Directly impacted by the storm, family-owned business Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream Company is on a mission to give back to its neighbors even as it rebuilds its own operations. The gourmet specialty company has joined forces with Porta Restaurant, Asbury Park, to aid Restore the Shore projects and host a benefit next Tuesday, January 22 at Porta for Waves for Water.org.
Third generation owner, Michael Emanuele, learned about ERGO Clothing’s efforts to aid Restore the Shore.org and started selling its T-shirts. Wanting to do more for the community’s restoration, he approached Porta to plan the benefit with a Surf and Skate four-course menu and with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Restore the Shore's project Waves for Water.org.
Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream Company was founded by Emanuele’s grandfather in the late 60’s to produce ice cream flavors specifically to attract the growing Asian restaurant business in New York City and Philadelphia. Three primary flavors ~ Green Tea, Azuki (red bean) and Ginger were the resulting signature ice cream flavors developed at the request of Santo Emanuele’s Japanese friend, a Philadelphia restaurateur.
According to Michael Emanuele, the formula for the three flavors is basically the same as it was 50 years ago and is proprietary to Mr. Green Tea. The special blends are exclusive to the company and are tightly held secrets. Since its founding, the company has grown far beyond the three signature flavors and has created new products in keeping with the times and consumer demands for specialty foods.
Popular items are: Mochi Ice, a traditional rice dough filled with signature ice creams, and Dragon Eggs, freshly baked fudge crumble cookies topped with a signature ice cream and swathed in rich Belgian chocolate. Currently, in the development stage and soon to be released is a Chai Latte made with Indian Marsala Tea.
When asked how Emanuele chose Porta, he said he liked the atmosphere of its family-style restaurant and the heritage of its rustic Tuscan cuisine. “This is a benefit for New Jersey by New Jerseyans,” he explained. “And the family-style dining joins everyone together where they can share their experiences.”
As previously reported in Examiner January food and restaurant events, Tuesday’s event at Porta begins at 7:30 p.m. Included in the $100 ticket price is a four-course menu, two drinks and entertainment, followed by a cash bar. All proceeds will be donated to Waves for Water. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at mrgreenteaicecream.com/rts or by calling Porta at 732-446-9800.
Porta Restaurant is located at 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park. Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream is sold locally at many food markets, including: Sickles Market, Little Silver; Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck and Whole Foods, Middletown.
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