And a tasty time was had by all...

See more photos from the event here.

The Woodmere Club appealed to many of the senses, but none more than taste, at the Peninsula Counseling Center’s fundraiser on Oct. 24. A Tasteful Evening featured food from about 40 restaurants, bakeries, cafés and snack shops.

The more than 300 guests in attendance, many residents of the Five Towns and Valley Stream where the counseling center is located, enjoyed plate after plate of dinner and dessert. Numerous raffles and a silent auction also helped raise money for PCC, which provides a wide array of mental health services.

Audrey Goodman, the counseling center’s coordinator of special events, said it is still too early to calculate exactly how much money A Tasteful Evening raised. However, she explained, it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and money goes to support PCC’s operations. “We’re very grateful for whatever we do make,” she said.

The restauranteurs love the event. Freddy Sammarone, owner of Ciao Bella in Hewlett, said he has been coming to A Tasteful Evening for three years. He was pleased to share his eggplant rollatini dish with guests, as his mother made the recipe.

Jerry’s Bagels of North Woodmere has been featured at the event for the past four years. “I love it,” said owner Susan Jacobs. “People seem to remember us from year to year.”

Jacobs, who also has a line of dressings, said she debuted her new buffalo ranch sauce at the Oct. 24 fundraiser. At the end of the night, she said, she gives out the leftover food for the guests to take home.

There were also some newcomers this year. Goldie’s Restaurant in the Gibson section of Valley Stream took part in A Tasteful Evening for the first time. “I think it’s fabulous,” said Tara Incantalupo, daughter of owner Goldie Occhiuzzo. “I want to give them a taste of what we’re famous for.”

Goldie’s, which has been in business for 49 years, featured penne al a vodka, eggplant rollatini and chicken marsala.