Record-Setting Crowd Enjoys Huge Tastes On Small ‘Tapas
The plates may have been small for “A Taste of Wine, Roses & Tapas,” but the enjoyment provided by the dozens of gourmet delicacies created by area chefs was huge. “Tapas” is the Spanish word for small plates.
This 7th annual event, co-sponsored by the Huron Chamber of Commerce and Barnes Nursery on Friday, June 22, drew a record setting crowd to the huge white tent bedecked with greenery, blooming plants and roses, lots and lots of roses.
The Chamber fundraiser, which started nearly a decade ago with tastings from two wineries and some plates of cheese and crackers in a tent down by the boat basin, has grown and morphed each year.
“We are so grateful for the continued support that we’ve received from the Barnes family and from the area residents and visitors who have made this one of Huron’s most enjoyable summer events,” said Chamber director Sheila Ehrhardt.
A whole new dimension was added as the tasting was “kicked up a notch,” with three to four samplings of gourmet treats offered by each of the five award-winning area chefs. And to top off the bountiful buffet, Storm Mountain Coffee Roasters served various flavors of their locally roasted coffees.
Chefs from Marconi’s Restaurant, Mesenburg Creative Catering, Sawmill Creek Resort, The Kitchens Bounty and The Reserve at Kalahari prepared an international array of tastes, including : Sea Scallops with Crab Mango Chutney, Amazing Seared Salmon Kabobs, Bruschetta Brisket Sliders, Watermelon Soup with Zip, Portobello Crab Cake Bites and a Field Salad with Raspberries, Pistachios and Rose Petals.
Area wineries poured varietals with flavors to complement the various foods. These included: Chateau Tebeau, Firelands Winery, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards.
A former Huron resident, J.P. Jones, who is visiting from Florida, was the winner of the 50-50 drawing. He donated his entire share of the pot, $460, to the Huron Playhouse fund drive. A longstanding attraction for residents and visitors alike, the Playhouse is celebrating its 64th consecutive season and has launched a capital fund drive.
