the four commercial districts in a very large SUV.
"I love the food and I'm proud to support our local businesses, especially in the North Beach area," she said.
Participants ended the evening at an afterparty held at the Ventnor Memory Park where they enjoyed some Dunkin' donuts and other sweet treats.
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