Gourmet food and drink, good music, great entertainment and wonderful weather combined to make the fourth Taste of Newark the biggest and best yet, raising more than $60,000 to benefit city and University programs.

Hundreds of people filled tents erected on the lawn in front of Old College on Oct. 7 to get a taste of the finest food and drink served by Newark hospitality businesses. For the fourth straight year, the event was sold out, with more than 900 tickets sold.

“We had more restaurants, more wineries and more student volunteers this year than ever before,” says Newark Mayor Vance Funk, the founder of the feast.

More than 35 restaurants and several fine-wine distributors spread their wares on tables set up under three huge tents. A separate tent protected silent auction items, and another stood over special guests demonstrating their culinary skills.

“Fabulous,” said Helen Mosi of Newark, adding that it was her first time at the event but that she planned to return. “It was fun, delicious and easy to do.”

Susan Lesher of Newark was impressed with the way the event was laid out and coordinated. “A lot of work was involved in putting this together,” she said. “It makes us feel part of the University and the students feel part of Newark.”

The Taste of Newark is a partnership between the city of Newark, UD and its Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) and Office of Conferences. This year, the HRIM honor society, Eta Sigma Delta, recruited and coordinated 40-60 student volunteers who worked with the Downtown Newark Partnership to organize the event.

Funds raised from a silent auction are donated to the city of Newark’s Town & Gown Committee, and proceeds from the Dine Around Newark raffle go to the Newark Arts Alliance. All other proceeds from the event benefit HRIM and the Downtown Newark Partnership.