The Friends of Duane Park held their fifth annual Dinner on Duane on Sunday — and once again, the prediction of rain sent them upstairs to a raw floor at 60 Hudson, a spectacular space provided by the building that overlooks the park. Yes, it poured on Sunday morning only, but golden hour on the 8th floor facing south and west was pretty special.

The first dinner the Friends hosted, to honor the park’s 225th birthday, was simply a celebration; the events now are fundraisers for Duane Park, which is fully supported by the Friends.

This year’s meal was thanks to Chip Smith and Tina Vaughn of Eulalie. Not a person there isn’t right now trying to get a reservation — trust me on that one. Chip said they were really looking forward to serving outside — “As if we all went on a trip to the countryside together” — but this had to make do. I wish I could eat this meal again without the (excellent) distractions of friends and neighbors — to savor it.

There were heirloom beans that were prepared like a light stew; cornmeal dusted shrimp — I did not know you could cook them that way; the most tender grilled chicken, basted in vinegar; a beet salad with pepitas. Lots more — including deviled eggs with dinner, which I love. The bread was from Rigor Hill.

As in other years, Christine and Patrick Hall of Élan Flowers on Worth did the flowers and Madeline Lanciani, who had Duane Park Patisserie on the park for 35 years until recently, had Chip’s team assemble a remarkable Southern peach pavlova with Thai basil.

The lead sponsor was Tribecan Amy Bonomi of Compass, above left, who has been involved since the beginning — she has lived above the park for decades. Tribeca Wine Merchants, on the east side of the park, provided the wines. Additional sponsors included American Express, Adrian Chalk, Laughing Man Coffee; Mary Giuliani Catering and Events; Donadic Inc., Aztech Mountain, Altocanna, Damon Liss Design, ARC Athletics, Greenwich Street Jewelers, Real Pilates, Lucifer Lighting, 180 The Store, The Greenwich Hotel, Tribeca Citizen, Washington Market School, and the co-op/condo boards at Duane Park Lofts and 55 Hudson.