Taste of West Seattle fills Hall at Fauntleroy with flavor, generosity

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

For the hundreds who came to tonight’s Taste of West Seattle, it provided a chance to sample dozens of food and beverage providers from around WS/White Center. But the photo above is what it was really about – raising money so the West Seattle Helpline can keep offering a lifeline to people in need. Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) presented a $5,000 check to outgoing Helpline executive director Anna Fern (she’s retiring) and her team – and they’re thrilled; it was just a few days ago they put out an emergency challenge to help cover unexpected expenses. Now, on to the sightings, starting with the Full Tilt Ice Cream family:

That’s Justin Cline, Ann Magyar, and son. More sightings – including first-time appearances for some of our area’s newest eating/drinking spots – ahead:

Above, it’s Courtney, Chef Ephraim, and co-owner Rita from The Bridge, open 3 months now on 35th SW just south of Avalon. And from a couple miles south on 35th SW, Locol represented:

Last year at this time, the Wing Dome wasn’t open, but joined in the Taste of West Seattle anyway. This year GM Andy (right) was back, with JR:

Like the best flavors, people mingled too – Team Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) with Jack Miller from Husky Deli:

From next door to Skylark in North Delridge, PB&J Textiles‘ Dave and Paul were enjoying The Taste:

From the Helpline board, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s Pastor Ron Marshall was keeping busy:

Back to the restaurants: The Junction’s Bakery Nouveau was among the sweet-treats purveyors:

Also from The Junction, Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) proprietor Lora (right) posed with longtime customers/pals West Seattle Christian Church‘s Pastor Dan Jacobs and wife Joanie Jacobs:

From the Admiral District, proprietor Amber from Freshy’s Coffee (also known for its soups) brought a delegation:

For the adult beverages, Bin 41 and West Seattle Cellars were front and center – that’s T. Frick McNamara from the Bin in the foreground:

According to the Taste of West Seattle Facebook page, tonight’s winners were: Spring Hill‘s burger for “Best Bite,” a three way tie for second – The Bridge, Fresh Bistro/Herban Feast & Blackboard Bistro – and fish tacos from Salty’s, third.

Meghan May 20, 2011 (6:17 am)

It was a great event!

Fabulousem May 20, 2011 (8:19 am)

A great event! Thanks to everyone who came out to support a wonderful cause!

RTA May 20, 2011 (8:35 am)

We had such a great time, can’t wait to taste again next year.

KP May 20, 2011 (9:01 am)

It was my first time attending, and I was rather disappointed with the whole event. By 7pm it was seriously overcrowded; there were many similar hors de ouvres offered; and I felt the price for a couple to attend was greater than what was provided.

On the upside, at least it was a charitable event, and it did inspire me to check out 1 or 2 restaurants. But I wouldn’t attend the ToWS again.

Lulu May 20, 2011 (9:02 am)

sooooo much great food! i wish i had an extra stomach to fill up on the deliciousness!

pumpkin May 20, 2011 (9:28 am)

KP, This was an event about philanthropy and community and much of your ticket price goes to support WS Helpline. Events such as this do so much for our commuity and in the spirit of philanthropy, I personally feel one should not expect to receive the value of what is contributed for events such as these, one should feel good about supporting a great cause and enjoying a night out, whatever that may entail. Sorry this was not your cup of tea but glad you were inspired to try a few new restaurants.

coffee May 20, 2011 (9:55 am)

As a person who attends many many events in the city, I believe this was well put together. KP, please send your comments to the agency, they cannot make things better if they do not know what to fix. I chair a major fundraiser for a non profit and I welcome comments, because we then implement if needed. The community knows this event is a good one, and that it will get crowded quickly. I think for 40.00 you get to try several things, and if you tallied up the cost of ordering say 4 apps at an establishment, plus 1 beverage, you would pay roughly 40.00. And a side note, the average ticket price in Seattle to attend a plated fundraiser is 150.00 these days. Just to put it in persepctive.

cristie May 20, 2011 (12:38 pm)

This was my first time attending and I had a great time! I’m relatively new to West Seattle, so it was a great way to try out some treats from many different places in the neighborhood. I had a lot of really good food and drink, met some nice people, and walked home stuffed and happy. Sure, I was sad a couple places ran out of samples before I could try them, but I don’t think I could have fit in anything else anyway!

Katherine Salomonsen May 20, 2011 (8:29 pm)

Go Rita Mae!!!! can’t wait to go to “THE BRIDGE” and have some yummy food and drinks! mom and i are soooo proud.

Pastor Ron Marshall May 26, 2011 (7:30 pm)

I’ve attended all of these Taste events – and this one was the best ever! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a great success. And to all of you who had such a good time there, be sure to patronize the restaurants at the Taste and also send in a check to the Helpline (6516 – 35th Ave. SW, Unit 206, Seattle, WA 98126) to help your neighbors in need!

Sorry, comment time is over.