With a hint of crispness in the air and a slightly overcast sky, the organizers of the Taste of Clarkesville could not have ordered a more perfect day to hold the event. For 5 years, the Taste has brought together restaurants across Clarkesville, from Glen-Ella Springs to El-Jinette.
Vendors provide “bites” of their food for attendees to sample. Wineries and breweries from across the region provide the sips. One change to the event this year was that each ticket was a dollar and each bite or sip was a ticket. In years past there had been different levels of tickets prices and, based on feedback, the organizing committee decided to “simplify the math.” The only exception were the premium wines, which were a little more.
The other change to the event was the time frame. “Changing the event time to 12-3 really helped the restaurants this year. They are able to come out, enjoy the event and then have enough time to prepare for dinner service,” noted Sherry Callahan, Team Leader of the event. Other vendors at the event also had a great experience. Several craft vendors were at the event from Tari Ramos’s Simply Cardboard, to jewelry vendors. Craft vendors are required to submit samples and must be food related. Simply Cardboard displayed unique handcrafted work made from recycled cardboard such as beautiful framed pictures of wine, grapes and other foodscapes. Jewelry was made from utensils.
Deana Brooksher of A Garden for Wellness, has participated in the event each year. “While we are not a restaurant, we do promote a healthy approach to eating that improves well-being. So much of our health comes from what we put in our bodies and how we process that food. We want to show people that you can eat healthy and eat deliciously as well.”
Attendance at the event exceeded last year’s 3500 people. “It is a great way to tryout a new restaurant without spending 20 or 30 dollars” noted Callahan. For wineries and breweries, tasting is the name of the game and the best way to promote their products. Events like the Taste of Clarkesville, help bring patrons to the wineries and turn sips into
purchases. Id’s are checked at the event and special wristbands are then issued to the attendees helping those pouring comply with regulations.
Since the addition of wine and beer to the event, neighbors enjoy strolling around and visiting while they enjoy a glass. No problems or incidents have been noted and the pour flows smoothly.
Planning for next year, begins in January. Visit www.tasteofclarkesville.com to learn more. The event will be held on the last Saturday of September 2015.
