By Ayesha Budhwal — Correspondent
From tacos al pastor to tortillas made fresh with corn sourced fresh from Mexico, at least 18 businesses and restaurants will strut their culinary creativity on October 20 at this year’s Taste of Concord.
The early guidance: Show up at Nashawtuc Country Club with an appetite.
“The restaurants really bring it,” says Pam Reed, Concord Chamber of Commerce managing director. “You do not leave hungry. They have a main course, and then they bring out desserts, and it’s a really fun community event.”
The chamber is teaming up with West Concord Wine & Spirits for a guided tasting experience featuring more than 50 wines from around the world. During the VIP hour, 5-6 p.m., attendees can sample champagne and tequila paired with oysters from Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms.
The offerings range far beyond Concord’s borders.
“People don’t have to travel to Mexico to eat a good taco al pastor,” says Elmer Melendez, owner of Bandoleros, a returning vendor.
The restaurant’s tortillas are made fresh daily with corn grown on small farms in Oaxaca, Mexico, says chef Luis Angel.
Sue Nordberg of the Martignetti Cos., wholesalers of beer, wine, and spirits. Photo by Edward Feather Photography
New England Olive Oil Co., another returning vendor, will offer food samples this year alongside its infused olive oils, including Tuscan herb, garlic, and Milanese gremolata, as well as its single-varietal oils, says owner Amanda Williams.
The business will serve samples of olive oil cake made with infused oils, featuring blood orange, Persian lime, and a surprise third flavor.
Instead of the usual silent auction, this year’s Taste will feature a raffle offering the winner “A Year of Concord Food,” with monthly dining specials at participating restaurants.
Also offering sumptuous samples will be Concord’s Colonial Inn, Concord Teacakes, Caffè Nero, Debra’s Natural Gourmet, Fiorella’s Cucina, Gräem Nuts and Chocolate, Main Streets Market & Cafe, Nashawtuc Country Club, The Cheese Shop, Twin Seafood, and Verrill Farm.
Melendez sees Taste of Concord as an opportunity for connection.
“We want to show to the community that we are part of them,” he says. “We’re bringing true Mexican food to these communities.”
The event runs from 6-8 p.m. on October 20 at Nashawtuc Country Club. Tickets are $75. The VIP hour costs $130. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at West Concord Wine & Spirits, 1216 Main Street.
This story was written by a journalism student in BU’s Newsroom program, a partnership among the university, The Concord Bridge, and other news organizations in the Boston area.
