St. Stephen’s ninth annual Taste of the Town a record success

WARWICK — On Sunday, April 14, the ninth annual Taste of the Town was held on St. Stephen’s Parish grounds.

The huge tent accommodated 28 booths for local restaurants, wineries and other vendors as well as about 1,800 ticket holders who attended the popular annual event.

This year’s Taste of the Town earned a record amount of more than $23,000, an increase of more than $6,000 over last year’s event. Proceeds will be used to benefit St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s School as well as the entire parish and others in the community, who use school facilities.

Near perfect weather for the weekend and an earlier date may have resulted in a higher turnout than last year.

“Our efforts paid off in an event that provided superior food and stellar entertainment,” said Event Chair Mary Juliano. “And once again we appreciate the effort and enthusiasm of all our restaurants and vendors, because without them this community gathering would not be possible.”

Sponsors
Sponsors for this year’s Taste of the Town included Crystal Run Healthcare, St. Anthony Community Hospital, Swish Data Corp and Quick Chek.

This year’s participants included Crystal Run Healthcare, St. Anthony Community Hospital, Quick Chek, Breezy Point Inn, Food Tickets/Promotions, Soda/Water, Pennings Apple Grader Pub, Pennings Farm Market, Bellvale Farms Creamery, Mistucky Creek, Warwick Valley Winery, Taste of Home, Florida Bakery and Deli, ShopRite, Eat Sweet Bake Shoppe, Roccaroma, Best of Little Italy, Texas Roadhouse, Blarney Station, Jack’s at Catlin Gardens, Noble Pies, Cornucopia Concepts Catering, Chumley’s BBQ, Price Chopper, Halligan’s Public House and Drunken Cherry Cookie Co.

Although most vendors use part of the proceeds to cover expenses, many of the participants donated all their earnings back to Taste of the Town.

Best in category
As an added attraction each restaurant was judged for best selections in three categories: Fine dining, comfort food and dessert:

The first-place winner for Fine Dining was the Breezy Point Inn in Greenwood Lake.

Halligan’s, in the Village of Warwick, took first in comfort food.

Eat Sweet Bake Shoppe, also in Warwick Village, won first place for dessert.

“I’ve been coming to this event every year since it began,” said Town of Warwick Justice Nancy D’Angelo. “It’s the favorite way Americans love to eat. It showcases our fabulous restaurants and all the proceeds go to a good cause. It’s wonderful.”

The Rev. Michael McLoughlin, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, stated, “Our parish educates over 1300 children in our superb school and excellent religious education program. Your presence and support helps to ensure that they will continue to receive a quality education with sound religious, moral and civic values. You are helping to form the citizens of tomorrow.”

- Roger Gavan