Perhaps as many as 400 honored guests – all of them gourmands – showed up at Sunday’s 14th Annual Taste of South Boston, which benefits the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation. Taste was held, as usual, in the Plaza Ballroom at the Seaport Hotel. Advance ticket sales amounted to more than 260; a number more showed up at the door to buy more tickets. The festivities lasted from 6 to 9 p.m.
Twenty-nine restaurants and vendors provided food and drink galore. It bordered on the impossible to make one’s way to every establishment’s table and consume the generous samples of their wares. Perhaps special mention should be made of Lucky’s Lounge, who came up with musical entertainment by pianist Ron Poster and his bassist – emphasis: lounge and jazz piano pieces (including Dave Brubeck’s immortal “Take Five”). Kennedy Elsey from Karson & Kennedy of MIX 104.1 served as the event’s emcee. Al’s Liquor provided elegant wine tasting; Harpoon Brewery put out a beer-sampling table. Vibrant Event Productions assembled the gala. As many as 50 donors added to the fun, with raffles and a silent auction.
But enough numbers. The impact of this year’s Taste consisted of an enthusiastic, upbeat crowd full of non-stop light conversation and high spirits. The program was commendably brief: Board President Bob Monahan and a smiling Donna Brown, the executive director of the SBNDC, thanked the attendees profusely for the evening’s success. There were sumptuous gourmet offerings for every taste – no pun intended. So many that all this writer can do is list a few personal favorites – the clam/oyster chowder from No Name, Porto Bello’s lobster ravioli, and the unique red velvet cake by Sweet Tooth.
They’ll all be back next year, so mark your 2017 calendar right now, if you missed the 2016 fete.
Your Taste of South Boston hostess, SBNDC Director Donna Brown, welcomes four friends to the highly successful 14th annual event.
South Boston artist Dan McCole displays his inimitable Ireland watercolors at Taste of South Boston last Sunday.
Chico (right) is clearly enjoying the 2016 Taste of South Boston with two friends.
Ron Poster with his bassist at Taste of South Boston provides superb entertainment – “Take Five” anyone?
Al’s Liquors never fails to stage a varied and elegant wine tasting at Taste of South Boston.
Local 149 is truly for the locavores at the 2016 Taste of South Boston.
John, Phyllis and Elaine are devotees of the Taste of South Boston.
A striking oil, “Misty Marsh” by Norm Crump, graces the 2016 Taste of South Boston. Norm now has his studio/gallery on Tremont Street.
Kirsty and Marissa hold down the Cranberry Cafe table at the 2016 Taste of South Boston. Cranberry Cafe has been at all 14 annual events so far.
The Sweet Tooth Bakery on West Broadway displays its own special version of virtual reality at Taste of South Boston. Their red velvet cake is nothing short of iconic.
Harpoon Brewery, another South Boston enterprise, is noted for their IPA, and for their support of Taste of South Boston.
Board President Bob Monahan and SBNDC Executive Director Donna Brown thank all of the “Taste” supporters. Emcee Kennedy Elsey (Karson & Kennedy, MIX 104.1) is seen between them.
SBNDC Executive Director Donna Brown, aided and abetted by Vibrant Event’s Karen Stanley and Don Wilson, is delighted with a highly successful 2016 Taste of South Boston.
The No Name Restaurant in the Moakley Building complex served superb calm/oyster chowder at Taste of South Boston.
