Thousands sample first Taste of Muskegon

June 25, 2007
From Local Reports
Muskegon Chronicle

The first Taste of Muskegon received an extra-large heaping helping of attention.

Organizers, who had said they hoped for 7,000 visitors over the weekend, estimated the downtown food extravaganza drew crowds in excess of 10,000.

"It was excellent. It was great," said Allen Serio, chairman of the Taste of Muskegon organizing committee. "It was more than we hoped for."

The event featured food booths set up by area restaurants that sold sample-sized portions, and taste awards given by a panel of judges.

Attendance peaked on Saturday with close to 6,000 people visiting the two-day event, Serio said. He speculated that the event may have benefited from other activities, such as the four-day Applause Talent national dance competition, held at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday.

"At first we didn't really plan on the dance competition," Serio said. "But we spent a lot of time talking to the people, and we realized that many of them were from out of town. We realized this was an opportunity to show people what Muskegon has to offer."

Sunday, the second day of the event, attracted between 4,000 and 5,000 people, Serio said. The highlight of the day was the presentation of Taste of Muskegon awards, with the winning restaurants taking home silver plates.

Serio said the first Taste of Muskegon's success bodes well for its future as an annual event.

"We wanted to know if Muskegon wanted to see this come back each year," he said.

Taste of Muskegon Awards

Best Restaurant -- Hobo's Tavern

Best Booth -- 750 Grill

Best dish -- Rib tips, Donnie's BBQ

Best appetizer -- Cheddar ale soup, The Hearthstone

Best dessert -- Mountain berry pie, Grand Traverse Pie Company

muskegonchronicle.com

Menu
Tipsy Toad Tavern: Kabobs, ribs, Chicken Caesar Wraps, wings.
Racquets: Gourmet sandwiches, hand-cut French fries.
Hobo’s Tavern: Hamburgers, bratwurst and hot dogs.
Donnie’s BBQ: Pork BBQ sandwich, smoked Chicken, coleslaw, potato salad.
The Hearthstone: Ham-and-cheese crepes, cheddar ale soup.
BernieO’s Pizza: Pizza, “The Twist,” Wings Pizza, “El Loco.”
Tony’s Bistro: Mediterranean Pasta, leg of lamb with orzo, Greek salad, hummus.
Coastline Deli: Redskin potato salad, sandwiches, Cowboy Cookies.
Famous India: Chicken Samsda, Chicken Curry, Tandori Chicken.
Carino’s Italian Grill: Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Italian chocolate cake, canoli.
Grand Traverse Pie Company: Fresh-cut pie, cookies and other treats.
Ruth Ann’s Ice Cream: Ice cream and sorbets, frozen bananas.
The Sardine Room: Spinach-and-artichoke dip, Pork Osso Bucco, coleslaw.
Old Boys Brew House: Hand-crafted sodas, cookies, Rice Crispy Treats, Bloody Mary mix and margarita mix.
750 Grill: Variety of grinders and penne pasta.
Pints & Quarts: Mini cheeseburgers, Michigan field salad.
Docker’s Fish House & Lounge: Fish tacos.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Hot wings with a variety of sauces.
City Cafe: TBA.
C.F. Prime: Beef skewers.

© 2007 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission