CULINARY CONNECTIONS RETURNS ON MARCH 10TH AT SOUTH + PINE

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FINE DINING AND EXCLUSIVE SPEED NETWORKING AT SOUTH + PINE FEATURING CHEF LEIA GACCIONE, FORMER EXECUTIVE CHEF AND CHEF DE CUISINE FOR BOBBY FLAY!

Join us on Thursday, March 10th, from 6pm, at South + Pine American Eatery in Morristown, New Jersey for the next installment of Culinary Connections, the hit networking series brought to you by award-winning Business and Executive Coach Susan Ascher. Culinary Connections was designed for professionals from all walks of business. Our community of master networkers are passionate about making the right connections while enjoying great wine and food.

FEATURING CHEF LEIA GACCIONE:

Former Executive Chef & Chef de Cuisine for Bobby Flay

Chef Leia Gaccione is owner of top restaurants, South + Pine and is a Food Network Top Chef and Bobby Flay Protégé. Chef Gaccione brings timeless seasonal American cuisine in a comfortable, but classy atmosphere. Expect delicious bites and a neighborhood vibe.

According to NJ Advance Media’s Cody Kendall: “The food is so intriguing at South + Pine that it’s worth some thought to tailor a visit to suit your sensibilities. Gaccione has real talent and the menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for items that are vegetarian or gluten-free, a large entree or simply making a meal of exciting small plates.”

EVENT DETAILS:

A very special three course menu including wine and developed by Chef Leia Gaccione will be served, featuring locally-sourced, seasonal American cuisine.

WHEN: THURSDAY, MARCH 10TH, 2022 • 6:00PM
WHERE: South + Pine American Eatery, 90 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960 | www.southandpine.com
COST: $159.00

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 25 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Great taste truly meets great people at Susan Ascher’s Culinary Connectios events. This evening, we were captivated by the work, service and voice of hunger, Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Mazars is a proud supporter / sponsor of both! — Tifphani White-King, US National Tax Practice Leader at Mazars USA LLP

“Great event last night Susan.  I hope to stay involved with additional events.” — Josh Weiner, Partner, Lindabury, McCormick

“Clearly, you have built a fabulous network of people who want to continue to learn and grow through the opportunities you provide. “ — Renee Helfenstein, Director of Special Events, CFBNJ

Culinary Connections was a fantastic opportunity to network with a variety of professionals and learn about the exciting work done by The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We’re already brainstorming opportunities to work together in 2020! — Tom Maroulakos, CEO, Skopos Hospitality Group

CULINARY CONNECTIONS RETURNS ON OCTOBER 6TH AT RISTORANTE DA BENITO

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF DINING AND NETWORKING IN PERSON

Join us on Wednesday, October 6th, from 6-9pm, at Ristorante da Benito in Union, New Jersey for the return of Culinary Connections, the hit networking series brought to you by award-winning Business and Executive Coach Susan Ascher. Culinary Connections was designed for professionals from all walks of business. Our community of master networkers are passionate about making the right connections while enjoying great wine and food.

OUR POWER GUEST ERIK ELFSTRUM:

We are happy to announce that our POWER Guest at the October 16th installment of Culinary Connections will be Erik Elfstrum.

Erik is the CEO of pureLYFT, an energy stir stick business, and the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Investment Officer of HOLISTIK Wellness, which has two businesses focused on CBD and THC delivery. He is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur with 25+ years of success in pharma and consumer packaged goods.

EVENT DETAILS:

Enjoy networking and dinner with dessert and coffee to follow!

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 2021 • 6:00-9:00PM
WHERE: Ristorante da Benito, 184 Walton Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 | daBenito.com
COST: $159.00

Chef Benito Hissen’s gloriously old school restaurant, da Benito, is celebrating 34 years since its founding. Consistently delicious Italian cuisine, an award winning wine list, and service that is second to none make this restaurant one of New Jersey’s finest. Born in Northern Italy, Benito came to the United States when he was 16. He is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, but before he earned that degree, he established his culinary foundation in a few imposing kitchens: one was the legendary (and now shuttered) Giambelli 50th Restaurant, long considered a sanctuary of elegance in New York City. Among his many guests have been Yogi Berra, Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra.

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Great taste truly meets great people at Susan Ascher’s Culinary Connectios events. This evening, we were captivated by the work, service and voice of hunger, Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Mazars is a proud supporter / sponsor of both! — Tifphani White-King, US National Tax Practice Leader at Mazars USA LLP

“Great event last night Susan.  I hope to stay involved with additional events.” — Josh Weiner, Partner, Coughlin Duffy

“Clearly, you have built a fabulous network of people who want to continue to learn and grow through the opportunities you provide. “ — Renee Helfenstein, Director of Special Events, CFBNJ

Culinary Connections was a fantastic opportunity to network with a variety of professionals and learn about the exciting work done by The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We’re already brainstorming opportunities to work together in 2020! — Tom Maroulakos, CEO, Skopos Hospitality Group

POSTPONED until further notice. Check back for dates.

YOU ARE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND – ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP?

How you present yourself to the world is crucial, and you don’t have a second chance to get it right. In this installment of Culinary Connections, our Emmy-Award winning POWER Presenter Kerry Barrett will discuss the importance of your personal brand and how best to prepare for your next close up!

Join us on Thursday, April 23rd, from 6-9pm, at Ristorante da Benito in Union, New Jersey for Culinary Connections, the hit networking series brought to you by award-winning Business and Executive Coach Susan Ascher. Culinary Connections was designed for professionals from all walks of business. Our community of master networkers are passionate about making the right connections while enjoying great wine and food.

OUR POWER PRESENTER KERRY BARRETT:

With over 20 years of on-air experience as a news anchor, reporter, and producer on NBC, Fox News, and ABC, Emmy-Award winning Kerry Barrett knows what it takes to be performance ready. She has traveled to Iraq as an embedded journalist bringing to life an award-winning series on “Life in Balad”.

She interviewed heads of state such as Janet Napolitano, financial shaman Suze Orman, and top celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, as well as prepared luminaries for debates. She has proven skills that make her unflappable and unstoppable.

EVENT DETAILS:

Enjoy networking and dinner with dessert and coffee to follow!

WHEN: THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD, 2020 • 6:00-9:00PM
WHERE: Ristorante da Benito, 184 Walton Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 | daBenito.com
COST: $159.00

Chef Benito Hissen’s gloriously old school restaurant, da Benito, is celebrating 34 years since its founding. Consistently delicious Italian cuisine, an award winning wine list, and service that is second to none make this restaurant one of New Jersey’s finest. Born in Northern Italy, Benito came to the United States when he was 16. He is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, but before he earned that degree, he established his culinary foundation in a few imposing kitchens: one was the legendary (and now shuttered) Giambelli 50th Restaurant, long considered a sanctuary of elegance in New York City. Among his many guests have been Yogi Berra, Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra.

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Great taste truly meets great people at Susan Ascher’s Culinary Connectios events. This evening, we were captivated by the work, service and voice of hunger, Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Mazars is a proud supporter / sponsor of both! — Tifphani White-King, US National Tax Practice Leader at Mazars USA LLP

“Great event last night Susan.  I hope to stay involved with additional events.” — Josh Weiner, Partner, Coughlin Duffy

“Clearly, you have built a fabulous network of people who want to continue to learn and grow through the opportunities you provide. “ — Renee Helfenstein, Director of Special Events, CFBNJ

Culinary Connections was a fantastic opportunity to network with a variety of professionals and learn about the exciting work done by The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We’re already brainstorming opportunities to work together in 2020! — Tom Maroulakos, CEO, Skopos Hospitality Group

A truly wonderful evening with Chef Leia at her marvelous South + Pine American Eatery.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for coming to Culinary Connections last Thursday!

Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors, Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards, Karolina Dehnhard, Lindabury, McCormick, Paula Ferreira, MAZARS USA, Wendy Taffet, Enjou Chocolat, Josh Weiner, Coughlin Duffy, Marta Chodur, Marta Chodur Photography, and Raymond James, Vitruvius Productions.

I hope everyone enjoyed Chef Leia’s POWER presentation as much as her delicious fare!

PHOTOS FROM CULINARY CONNECTIONS

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

SAVE THE DATES

We have one more installment of Culinary Connections for the season. Date TBD and definitely after April 15th!

Also, please SAVE THE DATES FOR COURSE CONNECTIONS, as Spring is just around the corner! YAY! Thursday May 28th, Thursday July 25th, and Thursday September 10th

SPONSORS WANTED

Finally, I am always looking for additional sponsors. Please email me if you want to explore how to become one!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Great taste truly meets great people at Susan Ascher’s Culinary Connectios events. This evening, we were captivated by the work, service and voice of hunger, Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Mazars is a proud supporter / sponsor of both! — Tifphani White-King, US National Tax Practice Leader at Mazars USA LLP

“Great event last night Susan.  I hope to stay involved with additional events.” — Josh Weiner, Partner, Coughlin Duffy

“Clearly, you have built a fabulous network of people who want to continue to learn and grow through the opportunities you provide. “ — Renee Helfenstein, Director of Special Events, CFBNJ

Culinary Connections was a fantastic opportunity to network with a variety of professionals and learn about the exciting work done by The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We’re already brainstorming opportunities to work together in 2020! — Tom Maroulakos, CEO, Skopos Hospitality Group

OUR CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

What a wonderful evening!

Last week’s Culinary Connections on December 4th was superb and I am so grateful to all who attended. Firstly, Carlos Rodriguez. Thank you for sharing your very compelling story and how The Community Foodbank of NJ is feeding 51 million meals to the 900,000 in our state who are not as lucky as we are!

Thank you to The Park Avenue Club and Marisa Carcione for creating such a lovely event for us!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Paula Ferreira, Tifphani White-King and Kelly Killea, MAZARS USA, Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards, Stuart Vorcheimer and Peter Cirignano, Peapack Gladstone Bank, Karolina Dehnhard and David Tawil, Norris McLaughlin, Josh Weiner, Coughlin Duffy, Marta Chodur, Marta Chodur Photography, and Wendy Taffet, Enjou Chocolat. You all make these events possible and I am very grateful for all of you!

PHOTOS FROM CULINARY CONNECTIONS

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

SAVE THE DATE

Our next Culinary Connections event will be held in February. Although we have a speaker in mind, I am always looking for dynamic, interesting leaders who can share a great story.

SPONSOR WANTED

Finally, I am always looking for additional sponsors. Please email me if you want to explore how to become one!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

Great taste truly meets great people at Susan Ascher’s Culinary Connections events. This evening, we were captivated by the work, service and voice of hunger, Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Mazars is a proud supporter / sponsor of both! — Tifphani White-King, US National Tax Practice Leader at Mazars USA LLP

“Thank you Susan. It was an engaging room with friends we knew and some new ones, we hope. I am so glad to have participated and do hope to see you at future events.” — Carlos Rodriguez, CEO, The Community FoodBank of New Jersey

“Great event last night Susan.  I hope to stay involved with additional events.” — Josh Weiner, Partner, Coughlin Duffy

“Clearly, you have built a fabulous network of people who want to continue to learn and grow through the opportunities you provide. “ — Renee Helfenstein, Director of Special Events, CFBNJ

Culinary Connections was a fantastic opportunity to network with a variety of professionals and learn about the exciting work done by The Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We’re already brainstorming opportunities to work together in 2020! — Tom Maroulakos, CEO, Skopos Hospitality Group

OUR CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

FINE DINING AND EXCLUSIVE NETWORKING AT THE PARK AVENUE CLUB!

Join us on December 4th, from 6-9pm, at The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, New Jersey for the start of the 2019 season of Culinary Connections, the hit networking series brought to you by award-winning Business and Executive Coach Susan Ascher. Culinary Connections was designed for professionals from all walks of business. Our community of master networkers are passionate about making the right connections while enjoying great wine and food.

SPECIAL POWER GUEST:

Carlos M. Rodriguez, President and CEO, Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ)

Carlos M. Rodriguez is a recognized voice against hunger and addressing the needs of the working poor. Twenty-two years of executive leadership experience have focused on improving policies and delivering services to reach all neighbors in need.

Understanding the complex ecosystem affecting hunger, he has expanded efforts across multiple organizations to feed and shorten the food lines simultaneously. Born and raised in the South Bronx, he has an in-depth understanding of poverty and a profound appreciation of the impact of human service. Carlos earned his MS in Urban Policy and Not-for-Profit Management from Milano Graduate School, New School University; a BA in Sociology from the College of the Holy Cross and a Not-for-Profit accounting certificate from New York University. He previously served as the Executive Director of Fulfill (formerly the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) and has also held high-level positions at the Food Bank For New York City, as well as the Children’s Defense Fund of New York and the Community Food Resource Center.

FOOD DRIVE FOR CFBNJ

In the spirit of the holidays, we will have a food drive for CFBNJ. Please bring canned, dried, or non-perishables for those less fortunate so that they may enjoy an abundant holiday season! CFBNJ will provide collection boxes.

EVENT DETAILS:

Enjoy networking, wine, and Chef Arnold’s hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, and dessert and coffee to follow!

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 2019 • 6:00-9:00PM
WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932 | www.parkavenueclub.com | (973) 301-8233
COST: $150.00

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Another fantastic evening with Susan Ascher, Vince Egan and Karolina Dehnhard, Esq. and their supporters and friends at Culinary Connections. I’ve met so many interesting and inspiring people at these elegant events which combine amazing food with excellent conversation! Thank you Susan! An evening well spent with new connections and long-time friends!
– Lori Chapin, Attorney, Tanenbaum Keale

Susan, I am so happy and grateful to be a part of your world. The environment you created last night is uniquely powerful in that you provided an atmosphere in which strangers showed themselves and showed up to serve. This is unusual! Do you realize how special last night’s event was? And, you do this over and over. It was a fun, expansive evening, full of amazing individuals who are contributing in significant ways. Kudos!!! I felt like I was part of a think tank, making great things happen. Thank YOU, Susan!
– Cynthia Murphy

It was a fabulous night, as always, when you host an event. I am very grateful to you for including me! It was lovely to meet everyone and I look forward to seeing you all again.
– Susan M. Rochelle, A.I.A., Architect

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A GREAT SUCCESS!!

Thank you to everyone for making last Thursday’s POWER Culinary Connections event an amazing success! A new and different format, and the reviews of having it at KINGS Cooking Studio were RAAAAVE! Thank you to Judy Spires, CEO of KINGS, for opening your kitchen to us, and to Theresa Merges, Joette and Ernie for orchestrating such a great experience!

Special thanks to Marie Robinson, Chief Operating Officer AND Chief Transformational Officer for Capri Holdings, for joining us as our POWER Culinary Connections guest. Marie’s story, from ‘BAMA’ to her US Army tour, from Walmart to her current role at a $6 Billion+ fashion company representing three iconic brands: Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace is inspiring!

Thank you to my sponsors, without whom I could not make this happen:  Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards, our WINE SPONSOR, Peter Cirignano, Peapack Gladstone Bank, Wendy Taffet, Enjou Chocolat (wow on the specialty chocolate Choo Shoes and the Versace and MK coins), Ken Krysinski and Vic Ventura of Socialfix for all of the great videos and photography, and to our NEWEST SPONSOR, Paula Ferreira of MAZARS USA, a global audit, accounting, advisory, tax and legal services firm.

PHOTOS FROM CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

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SAVE THE DATE

As usual, I am already planning our three upcoming Course Connections events, which will be held Thursdays: May 30th, July 25th and September 26th at Montclair Golf Club.

We meet at 3pm, have a warm-up and instruction before playing a NO PRESSURE 9-hole scramble. Cocktails, lite bites and NETWORKING on the terrace follow! NEWBIES WELCOME. Come for golf and networking or JUST NETWORKING.

SPONSOR WANTED

And if you would like to sponsor one or the package of 3 golf events, I am always looking to expand our reach! Sponsorships are wonderful institutional advertising, (PLUS I become YOUR sponsor) and AFFORDABLE, so don’t be afraid to inquire! Actively seeking a law firm to add to our list of great sponsors! You can email or call me for more info!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

Thank you Susan for an extraordinary event and the opportunity to do some interesting networking with great professionals! I had a great time and got inspired by Marie’s story and professional career!
– Monica Aguilar

Last night was great! Thank you for putting together such a clever, fun, insightful evening!
– Liz Maynor

“Great event last night, truly.  Thank you! When I hit the road and sat in the driving rain and traffic coming from Newark, I thought about how nice it would be to go home! Boy am I glad that I made the commitment to you (and to me) to come because I would have missed a wonderful time meeting great folks.”
– Lori Chapin, Attorney, Sedgwick, LLP

OUR CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

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JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL POWER
CULINARY CONNECTIONS!

You are cordially invited to attend a special edition of our hit series, POWER Culinary Connections, on Thursday, April 25th from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Kings Cooking Studio located at 778 Morris Turnpike in, Short Hills. POWER Culinary Connections is an exclusive networking event for professionals from all walks of business. Our community of master networkers are passionate about making the right connections while enjoying great wine and food. Bring your appetite and lots of business cards!

SPECIAL POWER GUEST:

Marie Robinson

Join Marie Robinson, Senior Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Transformation Officer of Capri Holdings, (think fashion brands Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors) as she shares her compelling story of what it takes to be a transformational leader in the New Millennium. A graduate of The University of Alabama, Marie began her career as a United States Army Logistics Officer, and her incredible journey has included significant senior leadership roles in branded companies like at Toys “R” Us, The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, and Wal-Mart Stores where she led supply chain, logistics and operations spanning continents from the United States to Europe to Asia.

KINGS COOKING STUDIO:

With a nod to Marie Robinson’s Southern roots, Chef Theresa Merges creates a menu which leads us through a personalized cooking session (where we participate as much or as little as we wish) while educating, entertaining and demonstrating recipes that are on point with current trends. Using fresh local and sustainable ingredients, Theresa will promote her farm to table philosophy of Kings Cooking Studios. After networking, nibbles and dinner, we walk away with a souvenir booklet of the fabulous recipes we have enjoyed.

EVENT DETAILS:

POWER CULINARY CONNECTIONS

WHEN: THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019 • 6:00-9:00pm
WHERE: Kings Cooking Studio, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ
Kingsfoodmarkets.com/cooking-studio
COST: $159.00 p/ticket

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS:

POWER CULINARY CONNECTIONS IS NOW SOLD OUT!!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

“A huge thank you, Susan. And thank you to each of you lovely and generous people who attended Thursday’s celebration of living a thriving life. What an energized evening it was, and I am still feeling it.”
– Cynthia Murphy

“Thanks so much for hosting another great event last night Susan! Great location and fantastic food only equaled by the excellent company.”
– Ken Kryzinski

“I cannot thank you enough for last night! I really had a nice time and met some wonderful people.”
– Susan King