The Second Annual “Feast for Film” Culinary Event Returns

Proceeds to Benefit the Woodstock Film Festival

Woodstock, NY (September 5, 2025) - Following the success of last year’s inaugural “Feast for Film” fundraising event, which raised much needed funds for the Woodstock Film Festival, a nonprofit organization, the event returns this year by expanding to two nights.

On Saturday, September 13 and Saturday, September 20, the second annual “Feast for Film” will present unparalleled evenings of gastronomic excellence and philanthropic spirit with nine exclusive private dinners in beautiful homes across Woodstock, Saugerties, Kerhonkson, and Pine Plains, featuring acclaimed chefs from New York City and beyond. A wait list is open here for those who would like to join if space is available.

“‘Feast for Film’ is such a special way to kick off the festival season,” said Meira Blaustein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival. “What makes it really unique is the sense of community, neighbors opening their homes, chefs donating their artistry, and everyone coming together to celebrate food, culture, and creativity in the Hudson Valley.”

“This special culinary experience is a true labor of love,” said Kolton. “It brings chefs and neighbors together around the table to break bread and celebrate creativity, generosity, and support for the Woodstock Film Festival.”

“Feast for Film” is a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that transforms private Hudson Valley homes into unforgettable dining experiences, where award-winning and Food Network-favorite chefs collaborate with hosts to create bespoke multi-course menus featuring the finest regional ingredients. Each dinner celebrates exceptional food, community spirit, and the future of independent film, with local culinary students gaining invaluable experience alongside top talent. Proceeds benefit the Woodstock Film Festival, now in its 26th year, taking place October 15–19, 2025, in Woodstock and surrounding towns.

Jeff Kolton, the visionary behind “Feast for Film,” brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to the event. A Woodstock resident since 2015, Kolton has deep ties to the culinary community, having served on the board of the American Sommelier Association and collaborated with major restaurant brands and celebrated chefs.

Featured Chefs Include:

• Akshay Bhardwaj (Junoon, Jazba) earned a Michelin star as Executive Chef of the acclaimed Indian restaurant Junoon in New York City, and recently opened a second restaurant, Jazba, celebrating Indian street food. Known for blending tradition with innovation, he has led successful pop-ups and continues to push the boundaries of modern Indian cuisine.
• Edward Carew (Craftbar, Fiamma, Florio Café, Cottage Eatery, Spasso, See No Evil Pizza) launched his career at Gramercy Tavern under Tom Colicchio and Marco Canora, followed by Eleven Madison and Craft. He later became CDC at Fiamma with Michael White before opening San Francisco’s Cottage Eatery, which earned a Bib Gourmand. Back in New York, he ran Spasso in the West Village and co-founded a modern pizzeria in the Theater District. Today, he creates private dining experiences for high-profile clients while splitting his time between NYC and Margaretville.
• Eugene Cleghorn (Super Burrito) is the co-founder of Super Burrito, known for its cult following and fresh, flavorful California-inspired Mexican cuisine, bringing a playful yet refined approach to comfort food classics.
• Lucas Harrell (La Rubia, Her Name Was Carmen) is one of New York City’s rising stars, serving as Executive Chef at two acclaimed downtown restaurants. Known for his modern Latin-inspired cuisine and inventive use of seasonal ingredients, Harrell has quickly become a chef to watch in the city’s competitive dining scene.
• Ken Hu (RedFarm) is the culinary talent at RedFarm, the critically acclaimed modern Chinese restaurant in New York City. Recognized for playful yet sophisticated dim sum and inventive takes on Chinese classics, Hu has helped establish RedFarm as one of the city’s most beloved dining destinations.
• David Israelow is a Hudson Valley–based chef and entrepreneur, is celebrated for his commitment to regional sourcing and for creating innovative, community-driven food experiences. He was the chef at Michelin-starred Four Corners Restaurant in Chatham, MA, and is set to open his own restaurant in Q2 2026.
• Tae Woo Lee (Dirty Taco) brings bold flavors and a creative twist to contemporary Mexican street food, blending culinary traditions with inventive flair at his popular eatery Dirty Taco.
• Kevin Lin (Medo Woodstock) is the chef behind Medo Woodstock, where he brings a refined, seasonal approach to Asian-inspired cuisine. Known for his balance of bold flavors and elegant presentation, Lin has quickly made Medo a standout in the Hudson Valley dining scene.
• Mark Margiotta (The Dutchess, Pretty to Think So) trained at the Culinary Institute of America and cooked at Eleven Madison Park before becoming the “secret” chef at The Dutchess, where he also ran one of the region’s largest upscale catering companies. In 2020, he opened the acclaimed Rhinebeck restaurant Pretty to Think So.
• Jehangir Mehta (L’Absinthe, Jean Georges. Mercer Kitchen, Graffiti, Mehtaphor) is a visionary chef having worked at three Michelin star restaurants and recognized for his inventive, globally inspired cuisine and appearances on Iron Chef America. A longtime fixture of New York’s dining scene, he is admired for his creative flavor combinations and sustainable approach to cooking.