The sixth annual Taste of Rhinebeck was held April 20, attracting more than 400 people to the restaurants, cafes and streets of the historic village, celebrating the culinary arts and raising dough for a good cause, benefiting the Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation.
“This was the sixth year and it was by far the best attended by both patrons and local businesses,” said Colleen Cruikshank, spokesperson for the foundation. Obliging perhaps personal tastes, she said memorable dishes included the sliders and slaw at Rhinebeck Bagels and Oliver Kita”™s chocolates. She said “over 400” people had attended.
“There are not many villages that have such a vast array of incredible restaurants within a few blocks of each other,” said Deborah Breen, executive director of the foundation. “And, to have all of them working together for a common cause really highlights their cumulative community spirit and camaraderie.”
The event differs from other food festivals in that participants travel on foot around the village of Rhinebeck, stopping to sample gourmet delights from restaurants and spirit shops along the route. The route covers only a four block radius.
“One of the best parts of this event is that people get to go inside the restaurants and shops and experience the individual charm of each business,” said Breen.
Participants who contributed to the Foundation through their purchase of a wristband had three hours to meander the route, sampling fare from 24 locales set up along the way.
Northern Dutchess Hospital, a Health Quest affiliate, is a 68-bed, acute care hospital in Rhinebeck. The Health Quest system includes Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie and Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel.
