Benchmark Senior Living sponsors Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Benchmark Senior Living, New England's largest senior living provider, will be the exclusive senior living sponsor of the 19th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival and showcase its culinary expertise there.

The event, taking place Sept. 19-22, 2024, at Rosecliff in Newport, R.I., will feature celebrated Chef Jacques Pépin as the headliner.

Benchmark's participation underscores its commitment to exceptional dining experiences across its 66 independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care communities in the Northeast.

John Hartmayer, chief operations officer and executive vice president of Benchmark, emphasizes the company's dedication to culinary excellence.

"Whether it's demonstrating a classic dish like Bananas Foster or handcrafting homemade seasonal soups, our communities make dining an experience our residents look forward to each day," Hartmayer said. "For the second straight year, we're delighted to demonstrate what senior living dining can and should be."

On Sept. 21 at 4 p.m., Michael Eckrote, Benchmark's regional director of dining services and chef, will lead a sold-out culinary seminar and wine pairing event titled "Aged to Perfection." The session will showcase the dining experiences enjoyed by Benchmark residents, paired with four different wines.

Throughout the festival, Benchmark chefs will prepare and serve two specially created dishes at the Tasting Tent. Visitors can sample an iced Autumn Cider Mocktail featuring Kombucha and warm Apple Fritters.

These culinary offerings will be prepared by a team of acclaimed Benchmark chefs, including Robert Freemer III from Blenheim-Newport, David Silva from Capitol Ridge at Providence, and William Bonniol Jr. from Greenwich Farms at Warwick.

Freemer brings 35 years of experience as a restaurant and resort chef, including ownership of Happy Hollidays in Westerly. Silva, an award-winning chef, has been with Capitol Ridge at Providence for over 25 years. Bonniol, a Johnson & Wales graduate and Benchmark veteran, is known for his bold Italian cuisine.

The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County, has become a popular annual culinary event. Benchmark's involvement as the official senior living sponsor highlights the company's ongoing partnership with the Society.