Thousands visit ‘Taste’
Published 9:51 pm Monday, September 12, 2011
More than 4,000 people came to downtown on Saturday to taste all that Suffolk has to offer.
The fourth annual Taste of Suffolk food festival was held in the historic area on N. Main and Washington streets. Fourteen Suffolk and bakeries lined the streets and gave out goodies of all shapes, sizes and flavors.
![IMG_5401](https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2011/09/IMG_5401.jpg)
Corey Duncan of The Catering Place tops off a redneck taco at his booth at Taste of Suffolk Saturday. The taco consists of pulled pork, Asian-inspired coleslaw, and jalapenos, wrapped in a firey red taco shell.
Participating restaurants included Al Forno Pizzeria, Baron’s, The Catering Place, Coldstone Creamery, Da’lish, Divine Creations, Jammin’ Jerk BBQ, Merrill’s Desserts, Mosaic, O’Doodledoo’s Doughnuts, The Plaid Turnip, Rosa’s Coffee Cantina, Snack Attack and Subway.
Organizers on Monday were hesitant to estimate the number of attendees, but said it was more than last year, when nearly 4,000 attended.
“It was quite steady throughout the day,” said Lori Carter of Suffolk Parks and Recreation.
The food offerings included cupcakes, doughnuts, carne asada tacos, bread pudding with caramel sauce, ice cream, ribs, baked beans with sausage and more.
But the cuisine wasn’t the only thing drawing people to the area.
“There was something to do from Finney Avenue all the way to Washington Street,” Carter said. “People had tons of fun.”
An extensive children’s area took up most of the First Baptist Church parking lot.
“I think we had something for every age group in terms of children” in the children’s area, Carter said.
Children and adults also could visit a display of public safety vehicles on Washington Street, including fire trucks, ambulances, police boats and ATVs and more.
The event also included a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Carter said the department already is gearing up its preparations for next year’s Taste of Suffolk.
“It was a great event,” she said. “We’re looking forward to starting on next year.”