Tassos and Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto have teamed up to produce a dish that will be served to guests of Chicago Magazine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital‘s charitable event, Summer Lovin’ on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL.

The name of the dish, MARE NOSTRUM – or ‘Our Sea’, was coined by Chef Gaetano and Tassos in reference to the cultural and culinary significance that the Mediterranean Sea has played in both Italian and Greek cuisines.

MARE NOSTRUM - Dish created by Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto using Tassos Ingredients

In creating MARE NOSTRUM, Chef Gaetano masterfully assembled a variety of Tassos’ fine products to create a majestic, Greco-Italian infusion dish, combining grape leaves stuffed with a Tassos Kalamata Olive and goat cheese mousse on top Tassos Sun Dried Tomatoes – lovingly kissed by the Mediterranean Sun. The dish is topped with a delicious, fresh Salmon tartar and dressed with a Tassos Greek Honey with Thyme and yogurt sauce.

Both Tassos and Chef Gaetano are sponsors of the 10th annual Summer Lovin’ event featuring Chicago Magazine’s 20 most eligible singles. Over 1,000 guests are expected to enjoy an evening complete with tasty hors d’oeuvres from more than dozen of the city’s hottest restaurants, an array of signature cocktails, a silent auction, dancing, and much more.

Proceeds from this event will support research and therapies for stroke patients at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $85 in advance (if purchased by June 16) and $95 at the door. For an additional $20, become a Summer Lovin’ VIP

Must be 21 to purchase tickets. Must have proper ID to enter the event.

With an enthusiastic wave of his hand that resonated from the core of his body, Maestro John Nelson began the beautiful three hour tale of St. Matthew Passion at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lincoln Park on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Maestro Nelson called upon a wealth of talent to put on what Lawrence A. Johnson, of the Chicago Classical Review, called a “soaring, majestic performance”

The performance included world-class soloists, a double choir comprised of 32 singers, and a double orchestra comprised of 16 violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, 2 basses, 1 viola da gamba, 4 flutes, 4 oboes doubling on oboe d’amore and oboe da caccia, 2 bassoons, and 2 organs.

Critical review of the event was overwhelmingly positive and served as but a reflection of what was felt by members of the audience.

“I was thoroughly moved by the performance,” said audience member Antony Caldaroni. “Since my childhood, listening to St. Matthew Passion has been a Good Friday tradition in my family. Having had the opportunity to experience it first hand was a truly moving experience that will be with me for quite some time.”

Performers too were moved by the performance that they helped create and expressed great satisfaction having been a part of an event that is already being hailed as a must see, Chicago Easter tradition.

“From seemingly out of nowhere the Chicago Bach Project hit the ground running, bringing forth the St. Matthew Passion with the urgency and relevance that we didn’t realize was missing,” said Paul Vanderwerf, Orchestra Manager and violinist.

In its inaugural year, The Chicago Bach Project couldn’t have picked a more appropriate location.  The orange light of a spring dusk poured into the church through the eloquent stain glass windows and slowly faded as the evening’s performance progressed.   The gravity of the event’s content, along with the moving and beautiful setting of St. Vincent de Paul Parish elevated the performance to what John von Rhein, of the Chicago Tribune, described in his review as, “the great devotional experience the composer intended.”

In an open dinner for members of the audience and performers alike, Chandler Branch, CEO of Chicago Bach Project’s choral commissioning organization Soli Deo Gloria, thanked Maestro Nelson, the musicians involved in the event and sponsor Tassos LLC.

“Without your generous contributions and tremendous help we could not have done it,” Said Branch. “We look forward to your generosity and continued help next year.”