This spring, two renowned chefs lend their star power to Table to Table’s spring signature events. Thomas Keller of the iconic Michelin three-star restaurants French Laundry in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York City and Marc Forgione, 2010 winner of “The Next Iron Chef” and the youngest American-born chef to receive a coveted Michelin star in three consecutive years, will join the area’s most beloved restaurants for Table to Table’s premier food and wine events, the Chefs Gala and the all-new Burger Blast. The settings range from formal to informal, but they share common themes: imaginative food and interesting wines served by some of the area’s most beloved restaurateurs, including Kevin Kohler of Café Panache, David Burke of David Burke Townhouse and Peter Kelly of Xaviars at Piermont. The events support Northeast New Jersey’s first and only food rescue program.

“Table to Table has become one of the most essential services in our communities,” says Claire Insalata Poulos, founder of the food rescue organization. “Proceeds from these events will further our mission to collect prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be discarded and deliver it, free of charge, to organizations that serve the hungry in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Essex counties. This year, we will deliver enough food to serve more than twelve million meals. ”

On Thursday, May 2, the black-tie Chefs Gala at Alpine Country Club in Demarest welcomes celebrated chef, restaurateur and cookbook writer Thomas Keller as guest of honor. Keller’s award-winning Napa Valley restaurant The French Laundry spawned a restaurant empire that also includes Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and ad hoc in Napa, CA; Per Se and Bouchon Bakery in New York City; and Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. The event showcases seven award-winning chefs and their signature dishes, including Kevin Kohler of Café Panache, David Burke of David Burke Townhouse, Ryan DePersio of Fascino, Ben Pollinger of Oceana, Sebastien Rouxel of Per Se and French Laundry, and Peter Kelly of Xaviars at Piermont,. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. A Live Auction and musical entertainment by Mark Sganga are highlights. Tickets are $450 per person, $600 for VIP Patron tickets. VIP Patron tables of 10 are $6,000 and include priority seating, special recognition and a VIP gift bag.

On Wednesday, May 22, Chef Marc Forgione serves as guest of honor at Table to Table’s inaugural Burger Blast at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine. Winner of the Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” in 2010, Forgione is the youngest American-born chef to receive a coveted Michelin star in three consecutive years. His eponymous bistro in Tribeca and new steakhouse, American Cut, in Atlantic City, are testament to his skill and creativity. Hosted by ABC Eyewitness News’ Lori Stokes, Ken Rosato and Bill Evans, the event brings together 30 of the area’s best-loved restaurants, all serving something imaginative “between two buns.” Their dishes will be complemented by a selection of wines hand-selected by Chuck Russo of Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World. Participating restaurants include The Capital Grille Paramus, River Palm Terrace, Varka Estiatorio, White Manna and Axia Taverna. The lively and informal evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a silent auction and live entertainment by Mark Sganga & Friends. Tickets are $300 per person and $350 for VIP Patron tickets. VIP Patron tables of 10 are $3,500 and include priority seating, special recognition and a VIP gift bag.

Table to Table Spring Events are presented by American Express; Grand corporate sponsors are Inserra Supermarkets, BMW; The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and LiUNA! Platinum corporate sponsors are American Airlines, Hudson City Savings Bank, Neiman Marcus Paramus, The Record, Samsung Electronics, Summit Associates and Control Equity Group.

Table to Table is the only dedicated food rescue program in northeast New Jersey, serving more than 65 hunger relief agencies throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Table to Table receives no government funding and, instead, relies solely on support from private and corporate donations.

Tickets will be available online and by phone at www.tabletotable.org or (201) 444-5500.