Happy People, Food & Oodles of Politicians, at Taste of West Roxbury

The 2nd annual Taste of West Roxbury brought out the best of what local restaurants had to offer, and plenty of political candidates, too.

The rainy night was no match for the hungry hordes who tickled their tastebuds with more than 20 local restaurants serving up food at the Irish Social Club of Boston.

"The first Taste of West Roxbury was such an amazing success," said John Fortin of Rox Diner, which was serving bacon, pancakes and syrup, to get people "excited for breakfast tomorrow."

Fortin added a new chef would be coming onboard soon to grow the dinner menu at Rox Diner.

"Rox Diner has the best breakfast in town," said West Roxbury resident Christina Von Seggern, with her brother-in-law Tim Abrahamsen and Ingrid Abrahamsen, from Waltham.

Others had not yet declared favorites.

"We want to try everything," said Tim Vigue, of Roslindale, with West Roxbury's Jeanne Akasten, who was told by "yoga friends" to come to the Taste.

The Top It Off accessories ladies - Brittany Peavey, Ashley Boiardi, and Elizabeth Hoenscheid, were all enjoying West on Centre's pulled pork BBQ tacos. 

As Tasters tasted political candidates trickled in one by one, greeting residents at tables, and grabbing some food, too.

"I'm probably going to get some chicken parm from Comella's," said Martin Keogh, at-large Boston City Council candidate from West Roxbury. Keogh's wife, Pamela, said she was eager for Al Wadi. 

Boston mayoral candidate and former state Rep. Charlotte Golar Richie raved about the Los Amigos' sweet plantains calling them "exquisite", while mingling among the crowd.

West Roxbury's favorite "politician" -- Lord Mayor Richie Gormley, said he enjoyed many of the fresh shucked oysters offered by Porter Cafe. He added, "A lot of people think I should run for the at-large (city council race)." 

District 6 City Council candidate and West Roxbury resident Luis Valerio said he enjoyed the tacos from West on Centre, while his wife "loves Masona" Grill.

At-Large Boston City Council candidates Michelle Wu, Michael Flaherty, Ramon Soto, Jeff Ross, were all seen making their way around the Irish Social Club, with food and drink in hand after mingling at first.

Elected officials also in attendance included state Rep. Ed Coppinger, District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley, Boston City Council President Stephen Murphy, and At-Large City Councilors Ayanna Pressley, Felix Arroyo and John Connolly -- the last two who are mayoral candidates, too.

Boston mayoral candidate state Rep. Martin Walsh, D-Dorchester, was asked if he was there for the food or the politicking, said Walsh, "A little bit of both. More so the food. I've been concentrating on the tables (with people)." 

Walsh smiled, adding he was going to look introduce himself to some "cookie tables" next.

What did you eat at the 2nd annual Taste of West Roxbury? What did you like? What politicians were there not mentioned in this article? Leave your comments below.