By Lindsay Papciak
Community Writer
The 17th Annual Taste of Kentwood took place this past Thursday, March 15, at the newly-renovated Kentwood Activities Center. The event featured 15 local favorites and each provided tastes of popular items on their menu. Guests had the chance to experience the diversity of Kentwood by attending one of two sessions during the evening.
Guests were welcomed into the Kentwood Activities Center with the smells of American and international cuisines. “[The Taste of Kentwood is] where neighbors and friends comes together and get to taste what’s great about Kentwood,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said.
“This event provides opportunity for local businesses to showcase their cuisine and advertise to new customers,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Marketing and Events Coordinator Laura Barbrick said. “It’s a great way to sample restaurants that you’ve wanted to try or may not normally get to.”
Local favorite The Candied Yam featured the restaurant’s fried chicken and sweet potato muffins. Co-Owner Jessica Ann Tyson loved being able to share her heritage and favorite recipes with old and new faces. “This is where the community thrives,” Tyson said. “People are working and living and playing and this is the other side of it. We are working and they are playing. So taking the opportunity to mix us all together is really nice.”
Tallarico’s Boardwalk Subs featured its Italian sub as well as its ham and turkey with original ‘herb de provance’ which is an herb mayo on their house-made white or wheat bread. Owner Chris Tallarico now runs five locations, so the Taste of Kentwood is a place for him to reconnect with Boardwalk Subs regulars as well as share why they were voted “#1 Best Subs in Grand Rapids” in 2017. “The food part is easy,” Tallarico said. “One thing that sets us apart is the experience we give. We treat people at Boardwalk the way you would be treated at a full service restaurant.”
Tallarico has held down a booth at this event since he opened his first Boardwalk Subs in Kentwood in 2003. “We keep doing Taste of Kentwood because of the people,” Tallarico said. “Everyone is smiling and having a good time.”
“This event continues to grow in popularity every year,” Barbrick said. “We estimate that over 500 people came through our doors throughout the evening. Eventually, we may need to relocate to a larger space, but it’s a good problem to have.”
For upcoming Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department events, visit www.kentwood.us/recreation/.
