Taste Of Cornell

Taste of Cornell 

Welcome to NYC Cornellians’ inaugural Taste of Cornell! We are thrilled to have you join us for an evening of food, fun, and friends. With a fantastic lineup of critically acclaimed restaurants, beverage purveyors, and esteemed bakers, this evening will expand your palette while nourishing your soul. And what’s special: All the companies are owned or operated by Cornellians. 

We would love to see your pictures from Taste of Cornell. Please tag NYC Cornellians in your pictures and use the hashtags #tasteofcornell and #toc across all social media platforms (and follow us on social media @nyccornellians). 

So dig in and taste the magic of Cornell. It’s going to be one yummy evening. Bon Appétit!

A Big Red Thank You! 

Without the enormous support and help from a lot of people, Taste of Cornell wouldn’t have happened! 

Thank you to the following people for their tireless efforts in making NYC Cornellians’ inaugural Taste of Cornell a success. 

• The Steering Committee: Sarah Binder, August Cardona, Lora Epstein, Josh Morgan, and Todd Wolleman
• The Planning Committee: Sarah Binder, Lora Epstein, Cassandra Aquart, Katherina Balram, Chanell Branch, Jeffrey Eng, Connie Wong, and Todd Wolleman
• Savinien Caracostea for designing the fabulous logo
• L’Apicio for hosting this wonderful event, and Emily Corso, Director of Events & Catering at Epicurean Hospitality, for all her help and event-planning prowess (and patience with our numerous questions!!!)
• Volunteer managers Laurie Marvald, Kisshia Simmons, and Elizabeth Sowers for their help with organizing and managing our amazing volunteers and all the volunteers 

And a special Big Red thank you to Lily Carbonara & the Cornell Alumni Affairs Office for their unfailing effort and unwavering support in bringing this idea to life. We could not have done this without you! 

And, last but not least, thank you to all the attendees—alumni and friends of Cornell—for coming out and supporting a Taste of Cornell. 

Food Vendors 

*Number in (parentheses) indicates booth number. Map on page 5. 

Açaí of America (4) | www.acaiofamerica.com 

(Açaí is pronounced Ah-Sah-EE) 

Açaí of America, co-owned by Cornellian Carlos Questell (EMBA ‘10), is a purveyor of the highest quality, organic açaí in the global marketplace. Cultivated from the plush regions of the Amazon River and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the brand is on a mission to make this beloved South American superfood an American staple. Açaí puree is bound to get your day started on a healthy note. 

Amali Mou (3) | www.amalimounyc.com 

Drawing its name from the Greek word “mou”—a term of affection for a younger loved one—Amali Mou is the little sister restaurant to Amali; both are owned and operated by Cornellian James Mallios (‘96). Offering the same commitment to sustainability and wine as its sister restaurant, Amali Mou was inspired by the souvlazidikos and beachside fare served throughout Santorini, Mykonos, and the Aegean islands. Amali Mou’s menu, showcasing modern Greek fare such as gyros, market salads, mezes, and over 35 wines, beers, and cocktails, will take you on an unforgettable Greek culinary journey. 

Aurify Brands 

Aurify Brands, where Cornellian Josh Morgan (A&S ‘99) serves as the Operating Partner, builds, owns, and operates networks of category-leading fast casual restaurants. Aurify conceives, builds, and grows original concepts that are distinctive, consistently extraordinary in quality, and bred for expansion and the long-term. Some of Aurify’s brands include: 

Fields Good Chicken (11) | www.fieldsgoodchicken.com 

Fields Good Chicken is dedicated to the craft of grilled and roasted chicken while nourishing an active lifestyle and preserving the environment. That means nutritious food made from scratch that is just as satisfying as life’s adventures. 

MAKE Sandwich (11) | www.makesandwich.com/join 

MAKE Sandwich is a sandwich shop serving uniquely classic sandwiches and quality make-your-own ingredients with a New York hustle. The eatery’s passion for sandwiches is evident in its tasty creations such as Spinach & Artichoke, Chicken & Chorizo, and Zucchini & Falafel, and will have you exploring unique flavor combinations in no time. 

Melt Shop (11) | www.meltshop.com 

Melt Shop is an American sandwich shop offering gourmet, melted sandwiches and other food such as grilled cheeses, fried chicken, burgers, tater tots, and salads, that are sure to provide you with the comfort of home. And to quench your thirst, you can sip on lemonades and shakes that melt in your mouth. 

The Little Beet Table (11) Aurify Brands | www.thelittlebeettable.com 

Making healthy and satisfying food accessible to everyone, The Little Beet Table is a vegetable focused, full service restaurant dedicated to nourishing your well-being. This comfortable eating oasis makes it pleasurable to eat fresh, delicious, and thoughtful whole foods that delight the senses, and is bound to become one of your indulgent pleasures. 

Baking for Good and This Chick Bakes (17) 

Online Bakeries: www.bakingforgood.com | www.thischickbakes.com 

Baking for Good and This Chick Bakes, both owned and managed by Cornellian Hope Jones (SHA ‘86), offer an exquisite selection of sweets made from the finest ingredients with no artificial flavors or preservatives. This Chick Bakes, Hope’s main bakery, sells cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, and other delectable baked goods to numerous coffee shops in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, where her kitchen is based. 

Using baked goods to give back in a sweet way, Baking for Good is Hope’s charity-based bakery that sells bite-sized cookies and bars as corporate and personal gifts. $1 for every $20 that you spend at Baking for Good supports a cause of your choice. A little sugar really does go a long way. 

Epicurean Group (8) | www.lapicio.com 

Epicurean Group, co-founded by Cornellian August Cardona (‘00) is a portfolio of restaurants, including neighborhood favorites L’Artusi, dell’anima, Anfora, and L’Apicio.

LDV Hospitality 

LDV Hospitality, a premier restaurant group founded by Cornellian John Meadow (SHA ‘02), owns and operates 28 food and beverage venues across the globe, including American Cut and Scarpetta. 

American Cut (13) | www.americancutsteakhouse.com 

American Cut pays homage to the original and aspirational New York dining experience: the steakhouse. Once you sink your teeth into one of the eatery’s mouthwatering dishes, you’ll understand why this critically acclaimed restaurant is a cut above the rest. 

Scarpetta (13) | www.scarpettarestaurants.com 

Scarpetta is LDV’s signature Italian restaurant concept that was first launched in New York City’s famed Meatpacking District. This James Beard nominated restaurant is known for its famous Spaghetti Tomato & Basil dish that is savory down to the very last bite. 

Mel’s Burger Bar (15) | www.melsburgerbar.com 

This neighborhood watering hole that is beloved by every person who appreciates the simpler things in life makes burgerlicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a comfortable environment where you can kick back and unplug. Once you step foot in Mel’s Burger Bar, owned by Cornellian Steven Kay, it will become your destination spot too.

Monument Lane (18) | www.monumentlane.com 

Cornellian Josh Frum (MMH ‘06) opened Monument Lane in 2011. The West Village restaurant serves new American food with a focus on local, sustainably raised products. Inspired by the neighborhood’s historically pastoral setting, the eatery showcases a changing menu to reflect the local harvest. 

Murray’s Cheese (2) | www.murrayscheese.com 

Owned by Cornellian Rob Kaufelt since the early 1990s, Murray’s Cheese sells the most delicious cheeses from across the U.S. and around the world. New York City’s most beloved cheese shop is currently working with Cornell to develop a Clothbound Cheddar cheese. This is the first time Murray’s is creating its own cheese and this relationship will change the future of Murray’s so it’s one we hold close to our hearts. 

Not Your Average Cotton (9) | www.notyouraveragecotton.com | #TasteTheFluff 

Founded by Cornellians Margaret Taormina (‘13) and Alisha Vimawala (‘13), Not Your Average Cotton is on a mission to bring back the whimsy and nostalgia of cotton candy carts from the early 1900s. With flavors such as homemade mint, citrus, lavender, and rose made from all-natural sugars and flavoring, and topped with edible gold specks, the brand’s fluff will surely transport you back in time. 

The Taco Truck (5) | www.thetacotruck.com | Instagram: @thetacotruck 

The Taco Truck brings authentically crafted, naturally delicious Mexican street food to the Northeast. Inspired by their adventures in Mexico, co-founders Jason Scott and Cornell alum Chris Viola (‘03) set out to bring the flavors of a Mexican taqueria to the East Coast. With an abuela-approved artisanal menu, you don’t have to travel all the way to Mexico for authentic Mexican food.

Beverage Vendors 

*Number in (parentheses) indicates booth number. Map on page 5. 

Columbus Avenue Wines and Spirits & Skyview Wines and Spirits (7) 

http://www.skyviewwine.com | www.columbuswines.com 

Fine wine proprietors, Columbus Avenue Wines and Spirits & Skyview Wines and Spirits, specialize in Israeli and premier wines and spirits from around the world. With their Skyview company hailed by Zagat as a destination for kosher wine and scotch, the proud parents of a future Cornellian look forward to sharing a few beverages with attendees to elevate their spirits. 

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (16) | www.drfrankwines.com 

Since 1962, the Frank family has been committed to the production of super-premium wines in New York State’s Finger Lakes region. Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first to successfully grow vitis vinifera grape varieties in the northeastern United States, and ignited a quality renaissance in American viticulture and winemaking. Continuing Dr. Frank’s tradition of excellence, third generation vintner & Cornellian Frederick Frank (CALS ‘79) is currently at the helm of the winery, and hopes to turn over the reins to his daughter, Meaghan, also a Cornellian (CALS ‘11 & ‘15), and a fourth generation Frank, one day. 

Israel Wines and New York Wines (14) www.iwpa.com | www.newyorkwines.org 

Ithaca Beer (6) | Provided by The Cornell Club NY | www.cornellclubnyc.com 

Kettleborough Cider House (10) | www.kettleboroughciderhouse.com 

Cornellian Tim Dressel (‘07), a fourth-generation apple-grower, started Kettleborough Cider House in 2011, combining his passion for horticulture, farm business, and winemaking. Kettleborough produces premium hard ciders from “ancient” apples exclusively from his family’s orchard. Leading the charge to revive America’s first beverage, Kettleborough’s hard cider will have you loving the nation’s Founding Father’s favorite drink. 

Recoup Beverage (1) | www.recoupbeverage.com 

Give your body the natural recovery it needs with recoup beverages. Founded by Siwat Siengsanoah (Johnson ‘15), recoup is an all-natural, plant-based water formulated to help with dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. Our consumers are cancer patients going through chemotherapy, pregnant women suffering from morning sickness, and anyone looking for an all-natural way to recover from a severe health condition to everyday ailments. 

TYKU (12) | www.tykusake.com 

TYKU, helmed by Cornellian Andrew Chrisomalis (‘97), markets traditional, best-in-class Japanese Sake to today’s modern consumers. Creating a trusted, premium brand name in Sake & Asian Spirits, TYKU combines all natural ingredients, age-old Japanese techniques, award-winning flavor profiles, and innovative packaging to create the fastest growing sake portfolio.

Gift Bag Contributors 

Bandar Foods| http://www.bandarfoods.com Co-founder Dan Garblik (‘04) donated the spicy mango chili sauce, which brings bold Indian flavors to American taste. 

Brothers All Natural | http://www.brothersallnatural.com

Owner Travis Betters (‘98) satisfied your sweet tooth with a healthy dose of all-natural, freeze-dried Fuji apple fruit crisps. 

Dang Foods | http://www.dangfoods.com

Founder & CEO Vincent Kitirattragarn (M.Eng. ‘07) gave you a pouch full of coconut chips that are made by toasting Thai coconut slices until they achieve a delightfully satisfying crunch that is sure to curb any sweet cravings. 

Fatty Sundays | http://www.fattysundays.com

Co-founder Lauren Borowick (‘12) shared some of her company’s thoughtfully flavored, generously dipped, and perfectly decorated chocolate covered pretzels that you can enjoy any day of the week. 

Not Your Average Cotton| http://www.notyouraveragecotton.com

Co-founders Margaret Taormina (‘13) and Alisha Vimawala (‘13) provided attendees with discount promo codes for its all-natural, fluffy cotton candy. 

This Chick Bakes | http://www.thischickbakes.com

Owner and esteemed baker Hope Jones (‘86) has brought some chocolate espresso beans just for you. 

Gift bags are available near the exit; don’t forget to grab one!