PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Samarah Wilkie serves a customer at the Brother’s Deli table at the 9th Annual “A Taste of Lynn,” at the Lynn Museum on Thursday.
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — The ninth annual Taste of Lynn was a feast for the eyes and mouth.
Patrons with eyes bigger than their stomachs piled food onto their plates from 11 local restaurants at Lynn Museum & Historical Society Thursday night.
The event is hosted by Family & Children’s Service of Greater Lynn, whose mission is to strengthen the life skills of families and serves as their biggest fundraiser.
“Food brings people together,” said Maroli Licardie, executive director.
She said the affair encourages restaurants to market their food. She said it’s also a way for the group to connect with the community and display the city’s diversity.
Gina Maniscalco, the nonprofit’s director of institutional advancement, said the event usually raises about $20,000 and goes back into the organization’s programs. She expected 300 people to attend.
George Markos, owner of Brother’s Deli, has been serving food at the taste since it started. Some of his Greek food included spinach pies, tiropitas, which, he said, is like a feta cheese pie and grape leaves.
Markos said he participates because some people are more fortunate than others and can donate some of what they have.
“Everyone has something to give to everyone,” he said.
Raul Cuevas, marketing director of Los Chamos Venezuelan Cuisine, said the restaurant opened three months ago and it was their first time at the Taste. He said they participated to join the community. The restaurant sampled cachapas and arepas.
Husband and wife Bill and Maria Koumoundouros, owners of Angelina’s Sub Shop, said it was also their first time at the event. They were serving Italian and turkey sub sandwiches.
“We wanted to let the people of the community taste our great product,” said Maria Koumoundouros.
Brendan Ward, 38, of Nahant, said he came to support the organization, but couldn’t wait to try the Venezuelan restaurant.
Danielle White, 18, of Lynn, said she was partial to the clam chowder Porthole Restaurant was sampling.
“It’s not just about the food,” White said. “It’s more about the cause and the atmosphere.”
Also featured was beer and wine tastings from Lynnway Liquors at the bar. Donated raffle prizes included $500 in restaurant gift certificates, Boston Red Sox tickets and season tickets for a family of four to the North Shore Navigators.
“Lynn has amazing restaurants with a very wide variety of food and culture,” said state Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). “This organization has done so much for families throughout Lynn and I’m proud to support it.”
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley
