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Community Corner

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Taste of Dormont

Fifth annual event showcases local cuisine to raise borough rejuvenation funds.

Looking for a tasty way to spend Saturday night?

Drop by the fifth annual Taste of Dormont for an affordable evening of culinary delights.

This popular yearly event features delicacies from local dining favorites as well as a sampling from local breweries and wineries.

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Each participating restaurant will offer two or three dishes.

While there is no set menu, history has shown that participating restaurants go all out for Taste of Dormont. One particularly popular seafood dish provided by at last year’s event was gone within an hour.

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“It’s always a great surprise,” said Joan Hodson, event coordinator and treasurer of Dormont Community Development Corporation. “We don’t know exactly what the restaurants will bring, but we do know it will be delicious.”

Taste of Dormont, now in its fifth year, was started as an attempt to draw both attention and funding to downtown Dormont rejuvenation efforts.

“We just hoped it would get us noticed,” Hodson said.

And noticed it has been. Attendance at Taste of Dormont has grown from 100 in its first year to more than 325 at the 2010 event.

The funds raised by Taste of Dormont have allowed Dormont Main Street and its partner, Allegheny Together to donate $5000 toward borough development projects.

Hodson hopes to top those numbers again this year.

All indicators see her meeting that goal. Hodson recently had to supply with more Taste of Dormont tickets after their supply sold out.

The event, which will be held in a catering tent outside Dormont Recreation Center, will feature the musical styling of local blues group, the RJ Zimmerman Trio.

Event organizers will also hold a silent auction featuring Steelers tickets, a wicker rocking chair, a portrait of Terry Bradshaw by local artist Johno Prascak and more.

Hodson said having the event under the tent provides a relaxing indoor/outdoor environment for event goers.

“You’re not seeing the traffic, or hearing anything going on outside,” she said. “Just the sound of music and laughter.”

Between the good food, good drink, good music and good company, said Hodson, Taste of Dormont is certain to be good time.

“So just come with a smile on your face.”

The fifth annual Taste of Dormont will be held, rain or shine, outside on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Participants include Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern, Cain’s Saloon, Sugar Café, Giovanni’s Pizza & Pasta, Jose & Tony’s Mexican Food, Full Pint Brewing Company, La Casa Narcissi Winery and Mazza Vinyards

Tickets are available at Dormont Public Library for $25 apiece. Ticket price does not include beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase and may be consumed on the premises. Tickets are non-refundable.

One souvenir wine glass per person while supplies last. Must be 21 to attend.

Proceeds will benefit rejuvenation efforts by Dormont Main Street and Allegheny Together.

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