Taste of the Finger Lakes serves the dual purpose of showcasing the dynamic Finger Lakes food and beverage industry while raising funds for three non-profits doing the important work of improving access to healthy food across the region.
This year, Taste of the Finger Lakes’ local committee is excited to host an in person, outdoor event, the proceeds of which will remain exclusively local, going to The Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Healthy Food For All and The Youth Farm Project.
Taste of the Finger Lakes comes on the heels of Taste of the Nation, which came to an official end in Ithaca in June of 2019.
The event is an opportunity for many local food and beverage businesses who have reworked their business models over the course of the pandemic, are under new ownership, bravely opened in the past two years, or sprung up as a result of changing food & beverage dynamics to showcase their goods in solidarity as a Finger Lakes community. These local businesses donate their time and product so that the event can maximize its giving to their non-profit partners.
Taste of the FLX begins with a Champagne and Oysters Welcome Reception Presented by CFCU Community Credit Union. This kick-off hour from 5:30-6:30pm features sparkling wine from Damiani Wine Cellars, Oysters from Maxie’s Supper Club, hors d’oeuvres from Gola Osteria and curated wine tasting with Experience! the Finger Lakes’ Laura Falk, to the sounds of the Caribe Jazz Trio.
The main event, from 6:30-9pm features food trucks, restaurants, caterers, wineries, distilleries, cideries and breweries serving tastes of their delicious local fare throughout the Ithaca Farmers Market. Event patrons are invited to peruse the market, taste bite-sized samples of everything from gelato to empanadas and sips of matcha, soju, craft beer, and the FLX’s finest wines. DJ Tuggle followed by The Destination Dance Band provide the evening’s entertainment.
A photo booth, silent auction, the Serendipity Lounge and decor provided by Serendipity Catering, all round out the “dress to impress” cocktail attire theme of this celebration for good.
“This is going to be a night to celebrate all that the Finger Lakes has to offer in the world of food and beverage, while creating awareness and furthering the work of food equity across our region”, said Hilary Davis, event director.
Our non-profit partners will be on hand advocating for food equity and showcasing the dynamic programming and creative thinking that has made them successful during the growing need for food assistance over the course of the pandemic.
Taste of the Finger Lakes has received huge local support with sponsorship partners including the Strebel Planning Group, CFCU Community Credit Union, Maguire Family of Dealerships, CSP Management, Cayuga Health, Visions Federal Credit Union, The Ithaca Farmers Market and Serendipity Catering. This support is pivotal in the event’s ability to reach a broad audience with the message of improving access to healthy food across the Finger Lakes while supporting small businesses.
Info and tickets HERE or contact: Hilary Davis at [email protected] or call (607) 351 6291.
