Taste of the Town a sizzling success

Taste of the Town a sizzling success

Showcase of local food fare a hit with diners

ralphhardin@gmail.com With a room full of folks dining on a variety of salads, shrimp cocktails, pizza, tacos, an ample sampling of appetizers, desserts and other treats, last Tuesday night's 14th annual Taste of the Town appeared to be a great success.

The Taste of the Town showcase, presented by Evolve Bank and Trust with proceeds to benefit the Main Street West Memphis Broadway revitalization initiative, drew hundreds of local food fans to the Starting Gate Event Center at Southland Park Gaming and Racing to sample the top menu items of local restaurants, bakeries and catering businesses.

In addition to local fare, there was live music from the Cummins Prison Band to keep guests entertained.

“Proceeds from Taste of the Town enable our program to maintain daily operations, provide mini-grants for facade improvements and offer training and resource workshops to support the businesses in our Broadway District and beyond,” said Main Street director Deborah Abernathy.

Diners had an opportunity to judge the fare and awards were presented in five categories.

Best Appetizer went to Southland Park Gaming & Racing, with second place going to Funkee’s Café.

But Funkee’s was able to turn the tables on Southland, taking home the Best Entrée prize, with Southland in the runner-up position.

Best Salad went to Custom Catering, with Funkee’s again in second place. Funkee’s also took top honors with Best Dessert. Southland was runner-up in that category as well.

And perennial crowd favorite, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant scored with the audience, taking home the award for Best Booth.

For more information on Taste of the Town or becoming a supporter of the Main Street West Memphis program, please visit www.broadwaywestmemphis. com or contact Deborah Abernathy at (870) 735-8814.

By Ralph Hardin