A Taste of Phoenixville Set for Thursday at Franklin Commons

Patch sat down with 's own Dan Lamson to learn more about the annual Taste of Phoenixville event.

Patch: This is the 10th year, correct?

Lamson: Yes, this is our tenth year. Our theme is "Top 10."

Patch: What kind of crowd usually comes out for the event? Is there a distinct age group that attends?

Lamson: We have adults of all ages at the Taste, and looking at the guest list thus far and the people I know, we have an age spread of at least 23-74. There are probably younger and older people, but this is just going by who I know on the list.

Patch: What can guests expect in terms of event style? Is the food served buffet style or is it a seated affair?

Lamson: The event is set up so that each restaurant or caterer has their own table. On that table, they will be serving some of the best dishes they make. I personally do not think of it as buffet style, but rather grazing. You can walk around and try whatever tickles your fancy from any of the 24 (so far) confirmed restaurants.

The list of attending vendors is:
Robert Ryan Catering
Columbia Bar and Grille
Montesano Bros.
Molly Maguire’s Pub
Cornucopia Catering
Tony’s Family Restaurant
Becca’s
Hill’s Quality Seafood
Artisan’s Gallery and Café
FreshAPeel Hummus
Marley’s
Bridgeside Deli
Daddy Mims
Drexelbrook
Pepperoncini Restaurant
Hacienda
MomPops
Gourmet Buffets
Bridge Street Chocolates
Forestas
Fruit Flowers
St. Peter’s Bakery
Ludwig’s Gourmet Catering
Cupcakes Gourmet
Dia Doce
The Sly Fox Brewhouse and Eatery 

Patch: Is it casual attire? Formal attire? Somewhere in the middle?

Lamson: The attire is generally described as business casual, but more or less than this is acceptable as well. Let's just say that if you come in business casual you should not feel under-dressed.

Patch: As far as speakers go, do they speak while people are eating and then music and dancing begin after dinner?

Lamson: There is not a long program of speakers at the Taste. We try to keep it to about 15-20 minutes. The food vendors close up for that time (around 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) to encourage people to listen. Music will be provided by Greg and Linda Hytha all night long.

Patch: Is it true that state Sen. Andy Dinniman will be attending and speaking? Any other local notables confirmed to attend?

Lamson: We hope so and we are planning on him being there, but there is a chance that he will be unable to attend due to business. Also, state Rep. Warren Kampf will be attending and speaking. There will also be a former resident from the shelter there, telling his story and how [Good Samaritan Shelter] helped him.

Patch: What would you say is Good Samaritan needs most? What does this fundraiser help the organization accomplish?

Lamson: Good Samaritan is a small organization and we have a huge list of needs. The Taste helps us get through the year as it is our biggest fundraiser. It helps us provide food, shelter and case management for up to 40 men, women and children at a time. You can learn more about us at http://www.goodsamshelter.org/.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like the public to know about this event?

Lamson: The Taste is a great event, one of Phoenixville's finest, and everyone who attends is helping to keep the shelter going. The shelter wouldn't be here today without the support of the community through events such as the Taste, and I would encourage anyone interested in a good time or trying out many of the local restaurants to give us a try. You can buy tickets online at www.tasteofphoenixville.com or at the door Thursday night.

If You Go: 

Where: , 400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville 

When: Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Cost: $75 online; $85 at the door and the event benefits Phoenixville's Good Samaritan Shelter