Taste of Homewood presented 35 local vendors, serving unlimited food and beverage samples to the Homewood community along with live music, and “Best Bite” votes March 19. The event partnered with the Grace Klein community for food donation.
Taste of Homewood is made possible through collaborations between Homewood Chamber of Commerce, 35 local restaurants, and sponsor Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital. Taste of Homewood director Shay Gartman describes how ticket funds are spent.
“This is our largest community event and our largest fundraiser,” Gartman said. “It raises money for the chamber of commerce which I use towards scholarships and business programs and membership programs to help our local business in our economy.”
Amy Jason, the founder of the Cookie Fix Bakery, explains the process of how she prepares for this event.
“It’s a lot of logistics, we start planning well in advance for our menu, whatever’s going to be made, prepped, how we’re going to get it here, the tent, the table scraps, the marketing material, the people we need to staff the event,” Jason said.
Jason explains her favorite part of Taste of Homewood.
“The people are the best part, I got here a few minutes ago and I have not stopped talking to people, it’s so much fun,” Jason said. “[I love] the amazing variety of vendors. It’s absolutely stunning how many restaurants are located in Homewood that are all top class.””
Paramount partner Isabella Cruz tells her obstacles within setting up a venue in Taste of Homewood.
“The most challenging thing about Taste of Homewood is probably having to select something off of our menu that really even compasses our brand, and something that is unique enough to get patrons to come into the restaurant that they’ve never been to before,” Cruz said.
The obstacles become worthwhile, as it leads to community bonding. After nine years of the event’s occurrence, attendees still find new things to enjoy.
“Its a great community event that brings people together so you can try all the great different flavors and see the great community that makes Homewood, Homewood.” Shay said.
Junior Haley Pattison describes how coming to Taste of Homewood turned into a family tradition.
“We had so much fun last year, we made everything a tradition in our family, so since we came last year, we might as well come again this year,” Pattison said.
People walk around different vendors to taste culinary excellence, and foster connection with others.
“I love coming to the different booths and seeing what they have,” Pattison said. “Its fun to walk around and meet all the different people.”
Alongside diversifying palates, Taste of Homewood boosts the local culinary economy, providing marketing experiences to vendors trying to grow.
“It’s a great way for our local restaurants to get the spotlight, and see what makes them special,” Gartman said. ‘
The location of Soho Square Plaza offers convenience to both the community and city officials.
“It covers so much. It’s centrally located, I love the plaza, I love being right here at city hall so that city officials can join us,” Gartman said.
