For more than two decades, the annual Taste of Eastie has become a local culinary tradition that brings the neighborhood and old friends together through food. The event’s success has long been attributed to its perfect blend of community, camaraderie and cuisine—and this year will be no exception.
This year’s 24th Annual Taste of Eastie will kickoff at the Logan Hilton Hotel on Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m.
Each year the event’s organizer, East Boston Main Streets (EBMS), captures the experience of bringing friends and family together to enjoy great food, each other’s company and celebrate the community—because in Eastie, dinner is as much about spending time with friends and family as it is about the food.
EBMS Director Gladys Oliveros commented that the nearly 30 or so participating restaurants are a great reflection of the diversity, hard work, and entrepreneurship that make Eastie’s culinary scene one of the best in the state.
“We are ready to go,” said Oliveros. “Right now we have 28 restaurants and everything is looking good. This is my first Taste of Eastie as the new director and I was a little nervous. But once I was out in the community knocking on doors everyone wants to help.”
Oliverson said from the business community to residents, the entire Eastie community has rallied around the annual event volunteering help, donations and sponsorships.
“Everyone is involved and it is a real community effort,” said Oliveros. “I’m so happy that so many people want to participate and make this year’s Taste of Eastie a success.”
Oliveros said there will also be some new faces at this year’s Taste of Eastie alongside many of the yearly staples.
“New places like Pazza on Porter, Dirty Water Dough and the Quiet Few will all be there this year,” said Oliveros.
Most of these newcomers have opened shop in Eastie in the past year.
Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening that also includes raffles and auctions. Over thirty local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, Italy and Australia.
Whether you are already an Eastie-food addict or looking to try food from fantastic neighborhood restaurants for the first time, this is your night.
As in years past, Taste of Eastie will feature a silent auction and raffle. Last year, more than 300 Eastie residents and residents from neighboring communities reached into their pockets and gave something back to Eastie by supporting this long standing fundraiser to support of EBMS. The event raised nearly $20,000 to fund EBMS’s community improvement projects.
Restaurants from Eastie and surrounding communities will again pitch in to help EBMS pull off another successful Taste of Eastie and at the same time showcased their cooking talents.
Gruner added that the event is more than a culinary showcase and has evolved into a community gathering that celebrates Eastie’s diversity, pageantry and love of friends and family.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-eastie-2020-tickets-83832905477. For more details or questions please contact EBMS at [email protected] or call (617) 561-1044.