Bringing the Community Together for Food and Fun: Taste of Southington 2013

A little over 12 years ago, the thought of bringing a festival of food to Southington was only a dream. Today it’s a reality that takes place on the first Wednesday of August and draws hundreds from throughout the greater Southington area to taste some of the best from throughout the community.

The 11th annual Taste of Southington returned to town Wednesday night and despite overcast skies and threats of rain, the event proved a successful one that drew hundreds and provided a showcase for 13 businesses from Queen Street to Plantsville.

“This is a great way for us as a business to remind people what they have available right here in Southington and really showcase what it is we provide,” said Christina Wherry, owner of Christina’s Gourmet Cookies. “It’s a great chance for us to get the word out.”

Wherry joined other business owners from downtown including Smokin’ With Chris, Anthony Jack’s, Paul Gregory’s, C.C. Carver’s, Cork & Brew, Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza, Sixpence Pie Company and Machiavelli’s during the event. Other participants included Saint’s, Namaste India, Moe’s Southwestern Grill and Napoli Café and Deli.

David Zoni and his son Dave provided entertainment for the event.

The event first started as a way to highlight Southington’s restaurants and bring attention to the Barnes Museum said Marie Secondo, director of the museum. The event has not only succeeded at both, but is also paired with the Music on the Green to provide a full evening of entertainment.

“This is a true community event and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

Participants including Tina and Patrick McGrath said they’d heard of the event before, but until they experienced it for the first time in 2012, didn’t realize just how big it was. Tina McGrath, an employee at the Bradley Cancer Center, said she came to the event to check it out and ended up staying to try many different items and enjoy the music.

She called her husband as well and Patrick joined her in 2012. Both were so impressed, they made plans to attend again in 2013, he said.

“Where else can you go and pay just a few bucks to get Indian food, a burrito and a steak sandwich all in the same place?” Patrick said. “This is a great atmosphere and you can bet we’ll be back again.”

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