SPOTLIGHT: ‘Celebrating the Harvest Moon’: Third ‘Taste of Lawrenceville’ bows at Rider on Sunday

    “Celebrating the Harvest Moon” is the theme of the third annual “Taste of Lawrenceville,” which is taking place on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.
    This benefit for Lawrenceville Main Street will offer a tasting of seasonal delicacies from Lawrence eateries and area farms as well as a tasting of more than 60 beers, wines and spirits sponsored by ShopRite Liquors of Hamilton.
    Owing to the high demand for tickets, the 2008 Taste will be held in the Cavalla Ballroom of the Bart Luedeke Center at Rider University.
    “Rider’s hosting of this event reflects the university’s commitment to playing an important role in the social, cultural, and economic development of its surrounding communities,” Taste organizers said.
    The upcoming Taste also is made possible by the generous support of Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, PNC Bank, Rosecliff, and Sun National Bank.
    Guests at the Taste will enjoy an evening of eclectic dining as well as music by the Tone Rangers, a popular local band that has been mixing country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll for the past 25 years. LMS also will host a silent auction and 50/50 fundraiser.
    This year’s participating eateries are Chambers Walk Café, the Chauncey Conference Center, Enzo’s Restaurant, Greenacres County Club, Just Delights, the Lawrenceville Inn, Leonardo’s Restaurant, Maidenhead Bagel, Philadelphia Pretzel Company, Rider University Catering Services, Monkey Joe’s Big Nut Company, TJ’s Pizza, Vidalia Restaurant, the Village Bakery, and Whites Delights Swiss Bakery.
    The following local farms are also contributing: Cherry Grove Organic Farm, Cherry Grove Farm, Gravity Hill Farm, Griggstown Quail Farm, Little Acres Farm, Terhune Orchards, and Village Farms.
    In creating delicious dishes for the Taste, the chefs will incorporate the harvest of the participating farms.
    The area’s culinary industry has long been committed to featuring farm-fresh ingredients. Their support has helped to sustain a thriving local farm community that helps to preserve the environment.
    For the past four summer seasons, the Lawrence community has been able to purchase directly from farmers at the Sunday Lawrenceville Farmers Market at 16 Gordon Avenue.
    The ticket price for the Taste is $60 per person in advance, and $75 at the door. Tickets are available at the Lawrenceville Main Street Office, 17 Phillips Ave., through Friday. To order by phone, call 609-219-9300.
    Lawrenceville Main Street is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to fostering a sense of community and continuing the revitalization of Lawrence’s historic downtown area by organizing events, building partnerships, cultivating the business environment, and enhancing the physical setting of the Village of Lawrenceville. An official Main Street New Jersey community, LMS is accredited by the Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
    For more information, visit www.lawrencevillemmainstreet.com or write to Carla Cheiftez, director @lawrencevillemainstreet.com.