Second Annual "Taste And Sip" A Delicious Success

By Laura Wiegmann

Walking through Homestead Gardens and Zachary's Jewelers in Severna Park throughout November and December is always a treat. The holiday lights and decorations create a festive atmosphere, and soften even the hardest of hearts to the Christmas season. However, one particular night in November is more exciting than the rest. The night of the Taste and Sip celebration, sponsored by the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce, is all about bringing members of the community together and kicking off the holidays with an inviting atmosphere, fantastic food and drink, and musical performances to get everyone in the mood for this special time of year.

Several of Severna Park's most popular restaurants were represented during the evening, including Garry's Grill, Bill Bateman’s Bistro, Bamboo Bernie's, Adam's Ribs, Woodfire, and Cafe Mezzanotte, as well as caterers like Kerri Out Food and The Main Ingredient. Each venue supplied an abundance of one of their signature offerings, so that visitors could walk through and nibble their choice of delicacies while they shopped and visited. Brian Boru supplied shepherd's pie as well as their outstanding special-recipe egg nog. There were desserts galore, from Bruster's ice cream to Annette's Cakery and more. Add several wine selections from Victoria's Fancy Foods, Goska's Liquors and Harbour Spirits to that amazing egg nog, top it off with Starbucks Coffee, and you have a party not to be surpassed!

A large majority of the vendors were returning from last year, and all were enthusiastic to take part again. Then, there were some who were new to the event this year, like Cathy MacMurray, owner of Harbour Liquors. While the MacMurrays are new owners of the venue, Don grew up in Severna Park and has lived here all his life. Don said that Taste and Sip is an awesome event. "There are many people attending that really know their wines, and it is fun to share our love of wine with the community," he added.

The back of the greenhouse section housed the entertainment for the evening, notably the Annapolis Chorale and the Christian Chimers from Pasadena United Methodist Church.

Tim Hamilton, Marketing Director for Homestead Gardens, said that despite a difficult economy, Homestead Gardens, especially the one in Severna Park, is still thriving. “This event continues to amaze. It has shown itself to be even bigger than last year, and the people remind us why we came here in the first place,” he added.

With such an enthusiastic response from the neighborhood, the Taste and Sip is sure to recur next year with even more popularity. Moreover, the proceeds benefit community beautification projects, giving attendees a real ‘feel-good’ reason to come back. Make this wondrous holiday celebration part of your holiday agenda for 2012. You won’t be disappointed!