Taste of St. Armands takes attendees on culinary adventure

Local restaurants dished out their best at this year’s Taste of St. Armands on Jan. 20.

From watermelon gazpacho to ahi tuna poke cones, patrons at the eighth annual event had their share of options from about 20 local restaurants.

Hurricane Irma prompted a delay from the original October date, so the restaurants were ready to roll on Saturday evening.

For some eateries, it takes months to prepare for this event. Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar Event Coordinator Julie Cortez and Manager Darin O’Brian said it takes a lot of organizing and a review of what has worked and what hasn’t in years past.  The weather also plays a factor. The restaurant served ahi tuna poke cones and key lime pie, which O’Brian said couldn’t have been served in August when the weather is much warmer.

Regardless, the employees enjoyed showing off what their restaurant serves.

“We have a lot of fun,” Cortez said.

Aside from light bites and drinks, the event featured a 50/50 raffle and silent and live auction to directly benefit Take Stock in Children in Sarasota, which will also receive part of the proceeds.