Thru the Lens: American Liver Foundation hosts seventh annual “Flavors” event - honors Robert Merowitz and Dr. Alan Epstein

Shown (from left) are: Front Row: chef Karen Mitchell, The Palm; chef Celio Escobar, Umbria Prime; Bob Merowitz, ALF Person of the Year; Alan Epstein ALF Medical Partner of the Year; chef Sean Dutson, Connollys Publik House. Second Row: chef Sebastian Nararrete, Besito; chef Brian Reyelt, Citizens Public House and Oyster Bar; chef Jose Duarte, Taranta; chef Jason Latta, The Link; chef Richard Rayment, The Seaport Hotel; David Becker, Sweet Basil and Juniper; pastry chef Craig Williams, Post 390; Andy Husbands, Tremont 647 and Smoke Shop.

Boston, MA Boston’s top chefs wined and dined more than 250 guests with a multi-course tableside dinner at the Seaport Hotel during the American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) seventh annual “Flavors” event to raise funds for liver research, education and advocacy. The Foundation used the festive occasion to honor Robert Merowitz and Dr. Alan Epstein for their years of support in battling liver disease.

Merowitz, a prominent real estate developer and theater aficionado, was named ALF’s “Person of the Year.” A liver transplant recipient, Merowitz has served on the board of directors of the New England Liver Foundation for 14 years and was recently appointed to the AFL’s national board. Merowitz’s real estate company, Universal Realty Corp., has developed, renovated or converted more than 40 residential and 15 commercial properties in Mass. and R.I. including the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere and the Strand Theatre and National Building in Providence.

Dr. Epstein, AFL’s “Medical Partner of the Year”, has served on the Medical Advisory Committee for 21 years. Under his direction, the Roger Williams Medical Center has been at the forefront of exciting research in the field of liver health.

According to ALF National chairman Thomas Nealon III, “The outlook for liver disease patients has changed drastically with the release of new and effective drugs to cure hepatitis C, and the clinic trials of promising medications for diseases like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and primary biliary cirrhosis.”

Among the chefs who donated their time and culinary expertise at this year’s event were David Becker (Sweet Basil, Needham), Damien DiPaola (Carmelina’s, Boston), Jose Duarte (Taranta, Boston), Sean Dutson (Hilton at Logan Airport), Celio Escobar (Umbria Prime, Boston), Andy Husbands (Sister Soreil,Boston), Jason Latta (Sheraton in Needham), Karen Mitchell (The Palm, Boston), Sebastian Navarrete (Besito Mexican Grill, Chestnut Hill), Richard Rayment (Seaport Hotel, Boston), Brian Reyeit (Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar, Boston), Jeff Williams (CHOPPS American Bar and Grill, Burlington) and Craig Williams (Post 390, Boston).