February 25, 2010

By Rick Winterson

The “Taste of South Boston” became an instant local tradition in 2003, its inaugural year.  The first “Taste” awakened residents, both lifelong and new, to the excellent dining available in the old hometown.  That tradition continues as sixteen establishments from all over South Boston join together at the Seaport Hotel on Sunday evening, March 7.

First and foremost, sincere gratitude must be extended to the Seaport Hotel for their role in the “Taste of South Boston” tradition.  They have generously contributed the use of their elegant Plaza Ballroom since the early days of “Taste”, and they are doing so still.  It’s a fine example of how an establishment on the South Boston Waterfront can contribute to causes throughout the community.

Lucky’s Lounge, located at the end of A Street, is the only true cocktail lounge in all of Boston.  They are returning to “Taste of South Boston” this year.  In addition to a buffet of their fine food offerings, they’ll be bringing in Lucky’s Combo – vocals and instrumentals that combine pop, jazz, and song styling – for your entertainment.

Al’s Liquor and the Harpoon Brewery, from West Broadway and the Marine Industrial Park respectively, have kindly volunteered again this year to provide wine and beer tastings.  What better way to complement the many fine food offerings that are featured at “Taste of South Boston”. 

The restaurants are from all over South Boston:  Barlow’s (Fort Point), Café Mamtaz (L Street), Sweet Tooth (West Broadway), The Stadium (Old Colony and Dorchester), Salsa’s (Perkins Square), Pat’s Trattoria (West Broadway), LTK (Seaport area), Flour (Fort Point), and so on.  Yes, from all over.

Joseph’s, J. Pace & Sons, Shennanigan’s, and the Atlantic Beer Garden round out the roster of dining establishments currently on the “Taste” roster, and there may be more to come.  We hear that the Atlantic Beer Garden will showcase its proposed new “Whiskey Priest” as another South Boston place-to-go, on the site of the Seaport Bar & Grille.

Perhaps there’s another, very special point to be made about this year’s lineup of cuisines.  Essentially, those restaurants will present you with a full course buffet – main courses, desserts, soups, salads.  From soup to nuts, as that old saying goes.  In addition, just look at the roster of names.  You’ll get the finest in ethnic cuisines, from pub food to far Eastern.

To top off your “Taste of South Boston” evening, Dan McCole, Norm Crump, and Karen’s Boutique will be on display.  Silent auction and raffle items include Sox and Pats tickets.  The admission cost of “Taste” has been kept the same as last year – just $35, and you’ll go home full of fine food.

What else can be said?  See you there.