by Don Church and Tony Schillaci
The venerable New London landmark bar, Frank’s Place on the corner of Tilley and Bank Streets was the host venue for the fundraiser Chefs For Life ‘08 on Friday, September 19th. Hosted by co-owners Wayne Cosentino and Matt Bailey, with former owner “Mr. New London” John Duvall greeting guests, the event raised funds for the American Foundation for AIDS Reasearch (amfAR). AmfAR’s founding chair Dame Elizabeth Taylor turned her duties over first to Sharon Stone, and now Kenneth Cole holds the leadership position.
Participating chefs Noel Jones from ON20 in Hartford, Scott Martin from Simmer Grille in West Hartford and Simmer Restaurant & Lounge in Canton, Jason Collins from Firebox in Hartford, Shawn Hewitt from David Burke Prime Steakhouse at Foxwoods Resort Casino, were joined by Maegn Boone representing Chef Billy Grant of Grant’s Restaurant & Bar in West Hartford, and Pastry Chef Lynn Mansel from Mohegan Sun.
The fare of creatively prepared oysters, shrimp, beef with heirloom tomatoes, salmon, chocolate truffles, key lime cheesecake and a variety of exotic Hotel California Tequila drinks served in the Frank’s Place open patio had the crowd coming back time and again for refills… proving once more that CT’s chefs are among the best in the world.
