Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. showed Ben Salmon, owner of South Orange's Kitchen a la Mode, a few tips for making his signature cavatelli and broccoli. In return, Salmon prepared pulled pork open faces sliders with bacon cheddar corn bread.  Mike Menaker, a member of the Essex County Economic Development Corporation's Board of Trustees, who is pictured with the two men, offered guests beef bourguinon at the Fourth Annual Essex Men Who Cook.

"I've been active in and around town, but was excited about the opportunity to herald downtown South Orange across the county," said Salmon. Proceeds benefited the Essex County Economic Development Corporation and will help the agency expand its outreach to the business community. The EDC is a private, not for profit corporation that promotes economic growth and the creation of job opportunities for low to moderate income persons in Essex.

"Essex County's Economic Development Corporation is a great organization and the event was the perfect opportunity to meet and talk to politicos, residents and business people from across the county," added Salmon.

The afternoon event highlighted the cooking talents of 30 prominent Essex
County men and area chefs, which made it an ideal event for Salmon, who said, "I simply can't resist cooking for a big group of people."

For information about the Essex County Economic Development Corporation, please call 973-621-4457.