Hosted at the Long Island Marriott, a number of local restaurants, bakeries, and wineries came to share their delicious fare. Hungry attendees enjoyed scrumptious dishes from some of Long Island?s favorite eateries. You can?t start a party without some chips and salsa, or fantastic guacamole from Moe?s Southwest Grill, or how about Vincent?s Clam Bar and their outrageous shrimp and ravioli! Next, enjoy some Italian favorites from Segesta Pizza of Levittown and Borrelli?s in East Meadow. Don?t forget to try some kickin? Asian cuisine at Mama Fu?s or the always delicious Pietro?s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen where you can indulge in dishes like eggplant rollatini, chicken francese, or their famous sesame seed-edge pizza! No matter which you choose, perhaps all, a glass of fine wine from some of Long Island?s prominent wineries will complement them nicely.

Ready for dessert? Well, you?re in luck because Sweet Karma is baking up a storm with tasty treats like their Smore Grande, Dark Chocolate Mousse, and Cappuccino Sunrise. And be sure to see what all the talk is about at A Taste of Home Bakery. Maybe the crowd was drawn to their incredible chocolate chip cookies, intoxicating chocolate-covered strawberries, beautiful gift baskets, or simply the kind staff that serves with a smile and bakes love into every one of their incredible desserts.

Raffles were auctioned off throughout the night by the entertaining MC from Sophisticated Sounds. Winners experienced their transformation into a work of art as their caricatures were illustrated, courtesy of Evergreen Mortgages. Who can forget the suspense awaiting the results of the Chinese Auction; where dozens of prizes were donated by the much-appreciated local businesses. Participants engaged in the chance to win great gift baskets, gift certificates, a mountain bike, DVD player, 27? television, and much more.

Additional participants included Runyon?s Roadside Tavern, La Novella Ristorante, Potters Pub, Empress Diner, Catering by Joyce, and Wonderful Wedding Cakes, Inc.

The 2004 Culinary Delights was brought to you by the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, and the event was such a success thanks to the event co-chairs, John Tufarelli and Dr. Janine D. Kelly, along with the rest of the dedicated committee: John Arigo, Connie Duggan, Mike Panagatos, Dolores Rome, Walter Skinner, Paul Stargot, Michelle Colucci, Regina Stuart, Nicole Duggan, and Cookie Doublet. The committee did a phenomenal job of organizing the event and raising an astonishing $16,000. Partial proceeds from this exciting event will be donated to the pediatric pre-natal intensive care unit at the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow. To learn how you can contribute to and participate in additional local fundraisers and events, check out the ?News and Events? page or visit the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce?s website: www.eastmeadowchamber.com.

Be sure to attend next year?s event to experience the outrageous eateries that helped make this year?s Culinary Delight?well, such a delight!

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Did you participate in this year?s Culinary Delights and would like to be featured on Etowncentral.com? Or, do you know an exceptional business in the area that deserves special recognition for their quality service, products, or contributions to the community? If so please contact us at info@etowncentral.com.