Community Corner

Oxford Native Holds Hurricane Sandy Benefit Dinner [PHOTOS]

The event at Costa Azzurra benefited those affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as providing great food for those in attendance.

 

Oxford native and Chef Joseph Bonavita Jr., and Chef Aaron Lhamon, cooked up a masterful 8-course meal that included tender pork loin, delicious chocolate ice cream and all kinds of great dishes in between Monday night at Costa Azzurra in Milford.

Chef Joe came up with the idea to have a benefit dinner to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy because he wanted to use his skills as a gourmet chef to help give back to those in need.

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"I wanted to help out the community," Chef Joe said. He grew up in Long Island and lived in Oxford, as well as Chicago.

Chef Joe was quite accommodating to this reporter, serving up each of the eight courses, all of them being absolutely delectable.

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Costa Azzurra

Costa Azzurra owner Benny Faustini was happy to accommodate Joe in his endeavors.

"He called me because the place in Long Island wasn't rebuilt," Benny said, referring to Joe's original location for the benefit dinner.

Many people were concerned with the state of Costa Azzurra following Hurricane Sandy, but Faustini assured Milford Patch that everything is going great.

"We fixed everything inside," Fautini said, adding that the only remaining work was just cosmetic landscaping on the outside of the establishment.

Costa Azzurra is currently open for lunch and dinner, as always.

Sponsors for the dinner and auction included Polyscience, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Snake River Farms, Secchiaroli Farm, Shun Knives, Korin, Hudson Whiskey, Tuthilltown Spirits, Chef Revival and Eden Farms.


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