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Arts & Entertainment

Crowds Swell for 'Taste of Port Chester' Fundraiser

Foodies were in heaven, local restaurants earned lots of goodwill, and Tamarack Tower raised thousands for Port Chester schools.

More than 700 foodies invaded Port Chester for four hours on Sunday, and they brought their appetites.

Larger-than-expected crowds lined up for A Taste of Port Chester, which offered the chance to sample food from more than two dozen eateries while supporting a good cause. The event was sponsored by the Tamarack Tower Foundation, and the proceeds will benefit schools in Port Chester.

After buying a wristband pass, hungry visitors hopped aboard buses that took them to restaurants like , , Pasquale’s, , , and , to name a few. But which won the unofficial award for best sample of the day?

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That’s a tricky question most couldn’t answer, saying they couldn't pick just one eatery. For example, bartaco turned non-fish lovers into mariners with their version of the ceviche, a concoction of red snapper, jalapenos and tomatoes served in a champagne flute.

“I’m normally not a fish-lover, but this was a great introduction,” said Steve Lansin, who stopped at the recently-opened restaurant during Sunday's tour.

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For those who love Mexican food, the folks at Mary Ann’s Mexican Restaurant delivered a more conventional Mexican-American flair with generous portions. And for out-of-towners, this otherwise hidden restaurant would have been overlooked.

“You were able to take however much you wanted instead of getting smaller samples which was nice,” said Kit Satile, who was visiting from upstate.

Diners who stopped into Q Barbecue also learned that a great pulled-pork sandwich is all about the meat and the barbecue sauce. Euro Asian Bistro fans were also delighted to find plenty of hand-rolled sushi.

The event raised more than $15,000 for the , and the money will fund the non-profit's activities -- including school program's like and annual scholarships to graduating seniors.

The restaurant owners opened their doors at no cost to the group, earning lots of good will in the community and quite a bit of exposure.

"It was a home run, over the top," said Mayor Dennis Pilla. "It's fantastic for Port Chester because it helps put our restaurants and our downtown on the map, and it raised a lot of money for the schools."

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