Foodstuffs: Celebrating The Holidays And Feasting For A Good Cause

Even in an area of tremendous affluence, there are several local families, many of them seasonal workers, who fly beneath the radar and struggle to afford the basic necessities — particularly during the holidays. The Sag Harbor Food Pantry currently supports some 75 families living within the Sag Harbor School District and once winter comes, many of these same families have difficulty affording the high cost of heating their homes.

To help make a difference, Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor will host its second annual Festa Al Camino on Thursday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Festa Al Camino means “Feast by the Fireplace” in Italian. Sitting down together over a three-course, family-style dinner with wine, will be the focus of the evening as residents build community, increase awareness and raise money.

All proceeds generated from Festa Al Camino will support a community-led initiative called Keep Sag Harbor Warm, which the Sag Harbor Food Pantry helps oversee.

The first sold-out dinner in February raised nearly $14,000. This December, between ticket sales, donations, and a silent and a live auction, organizers are hopeful they will surpass the prior fundraising amount.

Throughout the evening, a series of speakers will discuss local needs and how community members can best lend a hand. During the dinner, donations of clean, gently-used coats will also be accepted for those in need.

The fundraiser is organized by a group of local mothers. Gabby Karan De Felice, the owner of Tutto il Giorno, will donate 100 percent of the evening’s proceeds to Keep Sag Harbor Warm. Amanda Fairbanks, a cofounder of The SHED Workspace is spearheading the effort, along with the help of Mia Ljungberg-Nevado and Monica Frisbie.

Tutto il Giorno is at 16 Main Street, Sag Harbor. Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase, visit eventbrite.com/e/festa-al-camino-tickets-80132016017. Seating is limited.

Bel Mare Ristorante in Springs is now hosting live music every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.. Guests may also enjoy Happy Hour Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 631-658-9500. The restaurant is closed Monday through Wednesday. Bel Mare Ristorante is at 28 Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton. Visit belmareristorante.com for information.

On Friday, December 13, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Indian Wells Tavern in Amagansett will host a “Naughty or Nice” Christmas party. DJ James Ryan will spin live tunes and there will be drink specials. Guests are encouraged to dress in festive wear and a prize will be awarded for the best costume.

Indian Wells Tavern is at 117 Main Street, Amagansett. Call 631-267-0400 or visit indianwellstavern.com for details.