 | | | Deborah Kwan and Susan Sohrakoff Photo Cathy Tyson
| | | | | | It was a good thing that Jay Lifson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced, "We have you covered!" and "When it rains, we still pour!" on e-mail blasts just prior to the annual Taste of Lafayette. A large, hastily erected tent was put to good use due to the constant drizzle that threatened to put a damper on the event. Despite the gray skies, this year's party had a more intimate, friendly feel - perhaps partially due to the cozy space, or chalk it up to cheerful Lafayette residents.
Now in its ninth year, this event benefits the Lafayette Community Foundation and the Services and Programs of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and brings out diners ready to compare and contrast the signature dishes of many of restaurant row's finest establishments including Chevalier, Pizza Antica, Oyama Sushi, Yankee Pier, Postino and more.
The neighborhood block party and moveable feast combo started with wine and appetizers at Plaza Park. Brand new Lafayette resident, by way of Saratoga, Carol Fara called the seared scallops with shitake mushroom on a wonton crisp, provided by the Lafayette Park Hotel, "so delicious." Perky volunteer wine staff Deborah Kwan and Susan Sohrakoff called themselves the Gilmore girls since they were working for Barbara Gilmore of the Chamber. Wine was generously provided by Wine Thieves.
Just a couple of blocks from the tent, Amarin Thai was serving its signature Yellow Vegetable Curry with chicken and steak, a favorite of many attendees. The highlight of the evening for Marty and Tom Dejonghe was winning a week in Maui from the Community Foundation raffle. Turns out it was Marty's actual birthday.
"The weather kept some people away, but it was fun - seemed like everyone had a good time," said Lifson. Norma Evans, an ambassador/volunteer describes the event as wonderful, lots of younger people and first timers this year.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA