A rainy, but successful Taste of Boca held for the tenth year

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BY LIZA STROUT - The 2012 Taste of Boca was held in a tent this year, and that’s a really good thing. Half an hour before the sun set, a double rainbow appeared over Charlotte Harbor. It was the perfect omen for an evening of good food, fun, and wonderful music.

However, the huge tent erected on the grounds of the Boca Bay Pass Club turned out to be sorely needed, as the rain fell intermittently throughout the evening. Most party-goers were able to stay completely dry, though, thanks to the golf cart chauffeur service provided.

Fourteen local restaurants ringed the grounds of the Pass Club. From the filling warmth of the home-style chicken and dumpling served by Chef Jacques and Blanche Boudreau of The Loose Caboose, to the oysters Rockefeller served up by Chef Kevin Stockdale of The Temptation Restaurant, and all of the delicious tidbits in between, the area’s culinary artists outdid themselves for this year’s event.View More images >>

Chef Kono Wendel’s brisket slider was a hit with many, as was the chicken pot pie served at The Grapevine. Chef J.T.’s barbecued swordfish was declared amazing as well, and the lines were long at almost every booth until the food was completely gone.

Blanche Johnson, who helped organized the fundraiser, said, “People are telling us that the food was the best they’ve ever had. They also loved the tent, and we’ve had requests to have it up every year.”
While final numbers aren’t in yet as to how much money was raised for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, she believes it will be just as much, if not more, than last year.

The Steve Chapin Band, headed by the brother of the late Harry Chapin, was the perfect accompaniment to the party. The crowd sang along with such classics as “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Circle,” and “Mr. Tanner.” Jennah Barry joined the band from the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Toward the end of the evening, they were improvising lines praising the beauty and friendliness of the island and the guests.
“I have this funny feeling; that we'll all be together again.”

Photos by Dusty and Heidemarie Burke