Delicious scents and tantalizing eats were on display at the Porter County Expo Center Thursday evening for the 25th annual Taste of Valparaiso. Almost 40 restaurants, numerous Tri Kappa members, and thousands of community members came together for this tasty and popular fundraiser featuring some of the most popular restaurants in Valparaiso.
To see more photos from the event, please click here!
People who attended the event were able to sample examples of each restaurant’s culinary specialty and taste the diverse dishes available to the Valparaiso community. Along with each food sampling, a raffle and silent auction were also held, with all of the profits going back to the community.
Local service sorority Tri Kappa has been organizing the event since its inception, using it as an opportunity to let the community gather together and celebrate all of the culinary delights available for Valparaiso and also to give back to the community through scholarships and donations.
“Tri Kappa is an organization who gives 100% of the profits back to the community through scholarships and non-profits, including about $18,000 in scholarships and grants back to the community,” says Tri Kappa member Kelly Molcham.
Tri Kappa also assists families and other needy people within the Valparaiso community.
“We also support needy families in the community and giving funds to those who need it, we look at all the organizations who need our help the most and try everything we can to assist them.”
The Taste of Valparaiso along with raising money for charity, also believes in supporting the community and giving different Valpo based restaurants proper exposure and the chance to become noticed by other members of the community.
"This is my second year here and I’m really excited to be back to see all the new restaurants and enjoy trying out some of the newer ones as well,” says Bargain Barn General Manager Nick Schwerd.
"We love being here and connecting with the people of Valpo," says Valparaiso Culver's Office Manager Denny Dalka. 'We're always happy to be a part of something good and positive."
Along with the excellent selection of food, the ability to meet and greet people from all over the Valpo community is also one of the highlights of the Taste of Valpo and is a strong reason for many people to return every year.
“I truly think people enjoy the social aspect. Of course the food plays a huge role in that area, but the fact that people can come together, mingle and have a good time is also one of this event’s main features,” says Molcham
"“I think the best part is the fact that so many people are here to have a good time and talk in a fun atmosphere,” says Schwerd. I like the fact that these non-big box restaurants can come together and do this and create this kind of atmosphere.”
Now that this year’s event is finished, Molcham is eagerly looking forward to next year’s event.
“The weather was so beautiful, there were so many people, this was a perfect event and I can’t wait to continue and make it even better next year,” says Molcham.
This year’s taste included Asparagus, Barada Kabob, Birky Family Farms Country Gourmet, Buffalo wild Wings, Campbell Street Café, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Coastal Valley Water Company, Culver’s of Valparaiso, Designer Desserts, Don Quijote Restaurant, El Sato Mexican Restaurant, Fast Coffee/Naturel Water, Family Express Corporation, La Cabana, Main + Lincoln, Margaritas Bar & Grill, Miller Bakery, Noodles, Parkside Urban Bistro, Pestos Italian Restaurant, Pikk’s Tavern, Popolanos, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Roots Organic Juice Café, South Bend Chocolate, Surefire, Suzie’s Café, T-Bones Pier 11, Town & Country Market and Catering, Valley Kitchen and Bar, Valpo Velvet Shoppe, Valpo Viennas, Vegas Baby Blue Chip, Wildflour,Yats Cajun Creole
