Foodies With Benefits

What You Missed at Last Night’s Feastival

Pod's spread of sushi and sashimi was a big hit.
Pod’s spread of sushi and sashimi was a big hit. Photo: Collin Keefe

As predicted Feastival, the annual fundraiser for the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe, was completely sold out by the time it got underway last night. Michael Solomonov, who hosts the benefit along with Stephen Starr and Audrey Clair Taichman, had a mobile version of Federal Donuts set up on site that was dispensing a pastis doughnut with star anise and citron that was specially formulated for the evening’s events. While arts patrons and dining enthusiasts steadily filed in Pier Nine for the Feast-tivities, trampoline performers bounced and tumbled to their delight, and aerial acrobats suspended from the ceiling twirled and twisted overhead. Down on the floor, Farmers’ Cabinet poured Cosas Verdes, a tequila, lime, honeydew melon and Maldon sea salt cocktail, while the folks from Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, positioned directly next to them, dispensed Moko Collins made with Cruzan Estate Rum.

Hosts Stephen Starr, Audrey Claire Taichman, and Michael Solomonov graciously worked the room, while Marc Summers, who was all bright smiles and looking good just a few weeks after having his face rearranged in a car accident, chatted with fans. Participating chefs dug deep to dazzle the hungry masses assembled. One of the evening’s most talked about dishes was Brauhaus Schmitz chef Jeremy Nolan’s foie gras liverwurst on a rye crouton with red currant shallot preserve. Other show stoppers included Ela’s diver scallop noodles, Matyson’s cured Verlasso salmon with quinoa, pistachios and caramelized yogurt, and Pod’s full spread of sashimi and sushi rolls.

What You Missed at Last Night’s Feastival