Two economically-minded organizations have teamed up to give patrons a chance to sample the best of Washington.
On Feb. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Washington Harbor District Alliance and the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce will host “Taste The Good Life in Little Washington,” a new, and, hopefully, signature, event for the town, according to Beth Byrd, WHDA director.
The event, to be held at the Washington Civic Center, will feature 10 restaurants and several other food purveyors, with each participating business to offer tastings from its menu. Corresponding beverages will be supplied by four local wine sellers and two beer distributors.
Byrd likens the occasion to a party — complete with live music. And this party is one organizers hope will eventually become synonymous with George Washington’s birthday.
“The idea was to have this event as a big blow-out birthday party in order to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, which is that week. We think the city’s namesake would be proud of what Washington has become … it is as good an excuse as any to throw a party,” Byrd laughed.
WHDA’s board of directors was behind the idea — a discussion at a November meeting about how to promote Washington’s downtown restaurants swiftly turned into a “best of Washington” party-planning session, Byrd said.
“We just want to promote our restaurants and what a great little town we are,” Byrd explained. “I think ‘Taste the Good Life’ will do that.”
Byrd cites the restaurants’ diverse menus as reason enough for Washington to become a dining destination, with everything from gourmet hamburgers, seafood and prime rib to Mediterranean food available.
But she said there is another factor that makes Washington’s restaurant selection truly outstanding: the restaurants featured are all locally owned, with the owners on premises to guarantee their product.
On the menu for the evening are Backwater Jacks, Bank Bistro and Bar, The Blue Door, Down on Main, Grub Brothers Eatery, The Meeting Place, On the Waterfront, Plantation House, Washington Yacht & Country Club and Zaitona, along with Pamlico Pantry and Petals and Produce. Byrd said representatives from Farmville’s Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery will be on hand with their microbrewed ales, as well as corporate sponsor R.A. Jeffreys Distributor, with a selection of craft beer.
The first 200 patrons in the door will receive a tasting glass — a stem-less wine glass engraved with “Taste the Good Life in Little Washington.”
But the goods won’t be limited to the edible and potable, Byrd said. A number of Washington businesses — Bloom Women’s Apparel, Russell’s Gentlemen’s Clothing, Stewart’s Jewelry Store, Inner Banks Artisans’ Center, IBX Outfitters and more, will be represented, as well.
Per person, the cost is $25 and Byrd hopes to sell 200 tickets this year. Next year, however, she expects the event to grow — to make “Taste the Good Life in Little Washington” a delicious destination weekend.
Tickets can be purchased at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce at 102 Stewart Parkway, Washington, 252-946-9168. No person under the age of 21 will be admitted to the event. For a complete list of vendors, visit www.whda.org.