Taste Event Showcases Diversity of Eateries in Simsbury, Area

The attraction of A Taste in Simsbury seems obvious. What's not to love about a grand, chandelier-lit room filled with samplings from area restaurants, ice cream, some of the area's best beer and wine and plenty of chances to to talk shop, politics or simply catch up with old friends. 

But the event's benefits go well beyond the event, said Sarah Nielsen, Executive Director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Inc.

Yes the Thursday night gala, held at The Riverview, benefits her organization but for Nielsen it's also about showcasing what the town — and area — has to offer. It's a reminder that Simsbury is a destination for weddings, restaurants, arts and so much more, she said. 

"It reminds people to come back to Simsbury and see what we have," Nielsen said. 

Rich Correia, president of the partnership's board sees another benefit to the event, held for the 5th time this year. In addition to being a fun, end of summer event, food service owners and workers, generally very busy people, have the chance to meet and talk to each other. 

"They realize if they all work together, they'll create business for each other," Correia said. "Some great new friendships get established here." 

Peaberry's Cafe owner Louise Pelletier agrees. 

"This way I get to see who else has businesses in town and finally meet them," she said. 

Participants included: 
Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar, Evergreens at The Simsbury Inn, Little India, Meadow Asian Cuisine, Millwright’s Restaurant, Plan B Burger Bar, Apricots Restaurant & Pub, Matthew’s Restaurant, Max a Mia, Max Downtown, Republic, Seasons Restaurant at Avon Old Farms Hotel, Tapas, Carbone’s Kitchen, Han Asian Cuisine and Rizzuto’s Restaurant and Bar, J. Foster’s Select Batch Ice Cream, A Little Something, RJ’s Spirit Shop, Red Stone Pub, Thomas Hooker Brewery, Back East Brewing Company, RIPE Craft Bar Juice and Super Cellar, Peaberry’s Café and The Riverview. 

Joining presenting sponsor Simsbury Bank were: Coburn & Meredith, Dornenburg
Kallenbach Advertising (DKA), Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Imagine It Framed, Valley Press, Landmark Partners and Paine’s.