Appliance World in Huntington to host Autism Cooks! benefit

A soiree to benefit a local autism charity is turning the tables on the usual culinary gala: Autism Cooks! on April 24 will feature specialties from only seven chefs and, instead of an event space, it will be held at Appliance World, the upscale Huntington kitchen showroom.

Tickets are $135.23, and the proceeds will benefit Pop. Earth, established 2012, a Long Island-based nonprofit that provides art, music, yoga, cooking and other creative and wellness programs to individuals with autism and special needs.

 A small but mighty group of chefs will be serving from the shop’s display kitchens, which feature equipment from Bertazzoni, BlueStar, La Cornue, Viking, Wolf and other luxury brands:

• David Buico, chef-owner of Mercato Cucina in Huntington: Italian antipasto with assorted vegetables, a cocktail-shrimp tower and truffled gnocchi with spring peas, mint and pecorino
• James McDevitt, corporate executive chef for Bohlsen Restaurant Group (Tellers, Prime, H20): Wagyu nigiri sushi with shishito-soy glaze
• Julian Medina, chef-owner of El Verano in Southampton; Toloache, Soledad and more in NYC: Rib-eye tacos with salsa molcajeteada, guacamole and cheese costra
• Ralph Scamardella, executive chef of the TAO Group in NYC, Los Angeles and Las Vegas: Strawberry and crema pavlova
• Ben Del Coro, executive chef of specialty-meat purveyor Fossil Farms: smoked duck carnitas, salsa macha, avocado crema
• Ben Kacmarcik, former executive chef of Fresco by Scotto in NYC: salmon crudo, pickled onions, radish, cilantro, ponzu, Calabrian chili
• Anthony Bucco, executive chef of New Jersey’s By Landmark hospitality group: Barnegat Light scallops with asparagus and spring onion
• Red, white and rosé wines will be provided by Del Vino Vineyards of Northport and other producers.

The evening’s honoree, Rewired for Autism, will be recognized for contributions to the autism community: Since 2008, the organization has raised more than $1 million for autism support programs. "We are excited to bring our community together for an evening that’s not just about incredible food, but also about creating opportunities and joy for individuals of all ages and abilities," said Deb Stone, founder of Pop. Earth.

Autism Cooks!, April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Appliance World, 414 New York Ave., Huntington. For more information or to buy tickets, go to autismcooks.org/.