'Taste of Northborough,' a tasty way to help the Food Pantry
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer

John Ayotte serves fresh-carved roast beef to Sue Sowden at the 2006 "Taste of Northborough." Last year's event drew over 600 guests, who had the chance to sample foods from 10 local eateries.

Northborough - Sample the tastiest treats area restaurants and caterers have to off er and help the Northborough Food Pantry in the process.

That's the win-win proposition that will face Applefest patrons who stop by Melican Middle School between 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 16, because that's when and where the Taste of Northborough - the best excuse a person will have to overeat and help those less fortunate - will be held.

A part of the Applefest celebration, this will be the seventh year the Taste of Northborough benefits the town's Food Pantry. The event is the only fundraising activity to benefit the Food Pantry, although many school and civic organizations organize and hold food drives throughout the year.

"The money we raise through the Taste of Northborough allows the Food Pantry to purchase meats and produce, milk and other dairy products, laundry detergent and some specific personal items," said Ellen Carlucci, chair of the committee that oversees the Taste of Northborough. "Last year we had 10 vendors. This year we're hoping to have at least that many, if not more."

Restaurateurs and caterers already confirmed for the event, Carlucci said, include Monti's Pizza, the Texas BBQ, Lil M's Mart, and the Chef Du Jour. Carlucci added that Lazio's Italian Grille is a maybe.

Establishments that have participated in the event in the past, and may do so again this year, according to Carlucci, include Armeno Coffee Roasters, Juniper Hill Golf Course, Tom's Gourmet Marketplace and Special Teas

Patrons will get 10 tastes for $10. Tickets are available at the Taste of Northborough booth at the Street Fair Friday Sept. 15 and at the door.

"It's just a great event," Carlucci said. "People come and sample foods from various places in town, some that they ordinarily wouldn't go to, and they visit with family and friends and have a great time."

In addition to the seemingly endless stream of sumptuous samples available, returning for its third straight year, will be the wildly popular and successful "Dress the Teddies" silent auction.

"What it is," Carlucci explained, "is an auction of Teddy bears that have been donated by various places in town which have taken the Teddies, dressed them - usually quite elaborately - and then put them in a box or basket with various goods or products or gift certificates, and then each one will be auctioned off ."

Last year 24 Teddy bears were part of the silent auction. Carlucci said she already has commitments from people for 18 Teddy bears, and is hopeful for more, as she would like to surpass last year's number.

Carlucci said the "Dress the Teddies" silent auction last year raised more than $1,000. She said that the Taste of Northborough itself has raised between $6,000 and $7,000 each year it's been held.

"It's so heartwarming for me to see the way everybody gets behind the event," Carlucci said, "and works to make it a success: the merchants who participate and volunteer not only the food, but the services of their staff , too, as well as the merchants who can't participate but send gift certificates to raffle off and help us raise money."