Taste of the Island

It’s been almost a year since I went to this event, and I realized that I didn’t write a review. I just saw a posting for the 2015 Taste Of The Island that will be held again in a few days.
I love food events and I was looking forward to going to this one. I had seen pictures from previous years posted on their web page and it looked like it would be fun. I bought tickets for me and Clyde.
We got there early. Parking was a breeze. We went to the designated parking lot and a shuttle took us the short distance to the event. There was a small line to check in. Since we already had our tickets we got through quickly, but I noticed a long line forming behind us.
The food and wine was set up outside in a park setting. It wound around, ending at a large tent containing several vendors. The first few tables we stopped at had good food and drinks. As we walked around the maze of tables it was obvious that the food was running out. When we got to the big tent there was a long line just to get in. We waited a long time only to find more lines inside the tent. The lines were hardly moving and it was so crowded we could hardly move. Even more disappointing several of the vendors were either out of food or waiting for more food to arrive. I finally gave up and left the tent. I went back a little later to find no lines but most of the tables were bare, although a few had gotten more food.
As we walked back I saw that most of the tables were closed. A few tables near the entrance still had food.
We checked out the silent auction which was inside a building that looked like a small house. There were a lot of items listed, but we didn’t bid on anything.
We left before the event should have been over because they were pretty much out of food and drinks.
We took the shuttle back to our car and went to a restaurant to get something to eat.

One of the best events of the year is «Taste of the Island» held the Richardson Park (1937 Wilton Drive) in Wilton Manors, which city is nicknamed «Island City.» 2014 has been their ninth year and the 5^th year I’ve attended, all of which have not only been fun but delightfully adventuresome for my palette and taste buds. As with previous years, this year was no exception with so many hard working volunteers, restaurants, shops and businesses sporting samples of their foods and offerings. Though it concentrates on the restaurants and shops of Island City, supporters come from all over the area. Aruba Café was there, Kelly’s Landing with tastings of their wonderfully delicious clam chowder and Blue Martini with custom cocktails, just to name off a few.
It’s really one of the main events of the year and definitely one of the very best, offering a chance to meet up with those that represent or own local or area restaurants, food shops, liquor stores and the like. It’s also a wonderful social event being a splendid opportunity to mix and mingle with the locals, supporters and other attendees.
Overall, being a charitable benefit, it’s a great way to support your local community, get to know your local businesses better and have great fun filled time all in one. Of course they have some bugs to work out like this year’s long waiting line to get in even for those holding advance purchased tickets, but for what they do, the efforts they’ve made and its general purpose, I’m going Five Stars.