It’s no secret that over the past few years, Towson has become a foodie mecca.
The Sept. 18 annual Taste of Towson event presented by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, did not disappoint, showcasing more than 30 of the town’s finest culinary hotspots.
Hundreds of hungry patrons came to Towson University’s SECU arena (the event’s new home after it moved from the Towson American Legion Post No. 22 this year in order to accommodate its growing audience). And from smoothies to sushi, vendors satisfied every imaginable kind of craving.
Local culinary outlets provided sophisticated samplings such as white sangria, coconut shrimp, and tomato Caprese by 7 West Bistro, an assortment of cupcakes and coconut macaroons by La Cakerie, and seared scallops with butternut squash risotto by McFaul’s Ironhorse Tavern.
“It brings in business,” says Rhiannon Amarosa, who served Bahama Breeze’s chicken street tacos, key lime pie, and crab stacks with mango-chilled shrimp. “Everyone winds down in the fall, but we kick the party up.”
In addition to Towson’s most well-known establishments, there were newcomers on the scene, as well.
“I’ve heard of 80 percent of these restaurants but I like being able to try out the ones I haven’t heard of…like this place” says Taylor Seidel, a Towson University senior and founder of local food blog GoodEats, digging in to basmati rice and chicken tikka masala from Kathmandu Kitchen.
Food by Fire, a Towson special events caterer presented a beef crostini with horseradish sauce and a ramen salad with chives and broccoli.
“It’s a summer salad that’s not just cole slaw,” says Food by Fire’s Glen McCalley explaining his creation. “If they want it, I’ll make it.”
Another catering team new to the event, The Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, featured a beautifully presented crab salad shooter with edamame and pineapple.
“We’re trying to showcase the culinary ability and presentation skills of our team,” says Paul Scime, the Sheraton’s food and beverage department director. “There’s a tremendous amount of talent in our kitchen that can be tapped into.”
Members of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, who were in attendance along with County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, addressed the crowd.
“Tonight we’re celebrating the fantastic restaurants that Towson offers this county,” Kamenetz said. “We are the envy of the entire region.”