Taste the Big Apple at Savory September: New York, New York on Sept. 18

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Sept. 11, 2026) — Big city flavors meet small town charm at Savory September: New York, New York, a Big Apple-themed fundraiser for the arts from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Piedmont Arts. 

Local chefs will serve small bites inspired by the flavors and traditions of New York City, from classic street food and deli fare to themed dishes from the city’s iconic neighborhoods and silver-screen moments. Expect nods to Little Italy, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” the corner bakery, and plenty of other New York favorites. 

Savory September Chefs and Menus

• New York Bakery: Katie Adkins, Rilynn Cowart, Steph Cowart, Meredith Vaughn, and Sally Vaughn will serve Magnolia Bakery's banana pudding, Milk Bar's compost cookie, and mini cheesecakes.
• Hot Dog and Pretzel Stand: Katie Ryan Barham, Kelsey Bassett, Susan Cook, Olivia Garrett, Christiana Jarrett, and Caroline Johnston will serve street food.
• Little Italy: Anne Compson, Mary Compson, and Janet Lewis will serve pasta.
• Studio 54: Rachel and Shannon Cox and Donna and Jimmy McGarry will serve Manhattan clam chowder and Manhattan cocktails.
• “Breakfast at Tiffany's”: Susan Critz, Judy Dashoff, Marty Gardner, and Andy Gray will serve bagel chips with smoked salmon, Big Apple and "karat" cake muffins, and soft pretzel bites.
• Girls' Night Out: Monique Holland and Anna Wheeler will serve black-and-white cookies and cosmopolitans.
• Big Apple: Kat and Dave Kitzmiller of Be Wiched Diner will serve New York-themed dishes.
• I Love New York: Blanche and Tom Mahoney, Esther and Buz Schilbe, and Barbara and Guy Stanley will serve Buffalo wings, candied bacon bites with little smokies, mini pretzel cheeseballs, and rugelach.
• New York Glamour: Cassandra and Demedrain Witcher and Ouss Sahhar will serve pretzel bites, cheesecake bites, pigs in a blanket, and tequila sunrise cocktails.

The soundtrack to the event will be provided by singer-songwriter Marie Anderson, whose repertoire includes original music and covers of more than 2,000 songs spanning pop, country, rock, and blues.

Local artist Mark Wright will bring a touch of New York flair to the event, creating caricatures of guests inspired by the iconic celebrity portraits displayed at Sardi’s, the legendary New York City institution. Caricatures are $20 per portrait, plus $10 for each additional person included. Tickets for caricatures can be purchased during the event.

Guests can try their luck in a raffle featuring an exciting lineup of prizes, including 50% of total raffle ticket sales; two one-day passes to Rooster Walk in May 2027; a cookie gift box made by Steph Cowart; and a Piedmont Arts gift basket. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100 and may be purchased at Piedmont Arts before or during the event. 

Admission is $65 per person and includes food and drinks. Tickets are available at Piedmont Arts and at PiedmontArts.org.

This event is sponsored by VisitMartinsville, Diversified Trust, Ameristaff, Bassett Office Supply, Collinsville Printing Co., Daydream Photography, and Draper Flowers and Gifts.