Tuscany comes to Andover

BY ROSE SGARLATO
ANDOVER - Can’t afford a trip to Italy this summer? Don’t sweat it. Italy is coming to Andover Township on Saturday, August 27 at the 2016 Tuscan Sunset Dinner fundraiser at Sunset Vista Farms.
Linda Grinthal, owner of Sunset Vista Community Garden & Learning Center Inc., is American Italian and an Italophile. Once a year she teams up with award-winning restaurateur John Vitale of Café Anello in Westwood NJ to host a farm to table five-course meal. Grinthal provides the setting and farm-raised produce while Vitale brings his culinary genius that has awarded his restaurant, Café Anello, as best in Bergen County,
When asked how the two met, Grinthal explains:
“John Vitale came up and fell in love with the farm and the community garden. He also liked the idea of the children’s education fund.”
Grinthal grew up in Bergen County and like Vitale enjoys all things Italian.
“I am from Bergen County and he liked the whole Tuscan flavor of the farm. You can see that we were meant to be,” she said
The 4th annual fundraiser helps to support all of the ongoing efforts of the 501-C3 non-profit farm that has a supported community garden, onsite learning center and runs various educational programs all throughout the year. With two seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Grinthal is hoping to accommodate 80 people. The cost of the evening is $75 per person and is a BYOB event. Attendees are welcome to come in groups and specify tables.
This year’s proceeds will go to the community garden to enhance the recreation area so that people in wheelchairs can play bocce, said Grinthal. Last year $2,000 was raised at the event.
Vitale preps a lot of the gourmet feast in his kitchen at Café Anello and finishes it off at Sunset Vista. Using many ingredients sourced from the farm, Vitale’s five- course menu for the evening is:
• Meatballs in pomodoro sauce
• Sausage and peppers in a sweet and spicy Anello sauce
• Mozzarella with fresh tomato and basil sauce, Balsamic reduction
• Choice of Atlantic Char in a garlic, orange Champagne sauce or Eggplant Parmigiana with ricotta & mascarpone
• Tiramisu & fresh roasted bean gourmet coffee
Sunset Vista Farms just completed its first year with the new accessible garden that has six raised beds situated in a completely paved wheelchair accessible area where the Department of Disabilities brings visitors every week.
And Grinthal is always expanding the farm offerings and recently started working on a children’s educational garden.
“Due to lack of funding, it’s on hold. But when we do complete it, it’s going to be a total sensory experience for pre-school to elementary kids,” she said.
As for the Tuscan dinner on Aug. 27, Grinthal promises to create an Italian ambience that can’t be beat.
“You feel like you are in Tuscany with the sunflower field, gorgeous sunset, Italian music and red and white tablecloths,” said Grinthal. “ We grow good food and John cooks good food. It’s a win-win.”
To register, go to www.SunsetVista.org/events or contact Linda at 973-579-7382.