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SLIDE SHOW: The Taste of Perth Amboy

Cornucopia Cruise Line, Riverboat St. Charles  10/20/16  *Photos by Katherine Massopust & Bob Ned

Record Numbers Attend the 2016 Taste of Perth Amboy Event

Evening of International Cuisine Kicks off “Restaurant Week,” Running October 22-29

Press Release 10/24/16

PERTH AMBOY – Hundreds of people enjoyed an evening of superb cuisine during the most successful “Taste of Perth Amboy”food event. The affair was held last night aboard the Cornucopia Cruise Line’s St. Charles Vessel.

“The Taste” was presented by the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District (BID), Mayor Wilda Diaz, the City’s Departments and generous sponsors. BID Chairman Barry Rosengarten reported that this year “The Taste” drew a record attendance. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the “Celebrate Perth Amboy-Save Our Carnegie Library” program. These funds go to renovate the children’s reading and activity area

The “Taste” also kicked off Perth Amboy’s “Restaurant Week,” which runs from Saturday, October 22nd to 29th. The BID created a Culinary Passport and each page is marked with a different country’s flag. The restaurants are listed by country. Patrons bring the booklet to the City’s restaurants and customers will receive a “stamp” from each restaurant. Obtain as many stamps on the passport booklet and then enter a drawing to win a dining card worth $100.

“You’ve sampled incredible food prepared by our top chefs, now visit their restaurants and enjoy an exceptional meal,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz. “You’ll dine on wonderful food, and be served by our community’s warm, gracious and caring people. Perth Amboy is one of most diverse dining sites in the area.”

During “The Taste,” over 25 restaurants, cafes, bakeries and caterers served outstanding American and international cuisine. Many chefs celebrated the City’s magnificent waterfront by preparing seafood specialties including chowders, baked fish, crab and lobster salads, and many types of shellfish-laden paella.

Judges selected the first, second and third place honorees in the “Best Entrée” and “Best Dessert” categories. This year’s judges were Ana Maria Zevallos, Douglas Dzema and Eleni Glykis.

Guests were asked to vote and choose the winner of the coveted “People’s Choice” award. Cecilia Cruz, founder and owner of Rico Taco Mex, swept away the competition by earning first place in the entrée category and taking home the three-foot tall “People’s Choice” Award.

While holding both trophies and hugging her team, Ms. Cruz said, “What an incredible opportunity to open the restaurant and fulfill my lifelong dream.”

In thanking everyone at “The Taste,” Ms. Cruz, who opened her restaurant in Perth Amboy just two years ago, said, “Come and see us, often.”

In addition, the “Best Dessert” trophy and honors were awarded to Juana’s Dominican Cakes. Head Baker and owner Juana Minaya created a table full of designer cakes, cupcakes and colorful baked goods.

During the evening, guests were entertained by the Alborada Spanish Dancegroup, performing classic Flamenco with vocalist Teresa and guitarist Ivan.Venus Rouah, wowed the crowd with belly dancing to contemporary and traditional music and DJ Jason had everyone up and dancing to a mix of classic favorites & today’s best music.

Taste of Perth Amboy Honorees:

Best Entrée:

1st Place, Rico Taco Mex; 2nd Place Latin Grill and 3rd Place, Cornucopia Cruise Lines.

Best Desserts:

1st Place Juana’s Dominican Cakes; 2nd Place Sipos’ Bakery; and 3rd Place Ferrara Bakery & Café.

Perth Amboy BID’s gratefully recognizes the support of these sponsors: Petra Best Realty, Amboy Care Center, Rosengarten Realty, Suplee, Clooney and Co., Jeffrey Rauch, Coutros Bananas, York-Jersey Underwriters, Inc., Douglas Dzema & PAPH, and City Employees. Special thanks to the students of the Perth Amboy Academy for Urban Leadership Charter School for volunteering their time.

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