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Hey, Flathead … ‘Taste’ This!

By Beacon Staff

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times – “Taste this … you’re not gonna believe it!” And at the Taste of Whitefish, that’s a very good thing!

Long established as one of the top “foodie” events in the northern Rockies, the 26th annual Taste of Whitefish – or simply “The Taste,” as it’s come to be known – returns to the streets of downtown Whitefish next Thursday, in what used to mark the unofficial end to the summer tourist season.

These days, the Taste marks the transition to the “Indian Summer” tourist season in these parts, as folks have discovered the unique beauty – and slightly slower pace – that we enjoy in this area as summer slowly moves into fall.

If you’re anything like the folks at the Whitefish Chamber, you’ve been working (and playing!) your tail off this summer, too busy to really kick back and relax – and too tired to battle the hordes of tourists for a seat at your favorite local restaurant or watering hole.
But come Sept. 5, we promise to make it all worth your while, as the Taste of Whitefish –presented by the Whitefish Chamber and the folks at Kalispell Toyota – gives you a chance to sample the “best of the best.”

The Taste is an event that the community looks forward to all year long. And what’s not to like? With 25 different restaurants and caterers serving up their “specialties of the house” – and more than 30 different wines, microbrews and local whiskies to sample – you’re guaranteed to have a “tasteful” gastronomic experience beyond compare.

Fest cuisine is ‘top notch’

Though the menu for this year’s event is still being finalized, the roster of participating restaurants already reads like a “who’s who” of the Whitefish fine dining scene: Ciao Mambo, Stillwater Fish House, Latitude 48, Wasabi Sushi Bar, The Boat Club. And that’s just for starters.

Also confirmed for the 2013 Taste are a handful of the region’s top catering companies – folks like John’s Angels, Simple Chef, Genesis Kitchen and the Cuising Machine – and when they take their show on the road to downtown Whitefish, you better believe they put their best foot forward!

Last year’s Taste of Whitefish menu featured a little bit of everything, from shrimp scampi, lobster bisque and chicken marsala to barbecue pork, buffalo chicken wings and outrageous sushi. Local chefs tend to go all out for the Taste of Whitefish, putting their best foot forward for the sell-out crowd of business, civic and community leaders who attend the event.

How ‘bout the beverages?

Hey, we’re glad you asked! How about 30 different vintages from around the wine world, as well as local microbrews produced by our very own hometown brewmasters – the Great Northern Brewing Co.!

The event’s wine and beer list is still being compiled, but last year’s list read like a “who’s who” of American vintners, with the staff from Fun Beverage bringing their favorite vintages and personal expertise, and letting you be the judge!

And back for a second year – by popular demand – will be the folks from Glacier Distilling Company, pouring samples of its Montana-made spirits.

Last year’s event was a complete sell-out, and tickets for the 2013 Taste – priced at $40 in advance; $45 on the day of the event – are already flying out the door.

Reserve yours now by calling the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce offices at 862-3501, stop by the chamber offices at 307 Spokane Ave. anytime Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit our website: WhitefishChamber.org.

Your stomach will thank you!