Taste of Newark showcases local cuisine

4:16 p.m., June 17, 2005--The second annual Taste of Newark event, set for Sunday, Oct. 2, will serve up menu specialties from UD’s Vita Nova, Blue & Gold Club and Catering Services, as well as 32 downtown Newark restaurants and several area wineries.

Slated for noon-3 p.m. on Old College Lawn, the gastronomic extravaganza will benefit UD’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) and the Downtown Newark Partnership (DNP).

The brainchild of Newark Mayor Vance Funk, the event was launched last year to strengthen bonds between downtown merchants, the University and Newark residents.

According to Funk, it proved to be such a success that the number of tickets being made available this year has increased to 660 from last year’s 400.

“Last year we had an incredible turnout, and this year is going to be even bigger,” Funk said. “We included 26 restaurants in 2004, and this year, based on preliminary numbers, we plan to feature 32.”

Funk added that this year’s event also will showcase wines from at least 12 different wineries, as well as additional live entertainment.

HRIM student volunteers celebrate the success of last year’s first annual Taste of Newark with Mayor Vance Funk.

Additionally, the head chef and four students from the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality, the hotel management school located in Switzerland’s eastern Alps affiliated with UD’s HRIM department, are tentatively scheduled to make a guest appearance and conduct a public cooking demonstration.

“Downtown Newark has a wealth of culinary gems, and the offerings of the University give this town a particularly unique dining profile,” Funk said. “We saw last year how the Taste of Newark event promoted that strength, and this year’s event will only boost that momentum.”

Proceeds from the upcoming dining extravaganza will raise money for HRIM scholarships and DNP’s CSX Bridge Painting Project. Sponsors so far include Comcast, Delaware National Bank and Newark Chrysler Jeep.

Additionally, gift certificates from participating restaurants will be available through a complimentary chance raffle, and all attendees will receive a Taste of Newark commemorative wineglass and the opportunity to view work by local artists.

Tickets ($30 in advance, $40 at the door) are going quickly, so advance purchase is recommended at Funk’s law office at 273 East Main St., or participating restaurants.

Article by Becca Hutchinson
Graphic by Monroe Givens

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