The Hayground School in Bridgehampton celebrated its 20th Anniversary at their 12th Annual Chefs Dinner honoring Hayground co-founder Toni Ross (co-founder of Nick and Toni’s restaurant), and Chef Claudia Fleming of the North Fork Table & Inn. A benefit for the school and its tuition assistance programs, the evening raised just over $338,000.
The sold out delicious evening for 150 guests began with al fresco hors d’oeuvres created by five superb chefs; Josh Capon of Lure Fishbar and Bowery Meat Company, Abigail Hitchcock of Camaje Bistro, Christian Mir of Stone Creek Inn, Jason Weiner of Almond and L&W Oyster Co, and Hayground’s own Arjun Achuthan, and cocktails and wine from Leslie Merinoff of Ownery’s Rum.
A five course dinner followed, with plates prepared in turn by Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter; Tom Colicchio of Crafted Hospitality; Joe Realmuto of Nick & Toni’s and Townline BBQ; Marc Meyer of Cookshop, Hundred Acres and Rosie’s; and chef Elizabeth Falkner, and with help from master fromager Michael Cavaniola of Cavaniola’s. Sommelier Julie Berger of Nick & Toni’s paired superb wines with each course.
Founder Toni Ross was introduced by her children, Noah and Sara Salaway who brought down the house declaring, “Tonight I am no longer Toni Ross, I have changed my name to Toni Hayground.” She also expressed deep gratitude and respect for her co-honoree, Claudia Fleming, calling her both “a generous friend and the best baker on the planet.”
Guests included Dorothy Lichtenstein, Paul Goldberger, Tinka Topping, Sima and Morad Ghadamian, Almond Zigmund, and Ron Kaplan.
Pictured:
Toni Ross & Chef Claudia Fleming