TASSOS® is proud to announce its sponsorship in the 15^th annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grand Chefs Gala this Friday at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. As a sponsor of the event, TASSOS is happy to help champion the worthy cause of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Tassos® Race to the Cure Basket

In honor of Tassos’ participation in the Grand Chefs Gala, starting Jan. 26 and lasting throughout 2012, TASSOS will donate a portion of proceeds from Tassos® Race to the Cure Basket sales to further research toward the cure to Cystic Fibrosis. This gourmet gift basket includes a variety of award winning products used by the very chefs participating in the Grand Chefs Gala event and features a custom, embroidered 4 Star Executive Chef’s Coat commemorating the 2012 Grand Chefs Gala.

“Doing everything we can to help in finding the cure to a disease that afflicts more than 30,000 children and adults in the US is as much a part of our business plan as providing the best, high quality Mediterranean products that the world has to offer,” said Michael Chronopolous, CFO / COO Tassos LLC. “We are thrilled to do our part in working with both the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the stellar collection of world class Chefs assembled for this worthy cause.”

Tassos encourages all of its loyal customers to give the gift of life saving research and join them in taking one step closer in the race to the cure by donating to CF today at CFF.ORG and by making your next gift for friends, relations or business colleagues the gift of life saving research and gourmet food with the purchase of the Tassos® Race to the Cure Basket.

Tassos® LLC wishes to congratulate The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on its announcement that it raised over $300,000 for vital CF research at its Casino Night.

Celebrity Poker Player, Annie Duke

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It has more than 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide and funds and accredits 115 CF care centers across the country, including 94 adult care programs, which provide patients and families with vital treatment and other CF resources. In addition, 54 affiliate programs provide multi-disciplinary care for CF with Foundation support.

On Saturday, April 30^th at Windy City Fieldhouse, guests enjoyed Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker – with the Grand Prize winner awarded an entry in the World Series of Poker (valued at $10,000), hotel stay for two and airfare for two!

Tassos Gourmet Gift Basket Silent Auction

Second place prize was a Main Event Seat at a WSOP Satellite Event at Horseshoe Casino Hammond. All final table winners received baskets of prizes courtesy of Horseshoe Casino Hammond and Tassos® LLC!

The evening, also featured cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live piano by The Redhead Piano Bar, and a live and silent auction that included four beautiful Tassos® Gourmet Gift Baskets.

Chet Coppock was the Celebrity MC and this year’s Celebrity Poker Player was Annie Duke!

Tassos® again wishes to congratulate The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and looks forward to again working with the fine organization at the Grand Chef’s Gala later this year.

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.

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.”

TASSOS®, LLC is very pleased to have supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago with its sponsorship of the Grand Chef’s Gala in January, 2011.

The Grand Chef’s Gala is renowned as one of the most anticipated events in Chicago’s social calendar, affording Chicago’s most noted chefs, caterers and mixologists the opportunity to provide attendees a truly unique dining experience. Grand Chefs Gala/Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence is given to the premier Chicagoland chef that has demonstrated excellence in their field and is voted upon by all participating and nominated chefs by way of secret ballot.

As a sponsor of the event TASSOS was happy to help champion the cause of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago.  Proceeds from the event’s raffle, auction, and sponsorship go toward the development of new treatments and medication for people living with cystic fibrosis.

“Thank you from the Bottom of our hearts,” said Amy Peterson, Sr. Staff member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “[Your support] helped fund vital research and care programs.”

TASSOS® LLC is proud to announce that it is sponsoring the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Casino night on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 6 p.m.  TASSOS is committed to supporting the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It has more than 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide and funds and accredits 115 CF care centers across the country, including 94 adult care programs, which provide patients and families with vital treatment and other CF resources. In addition, 54 affiliate programs provide multi-disciplinary care for CF with Foundation support.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been hailed as one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. Nearly 95% of every dollar of revenue raised was available for investment in CF research, care and education programs. The National Institutes of Health and many prominent publications, including Forbes and USAToday, have heralded our innovative business model, which fuels drug discovery and development programs.

As the largest Charity Poker Tournament in the Midwest, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Casino Chicago sponsored by TASSOS will feature Craps, Roulette, Blackjack and the seventh annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. The Grand Prize winner of the Texas Hold’em Tournament will be awarded an entry into the World Series of Poker (valued at $10,000), hotel and airfare for two courtesy of American Airlines!

For tickets and more information please see the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Greater Illinois Chapter website.

TASSOS®, LLC is proud to announce that it is sponsoring the Chicago Bach Project’s St. Matthew’s Passion conducted by Grammy award winning Maestro John Nelson on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.  For more than a decade, TASSOS has worked to sponsor and encourage the arts in Chicago including sponsorship in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  As a dedicated steward of the community, TASSOS is committed to fostering the development of the arts in Chicago.

“We believe, particularly during these difficult economic times, that TASSOS has a role to play in the community,” said Michael Chronopoulos, CFO and COO, TASSOS LLC.  “We have long been advocates for the arts and are excited about the opportunity to help organizations like Chicago Bach Project bring their beautiful music to the community.”

The St. Matthew Passion performance will be a red-letter night on the cultural scene in Chicago, with world-class soloists; a double choir comprised of 32 singers personally auditioned by Maestro John Nelson and Donald Nally (Chorus Master of Chicago’s Lyric Opera); 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.  (Paul Vanderwerf is orchestra manager). Many of the orchestra and chorus members are associated with Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Festival and Music of the Baroque.

With its sponsorship TASSOS encourages all of its customers and fellow lovers of the arts to attend what is sure to be a performance of a lifetime. For tickets please visit Brown Paper Tickets.

“I assure you, it will be well worth your trip,” said Maestro Nelson. “I can tell you from many years of conducting this work, if you can come to this performance, you will not leave the same as you entered.”

A table of Beet Wraps

It was a blustery and rainy Friday night in Chicago when we pulled into the loading docks of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Delivery Trucks, vans, cars and people stacked up along the streets and sidewalks as we tried to protect our offerings for the evening from what could appropriately be called Noah’s biblical reprise.

The friendly staff for the event moved gracefully, but with authority to marshal the goods and people in and out of the narrow loading area and after only a few minutes we were standing in the museum. We set the table, prepared our plates, and waited to see if, under the weather conditions, Chicagoans would brave the wind and rain. And they did. And they did in high fashion.

The music pumped energy into the room. The beautiful people mingled. Several at a time stood in front of us, staring at the strange concoction before them and asked, “what do we have here!” After biting into our beet wrap, the most common expression was “Wow! This is amazing!” We gave away $25 gift certificates to Tassos.com, and a complimentary drink or desert at Gaetano’s restaurant.

A Beautiful Person

We prepared over 300 plates for attendees and quite frankly, had a difficult time keeping up with the demand of over 1,000 patrons. The event ran from 6pm to about 11pm but by 9:30 we had exhausted all our supplies and joined the other guests on the second floor gallery, where a silent auction was being held. When last I looked, our Tassos gift basket was going for $120.00.

Out on the terrace, we discovered the weather had cleared, music and laughter was in the air and the place was packed with smiling people. So, we stopped to take a few photos, talk to the staff and sample the kettle one vodka which of course included our Tassos garlic and jalapeno double stuffed olives.  Our thanks go to the Northwestern Memorial Auxiliary Board, Chicago Magazine, Gaetano’s Restaurant and of course the attendees. It was a spectacular event for an excellent cause and we look forward to participating again!

Tassos, in conjunction with Chicago Magazine, is pleased to participate in the upcoming Northwestern Memorial Hospital Fund Raiser to be held at the Mueseum of Contemporary Arts in Chicago, IL on Friday June 18th from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. More details on this event can be found at The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial’s Website.  

At this event, Tassos will provide a food station offering a Kalamata Beet Wrap, which includes beet carpaccio, Tassos Skordalia (with Roasted Garlic), Tassos Pitted Kalamata Olive served up on a toasted pita chip and garnished with chives. The preparation below was created by Executive Chef Gaetano DiBenedetto, of Gaetano’s restaurant in Forest Park, IL. All ingredients shown (everything but the plate and chives) are available on Tassos.com.

Tassos has also donated several gift baskets to be auctioned silently and will be providing Tassos amazing stuffed olives for the spirits sponsors as well. It’s an excellent cause and we hope to see you there!