St. Stephen's Taste of the Town has roots in the South

WARWICK-Contrary to the latest urban legend, St. Stephen's Taste of the Town, scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, is not a copycat of the popular Fall event, Taste of Warwick. The upcoming family food-fest, which features specialties prepared by local restaurants to be served on the grounds of St. Stephen's - St. Edward's Elementary School, is actually a Southern invention. "While we were living in Myrtle Beach," said Chairperson Mary Juliano, "we had an opportunity to share in a wonderful event produced by our local Catholic School." Juliano and her husband, Dr. John Juliano, an orthopedic surgeon, had moved, for a short time, from this area to South Carolina. While there, their children attended St. Andrew's Parochial School, which had been sponsoring a similar event for 21 years. It had become so popular that it attracted 7,000 visitors each year. "My mouth dropped," said Juliano, "as I watched thousands of folks come through the doors. Many of us considered it to be the best dinner we had all year." With the assistance of Karen Pinkham, the wife of Veterinarian Dr. George Pinkham, and other parents from St. Stephen's, Juliano hopes the St. Andrew's formula for success will, in time, be an equally successful fundraiser for her parish. Although the funds do benefit the school, they also benefit the entire parish and others in the community who use the school facilities. This first year, Taste of the Town is sponsored by Provident Bank and supported by local establishments including The Landmark Inn, Park Place, The Crystal Pioneer Restaurant, Applewood Winery, Warwick Winery, La Petite Cuisine, Zana D, Frank's Pizza, Bellvale Creamery, Lisa's Cookie Shop, John Martin's Restaurant & Pub and Janet's Quality Baked Goods. General admission to the event, which runs from 4 - 9:30 p.m. is $3 when purchased in advance. Children under 15, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. Patrons can then purchase food tickets for $1 each and no food or drink including beer, wine or soda will cost more than $3. Each restaurant will offer two or three specialties that can be purchased with tickets. To keep all the chefs on their toes, judges and patrons will vote for the best selections. And winners will be announced. The St. Stephen's Taste of the Town will also offer live entertainment, tee shirts and souvenir programs. Tickets are available at the parish or school office, For additional information call 986-3533 or visit the Website: www.ststephen-stedward.org.