Crime & Safety

Cranford Firefighters, Restaurants Participate in 'Cooked and Uncorked' Festival

The event benefits the NJ State Firefighter's Mutual Benevolent Association and Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation.

On Monday night, Cranford firefighters joined firefighters from throughout New Jersey in a cook-off during the 4th Annual "Cooked and Uncorked" event at the Pines Manor in Edison.

View the photos for a look at the event.

This year's cook-off team featured Lt. Dean Russamano as head chef along with his team of chefs, Matt Steitz and John Dillon.

For the cook-off, the Cranford firefighters and chefs cooked pot roast.

"Comfort food on a cold January night," Cranford FMBA committee member, Andy Stratton, said.

More than 700 guests attended the event and 14 Fire Departments from New Jersey participated in the cook-off.

"Every year, this event is one of the many FMBA charitable events that makes us proud to be firefighters," Stratton said. "All who participate knock themselves out knowing that the success of the event directly impacts those we are sworn to protect."

Stratton also said that he truly appreciated the generous efforts from Cranford and Westfield restaurants who support the event and the firefighters each year.

Local Cranford restaurants were also a part of the “Cooked and Uncorked” Food and Wine festival, including, Cake Artist Café, Cranford Hotel, Garlic Rose Bistro, Ill Gabbiano Italian Bistro, Lidia’s Cuban Kitchen, The Office Beer Bar & Grill and Old City Café & Grill.

The event benefits The New Jersey State Firefighter’s Mutual Benevolent Association and Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation. Of all the money raised, 50 percent was donated to each foundation.

Check back with Cranford Patch for more.


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