By the time we arrived at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday June 17, 2011, the summer’s sun and humidity left no doubt Chicago’s hottest party of the summer was going to live up to its reputation in more ways than one.

Having endured the oppressive heat, we gathered our offerings and made our way into the beautiful museum to begin the task of setting up our table, preparing plates and waiting to catch an up-close glimpse of Chicago’s hottest and most fashionable singles.

DJ Megan Taylor poured energy into the room with her lively beats as the beautiful people flooded in. Nearly every person entering into the show stood in front of us and asked, “What is it?”

Almost without exception, as people bit into the wrap, their eyes opened wide and with enthusiasm they turned to their peers and said, “You’ve got to try this!” Few people ate just one.

As the evening’s sun set over the majestic Chicago skyline, the heat dissipated and people began to make their way out onto the terrace. Music and laughter filled the air as Chicago’s hottest singles danced under a moonlit sky. Throughout the evening, we took turns making our way through the event, talking to the staff and sampling the kettle one vodka which – of course – included our Tassos® Garlic Stuffed Olives.

Tassos® gave away $25 gift certificates to Tassos.com and $20 Gift Certificates to Gaetano’s Restaurant in Forest Park. Tassos® also offered a Gourmet Gift Basket for use at the silent auction.

Many thanks go to the Northwestrn Memorial Auxiliary Board, Chicago Magazine, Gaetano’s Restaurant in Forest Park and of course the attendees. It was a spectacular event for an excellent cause and we look forward to participating again!

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.

TASSOS® LLC congratulates Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto on his accomplishment of achieving the Ospitalità Italiana Seal or the Authentic Seal from the Italian government in March, 2011.

According to Italy’s National Institute of Tourist Research – the arm of the Italian government that issues its Authentic Seal – a true Italian restaurant must use Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Protected Designated Origin, or P.D.O.  Using only the finest ingredients in his restaurant, Chef Gaetano serves his patrons TASSOS Peza (P.D.O.) Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

TASSOS is pleased to provide Chef Gaetano the best and most authentic ingredients used to create his exemplary Italian cuisine.  For the most authentic Italian cooking there is no substitute for TASSOS Peza (P.D.O.) Extra Virgin Olive Oil.