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Pleasures of the Palate

November 11, 2011

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At Pleasures of the Palate, which benefits the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), attendees were thrilled by the event’s change in venue to the recently-revamped restaurant, The Forge.  Known for its dramatic wine cellars and innovative fare, it was the perfect spot for a crowd of foodies and wine enthusiasts to enjoy a four-course dinner paired with wines.  According to Event Chairs Tammy and Steven Klein, the November 6th affair attracted 140 guests and raised more than $80,000 for the cure-focused work of the DRI.

The evening began with sumptuous passed hors d’oeuvres and bubbling Spanish Brut Cava as Latin Grammy-nominated harpist Roberto Perera set the musical mood.  Guests sipped, nibbled and jotted down bid after bid at the wine-centric silent auction.  Moving into the private party room, an appetizing menu, created by Chef Dewey LoSasso, was laid out before them.  It started with a Bermuda Triangle goat cheese brulée stacked on layers of tomatoes and prosciutto and paired with a crisp sauvignon blanc, followed by a delicate crab cake with roasted apple and Calabaza salad accented by an un-oaked chardonnay.  Guests raved about the flavorful filet mignon with mashed fava bean and a medium-bodied crianza, culminating with a dark chocolate pistachio torte – delicious!

“Tonight, we see how big of a family we are; we are a family fighting for one cause, one cure,” stated the Kleins’ daughter, Carly Klein, 19, who has been living with type 1 since she was 5.  Her compelling speech assured the audience that there is “reason to believe that the Diabetes Research Institute will play a major role in finding the cure for diabetes.”

The response was tremendous!  Led by longtime DRI supporter Doug Gallagher, an exciting live auction engaged the audience in some very competitive bidding.  The top bidders of the evening were: Tim Choate, Steve and Tammy Klein, Moises Grayson, David Barkus, Scott Ferris, Scott and Amy Greenwald, Mark Bloom, Daniel and Vanessa Abramson, and Jacci and Floyd Seskin.

Special thanks were extended to sponsors Republic National Distributing Company; the Klein Family; Beverly and Bill Parker; Sue Gallagher; Scott and Amy Greenwald and Steven and Tammy Klein; Cara and Bobby Balogh; Gerson, Preston, Robinson, Klein & Company, P.A.; Avcom, Patty and Rolando Suarez; Swanee and Paul Di Mare; Doug Gallagher; and Mary Kay Vona, Principal, Ernst & Young, LLP. 

Extending their deepest gratitude to everyone in attendance, Mr. Klein stated, “When you support the Diabetes Research Institute, you support those who have committed themselves to a cure.”