Annual Taste of the Valley to bring international flair

Date: 5/26/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Those wishing to tantalize their senses with the delicacies of foreign lands need not spend thousands traveling around the world -- just travel down the street.

The Rotary Club's 10th annual West Side Taste of the Valley, taking place June 11 through 14, will bring Indian, Italian, Japanese, Polish and Thai cultures to this American town with all the zest of their homelands. Alternative and native cuisines, live music and entertainment for those of all ages will be available to help raise funds for the Rotary's humanitarian causes.

"It's a 10-year tradition in West Springfield but each year it's a little bit different," Noreen Tassinari, board member and Publicity Chair for the Rotary Club, said. "There's always something for everybody at the Taste."

Gregory Neffinger, president-elect of the Rotary Club, described the 2009 event as one with an "international flair."

He noted that the Taste is the club's largest annual fundraiser, raking in approximately $19,000. Neffinger added that contributions have been smaller this year, however, with an expected total of $17,000.

All proceeds raised at the event are redistributed within the community via academic scholarships or to Rotary International s mission to eradicate polio worldwide, he noted.

Gina Calabrese, manager of Carol's Concessions, said her business has participated in the Taste since its inception. She added that they return each year with their carnival cuisine due to the positive response from those at the event.

Other restaurants featured at the 2009 Taste include Angelo's, Bottega Cucina, Pintu's, Mamma Mia's, Tokyo Asian Cuisine, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Millie's Pierogi, Moolicious, Jonathan's, Thai Taste, The Good Table, Ultimate BBQ and The Runway.

Performances and appearances by local talent such as Miss Massachusetts Alicia Zitka of West Springfield will also make this year unique, Tassinari noted.

"As a West Springfield native, I have always attended the Taste ... the food is exceptional and the entertainment is top notch ... It is always a terrific way to spend a spring evening and run into old friends, while supporting local business," she said.

Live entertainment will include performances by Brothers-By-Law, Blues Deluxe Band, John Brandoli Band, Timetrippers, Fendline, SPF-4, Brass Attack of Springfield, Double Play Plus, Bennie and the Jets, Dan Kane and Friends and Eight to the Bar.

Additional entertainment will include an exotic petting zoo and the Saturday Cruise of vintage vehicles on June 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information about this year s Taste of the Valley, visit www.westsidetaste.com.