With so many restaurants operating in Woodbridge, it may be difficult to decide which to visit for a nice meal.
Those interested in sampling selections from up to 28 local restaurants may attend the Taste of Woodbridge event to be held 6- 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main St.
The event is sponsored annually by Woodbridge Township and the Woodbridge Community Charity Fund, which disperses funds to volunteer and charitable organizations.
Local charitable organizations that sell Taste of Woodbridge tickets in advance for $30 get to keep $20 from each ticket sold.
“It’s a great event on all fronts,” Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said. “Our restaurants get exposure to our residents. Our school and community groups get to raise money for their cause, and people get a great night out for only $30.”
Tickets will also be sold at the door for $35.
While more may be added, the following restaurants and bakeries are among those that have committed to donate food for the event: Bahama Breeze, Houlihan’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, Shannon Rose, Mulberry Street, Wegmans, Kona Grill, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Bonefish Grill, Reo Diner, La Bonboniere Bakery, Olio Restaurant, Olive Garden, Villa Borghese, Surrender Café, Royal Albert’s Palace, Muscle Maker Grill, II Castellos, Rug’s and Riffy’s, D’Orsi’s Bakery and Arena Café.
Each will offer free samples of their most popular dishes. Joe Canal’s will provide wine and liquor.
Niven Raghib and Jennifer Sheedy of the Woodbridge Township Recreation Department are organizing the event.
The Woodbridge Community Center will be arranged to look like a fine restaurant, with cocktail tables set with linen tablecloths and candles, Raghib said.
She noted that some people have gotten dressed up during past events, but casual attire is also acceptable.
Floral Expressions and Vintage & Nouveau donated flowers for the tables, Sheedy said. Musical entertainment will be provided by Gary Morton of Morton Entertainment. Approximately 30 charitable organizations have signed on for this year’s event. These include school choirs, sports teams, the Woodbridge Garden Club and Angel Paws Animal Welfare Society.
Some 750 people attended last year.
“A lot of people came out,” said Sheedy, who noted that no more tickets are available for organizations to purchase for resale, but a limited number of tickets can be purchased in the Recreation Department office in the Woodbridge Community Center, and at the door at the event.
For more information, call 732-596- 4048 or 732-596-4047, or email jennifer. [email protected] or [email protected].