Food+Drink

Taste of Eau Claire

serving up tons of tasty food for a good cause

Eric Rasmussen, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

 
The taste buds of the Chippewa Valley are soon to be tested.

Let’s try a little experiment. Right now, think about your favorite part of summer. Now, hold still while through the magic of print journalism, I guess that you love … eating outside! Grilling, picnicking, county fairs, family gatherings, let’s face it, they are all just fancy excuses to put away some grub in the outdoors. (I am aware that one of you out there chose jet-skiing, but, come on, picture me standing next to your Sea-Doo with a cardboard container of fried cheese – you know what you would choose.) What better way to kick off summer, then, with a whole bunch of people gathering in the outdoors to enjoy some quality chow. On June 7, the Taste of Eau Claire is returning to Phoenix Park, with 24 (and counting) local vendors ready to tease the community with all sorts of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The event follows county fair rules – purchase tickets and redeem them for food until someone has to roll you out of the park. If the food alone is not enough to tempt you, there is a ton of other entertainment. Live music acts will play all day, including Duncan Ninja, Meridene, The EverGreen Grass Band, and Howard “Guitar” Luedtke & Blue Max. Vendors will submit dishes Food Network-style in three competition categories. The Kids’ Zone will entertain the little ‘uns. And, of course, all of this supports a very good cause – all vendors will be donating at least 20 percent of their sales to United Way to support a variety of community causes. Come hungry.

    Taste of Eau Claire • Saturday, June 7 • Phoenix Park Pavilion, downtown Eau Claire • 11am-6pm • all ages • www.tasteofeauclaire.org