Issuu

WCNY’s 12th Annual Taste of Fame Culinary Fundraising Experience

Marcus Samuelsson Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, and Author

NOVEMBER 13, 2026 DRUMLINS COUNTRY CLUB 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY 13224

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael Humphrey

Michael D’Eredita

Chair

Ana Sylvia Espinosa de los Monteros Diane Gayeski

Francisco Suárez

Thomas Griffith

Vice-Chair

Mark Jackson, Sr.

Greg Fedele

Peter G. King

Treasurer

Don McPherson Daniel Mera Maria Murray

Directors Emeritus:

Michael O’Connor

Shiu-Kai Chin

Tere Paniagua

Robert Daino

Jim Plantholt

Evelyn Ingram

Deryn Pomeroy

Ronald A. Teplitsky

Colleen Viggiano

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

Dinner Sponsor

VIP Cooking

Recipe Sponsor

William G. Pomeroy

Demo Sponsor

OneGroup

Foundation

Vince’s Gourmet Imports

Photography

Hotel Sponsor

Sponsor

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Wegmans Food Markets Table Wine Sponsor Wagner Vineyards AV Sponsor Visions Federal Credit Union

Swag Sponsor Dupli Silent Auction

VIP Wine Sponsor

Sponsor

Billsboro Winery

Cazenovia Jewelry

Dessert Sponsor

Centerpiece Sponsor

Hearth & Home

New York Optometric

Red Carpet Sponsor

Parking Sponsor

National Carpet & Flooring

Colonial Laundromats

HOST Marcus Samuelsson Award-Winning Chef, Restauranteur, and Author

EMCEE Ron Curtis Jr. Writer, Producer, and Voiceover Talent

COCKTAIL HOUR INTRODUCTION Ron Curtis Jr.

REMARKS Michael Humphrey, Chair, WCNY Board of Trustees Mitch Gelman, President & CEO, WCNY

THREE-COURSE DINNER Stories with Chef Marcus

CLOSING Ron Curtis Jr. The silent auction closes at 8:15 p.m.

@wcnypbs Follow us on social media to see photos from tonight’s event! Share your photos with us by using #tasteoffame26.

Your financial partner for life.

From quality ingredients to freshly prepared meals, here at Vince’s we have it all.

SCAN HERE

800.242.2120 visionsfcu.org Federally insured by NCUA.

440 S MAIN ST • NORTH SYRACUSE, NY 13212 315-452-1000 • VINCESGOURMET.COM

Dry wines for large, small and everyday celebrations billsborowinery.com

Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Three-Course Dinner Menu SALAD COURSE Autumn Greens Autumn Greens, Shaved Apple, Spiced Pepitas, Mustard Vinaigrette Cured Salmon Cured Salmon, Crispy Everything Potatoes, Salsa Macha, Dill Aioli

ENTRÉE CHOICE OF: Maple Smoked Short Rib with Aged Ribeye Coconut Farro, Uni Ragu, Crispy Onion Miso Glazed Sea Bass Coconut Farro, Miso Lobster, Coconut Corn Broth, Smoked Curry Romesco Spice Rubbed Grilled Cauliflower Coconut Farro, Charred Corn, Crispy Onion

DESSERT COURSE Bunna Banana “Tiramisu” Rum-Soaked Ladyfingers, Coffee Banana Custard, Mascarpone Whip, Chocolate Crumble Accompanied by varietals from Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery.

DINNER SPONSOR

DESSERT SPONSOR

TABLE WINE SPONSOR

CENTRAL NEW YORK’S

Premier Fireplace Gallery

Comfort You Can Feel. Quality You Can Trust.

CARPET � VINYL � HARDWOOD � KARNDEAN LAMINATES � AREA RUGS � REMNANTS

GAS, WOOD, PELLET, AND ELECTRIC STOVES, INSERTS, AND FIREPLACES

6701 Manlius Center Road • East Syracuse, NY 315-434-9839 • Hearth-HomeSyracuse.com

810 BURNET AVE. SYRACUSE, NY 13203 315-472-4650 � NCOFLOORS.COM

YOUR BRAND PRINTED IN ONE PLACE ISE KLE RAW MCG Road 10000 213 Longview NY, USA Reading

INSURANCE INVESTED FUTURES

6789 800 345 kleisem.com ajkleise@com kleisem.

OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY IS

$250

PER MONTH

INS

URA

NCE

INV

EST

FUT

URE

FIND YOUR

BUSINESS SOLUTION HERE Account REP AJ Kleise (421) 345.6789 ajkleise.com

GROW YOUR BUSINESS HERE

Envelopes, Pocket Folders, Calendars, Stationary, Sticky Notepads, And More! BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE RISK MANAGEMENT | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTING

800-268-1830 | www.OneGroup.com

GET STARTED TODAY! jdegre@duplionline.com 315.234.7228 duplionline.com

Yes, Chef Cocktail Yield: 1 Cocktail

INGREDIENTS • 2 mint sprigs • .75 oz. honey syrup (honey syrup is one equal parts honey and water, brought to a boil and cooled) • .75 oz. homemade ginger beer • .5 oz. lime juice • .75 oz. pineapple juice • 1.5 oz. vodka • 1 mint leaf

DIRECTIONS Cocktail 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Muddle mint sprig with honey syrup. Add the ginger beer, pineapple juice, lime juice, and vodka into a shaker and fill with ice. Shake. Strain. Pour into old-fashioned glass and garnish with a mint leaf.

Homemade Ginger Beer (2.5 Quarts) 1. 2. 3. 4.

Pour 2 quarts water into a large saucepan. Add 2 cups peeled and ground ginger (use food processor), 4 cups light brown sugar, the juice of 2 limes, and 5 Thai bird chilis. Bring to a boil, then strain through a sieve lined with several layers of cheese cloth. Pour into bottles and refrigerate.

RECIPE SPONSOR

New York Optometric Discover exceptional jewelry and unmatched customer service. 533 Towne Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066

CazenoviaJewelry.com

4 Oppeennr2s2!4 Ohou rs! hou

4 Open r2s! hou

Media in Service of

COMMUNITY The funding changed, our mission didn’t. Your support strengthens public media for the future.

IMMACULATELY LAUNDROMATS IMMACULATELY CLEAN CLEAN LAUNDROMATS IMMACULATELY CLEAN LAUNDROMATS 36 TO SERVE YOU YOU BETTER BETTER 3636LOCATIONS LOCATIONS TO SERVE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

WE CARDS, WE ACCEPT CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS, WEACCEPT ACCEPTCOIN, COIN, CREDIT/DEBIT CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS, APPLE PAY GOOGLEPAY APPLE GOOGLE PAY APPLEPAY, PAY, AND AND GOOGLE COLONIALLAUNDROMATS.COM COLONIALLAUNDROMATS.COM COLONIALLAUNDROMATS.COM

Learn more at wcny.org.

Marcus Samuelsson Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author Marcus Samuelsson is a world-renowned chef, restaurateur, designer, and cultural icon whose culinary influence spans continents. He is the creative force behind numerous acclaimed restaurants across the United States and abroad, each reflecting his signature blend of global flavors and cultural storytelling. An Emmy Award–winning television personality and accomplished author, Samuelsson is also deeply committed to philanthropic work, particularly in expanding access to culinary education and supporting underserved communities. His expansive hospitality portfolio includes the internationally celebrated Red Rooster Harlem, alongside Red Rooster Overtown in Miami, Hav & Mar in Manhattan’s Chelsea Arts District, and Metropolis at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan. He also helms Marcus restaurants in Atlanta and New Jersey, with international locations in The Bahamas, Canada, and Ethiopia. His popular Streetbird and Vibe BBQ concepts are found across the U.S., Ethiopia, and in the Bahamas. Most recently, he introduced his acclaimed modern brasserie Marcus DC at The Morrow Hotel in Washington, D.C., along with Sly, a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant, and Goodie Lounge, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar. Samuelsson made history as the youngest chef ever to receive a three-star review from The New York Times. He is an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award winner and was the guest chef for President Obama’s first state dinner. On screen, Samuelsson is widely recognized as a longstanding judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” and he’s a familiar

face across the network—making frequent appearances on shows like “Tournament of Champions” and “Beat Bobby Flay.” He’s also a regular on “Top Chef,” where he hosted the “Family Style” spinoff, and was an Iron Chef on Netflix’s “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” He served as the host and executive producer of the beloved PBS series “No Passport Required,” created and hosted the Audible series “Seat at the Table,” and currently produces and hosts “Home Plate” on the YES Network. In 2023, he earned an Emmy Award for the digital series “My Mark.” He is the author of several books, including “Yes, Chef: A Memoir,” a New York Times bestseller, and “The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food,” which received widespread critical acclaim for its celebration of Black culinary creativity. Samuelsson serves as co-chair of the Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP), which helps young people from underserved communities build careers in the culinary world. He also works closely with World Central Kitchen and other nonprofit partners to expand access to food and economic opportunity. In addition, he is a sought-after speaker, engaging corporate, cultural, and global audiences on the intersections of food, business, and social impact.

THIS ONE

Follow Samuelsson on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @MarcusCooks and on TikTok @Marcus_Cooks.

Relax on our winery deck with a flight of wines and enjoy the view of our vineyard and Cayuga Lake. Or choose a Traditional Tasting inside the winery. All of our wines are made from grapes grown in our on-site vineyard. We planted our first vines in 1979.

Since 1982

Appellation Cayuga Lake Specializing in Dry Red. Also featuring Dry & Semi-dry White & Rosé Wines.

9501 Route 89 • Trumansburg, NY 14886 • 607-387-9619 www. FrontenacPoint.com 11

Silent Auction The silent auction closes at 8:15 p.m. Bidding Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Bid on your phone by visiting onecau.se/tof26 and registering or text TOF 26 to 44834. There is no app required.

How can I check my bids or donations? On the auction page, tap the “Your Activity” button on the menu to review the list of your bookmarked items, bids, and donations.

2. Register on any page of the auction center by tapping on the “Sign in” link in the top right corner. Registration is required to make a donation or place a bid. 3. Sign in with your email address, Facebook account, or Google account. After selecting your preferred sign-in method, you will be prompted to enter the required information for registration. 4. Select the item you would like to place a bid on. 5. Tap the “Bid” button to open the “Place Your Bid” pop-up window, where you can enter your bid. You can also click the “Watch” button to bookmark the item for later. 6. Enter your bid and then select “Confirm Bid.” 7. In the next window, you will be able to set your Max Bid—the most you are willing to spend on the item. If you don’t want to set a Max Bid, you can simply select “No Thanks.” 8. Please pick up your items at the conclusion of the event in the Upper Lobby. Large items must be picked up at the WCNY-TV Studios, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How do I know if I won an item? Tap the person icon in the top right corner to check the status of your bids. You can see whether you are the highest bidder, if someone outbid you, or if you won the item. How do I pay for the item I won? In the same section mentioned above, you will be able to pay for your transactions on the receipt tab. How can I get my invoice? Supporters will be texted a receipt when their purchase is completed. There is also an option to email yourself a receipt. WCNY will also send email receipts to guests as needed. Is there any bid limit on items? There is no limit on how many items you can bid on or how many times you can bid. How can I make a donation? Go to the “Make a Donation” page and select your donation amount. Or enter your amount by selecting the “Other” option, then select the donate button. Is there sales tax on the item? Only certain packages are subject to 8% sales tax.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILENT AUCTION DONORS! Elderberry Pond

• The 1000 Islands Cruet

• Cranky Cat Collection

• Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub

• 1911 Established/Beak & Skiff

• Crepe Time Café

• Knapp Winery

• The REV Theatre Company

• 5 Wits - Destiny USA

• The Daily Diner

• Kohen Educational Services

• Riley’s

• Airy Acres Vineyard

• The Dark Horse Tavern

• Riverside Artisans

• Akiyo Japanese Restaurant

• del Lago Resort & Casino

• Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars

• Amber Inn Tavern

• Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse

• Lock 1 Distilling Company

• Rosamond Gifford Zoo

• Anthony Road Wine Company

• Delta Lake Inn

• The Lotus at 107

• RPM Raceway - Syracuse

• Antique Underground

• Delta Sonic Car Wash

• Lumos Infrared Sauna + Cold Plunge Studio

• Saranac Brewery

• Apex Entertainment

• Destiny USA

• Lush Cosmetics

• The Art Store/ Commercial Art Supply

• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

• MacKenzie-Childs

• Sew What of CNY

• Dunk & Bright Furniture

• Manlius Jewelry & Repair

• Seward House Museum

• Earthquake Spices

• Maple Hill Nursery

• Shades of Orange Art Studio

• The Eastwood Refillery

• Maxwells

• Simmons Ink and Stitch

• Egon Ehrlinspiel Jewelers

• Maybury Hill Maple

• Smiley’s Town & Country

• The Emerson & Soul Society

• The Melting Pot

• Everson Museum of Art

• Montezuma Winery

• Five Iron Golf Syracuse

• Moosewood Restaurant

• Forge Gone Conclusions

• Mrs. Kelder’s Cakes

• Fred Astaire Dance Studios

• MUNSON

• The Fun WareHouse

• National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

• Atwater Vineyards • Auburn Bagel Company • B’Ville Diner • Baltimore Woods Nature Center • Bella Michael’s Restaurant • Bender Hill Maple • Big Apple Music • Billsboro Winery • Black Diamond Farm & Cider • Bonefish Grill

• George Eastman Museum

• Seneca Lake Wine Trail

• The Smith Center for the Arts • Spybaby Bridal & Prom • Standing Stone Vineyards • Stasis Float Center • Stickley Furniture/Mattress • Studio 245

• GlowGolf

• National Comedy Center/Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

• Golden Spike Pub

• New York Cider Company

• Bull & Bear Roadhouse

• Great Artspectations Art Gallery & Gift Shop

• Nonna & Oma’s

• Burn Kickboxing Camillus

• HABA Toy Outlet

• Butternut Creek Golf Course

• Onondaga County Parks

• Hand in Health Massage Therapy

• Pastabilities

• Syracuse University Athletics

• Peaks Coffee Company

• Taiwan Cakery

• Pewter Spoon Café

• Tassone’s Wine Garden

• Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

• Phoebe’s Restaurant & Coffee Lounge

• Tastes of Wine Country

• Hofmann Sausage Company

• Pick Your Stitch

• Hollywood Restaurant

• Ports Cafe

• That’s What She Read Bookshop & Boutique

• Central Rock Gym Syracuse

• Hospitality Syracuse Inc d.b.a. Taco Bell

• Prime 67 Market & Deli

• Chalking About Stein Art Studio

• Inspire Moore Winery

• The British Blacksmith • Broadway in Syracuse • Buffalo Wild Wings Camillus

• Byrne Dairy • California Closets • Cam’s Pizzeria • Carol Watson Greenhouse • Cazenovia Artisans • Cazenovia Jewelry

• The Cheesecake Factory • Chelsea’s Esthetic Boutique • China Towne Furniture & Mattress

• Gimme! Coffee

• Harvey’s Garden • Heritage Hill Brewhouse

• Ithaca Guitar Works • Jacobsen Oriental Rugs • Jake’s Gouda Cheese • JetBlack New York

• Of Moose and Mind Bookshop

• Princess House • Quilter’s Corner • Radisson Greens Golf Course • Randolph O’Neill Vineyard • Raphael’s Men’s Shop

• Syracuse Crate • Syracuse Mets • The Syracuse Orchestra • Syracuse Salt Company • Syracuse Stage

• Three Brothers Wineries and Estates • Tops Friendly Markets • Tour Cayuga • Trader Joe’s • Unplugged Gaming

• Rasta Ranch Vineyards

• Wegmans

• Recess Coffee

• Weis Vineyards

• KàBee Boutique

• Red Lobster - Liverpool/Clay

• Cobblestone Trading Company

• Kindred Fare

• Red Tail Ridge Winery

• Wing-A-Lings Dry Rubs & Seasonings

• Corning Museum of Glass

• Kinney Drugs

• Redhouse Arts Center

• WonderWorks Destiny

• Cosentino’s Ristorante

• Kitchen Theatre Company

• The Restaurant at

• Yards Grille

• Chocolate Pizza Company • CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery

• K Kurdish Mediterranean Restaurant