HYDE PARK — Chef Jenner Tomaska will auction an in-home dinner via his Instagram to raise funds for the 35 employees of Hyde Park restaurant Virtue and first responders in the neighborhood.
The private, in-home dinner includes all food and service for eight to 10 guests prepared by Tomaska, formerly of Next restaurant.
The auction begins with Tomaska’s post Friday at noon and runs for 24 hours. Bidding will take place in the comments.
From 11:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, final bidding will take place on Tomaska’s Instagram Live.
The funds raised will be evenly split between Virtue’s employee support fund and donations to first responders.
Tomaska will work with the highest bidder to customize the menu, taking into account any aversions or allergies, spokesperson Janet Isabelli said.
The dinner will be held when the coronavirus pandemic clears up and social distancing measures are relaxed. The winners will “have a lot to celebrate when that dinner takes place,” Isabelli said.
Virtue, owned by chef Erick Williams, is located at 1462 E. 53rd St. The restaurant offers carryout Wednesday through Sunday from 4–8 p.m., with a limited family style menu.