By Michelle Poirier
Taste of Georgina returns for its fourth year, offering diners a variety of prix fixe menus at 16 local restaurants.
The culinary event, organized by the Town of Georgina, runs between February 23 and March 7.
Cristina Liu, the Town’s Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, says it helps promote Georgina’s restaurants, especially during the slow winter months.
“By bringing the community together and inviting visitors to explore the many culinary gems in Georgina, the event helps boost business for participating restaurants, fostering a sense of community pride and increasing our economic vitality.”
Liu said in 2023, Taste of Georgina attracted 720 diners, generating $23,000 in revenue for participating restaurants.
Taste of Georgina started in 2021 as a way to support local restaurants during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Over the years, the event has evolved into a culinary tradition amongst family and friends that not only supports businesses but also celebrates Georgina’s rich and diverse food culture,” she said.
Liu said the restaurant industry has been facing challenges due to rising produce costs, leading to price increases and declining customer traffic.
“This event not only attracts new customers but also injects much-needed economic activity during what is historically a sluggish season for the restaurant industry.”
The Boondocks Eatery is participating in Taste of Georgina for the first time this year.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what people think of what we’re doing, and hopefully, we’ll have some new people try, and perhaps some regulars as well,” Sheila Rose, co-owner of The Boondocks Eatery, said.
Rose said the restaurant has been doing well but has been slower than the summer months, and with the unusually warm winter, they’ve seen fewer ice fishers and snowmobilers come in this year.
Lake Simcoe Arms will be participating again this year, and Becky, the front-of-the-house manager for the pub, said she thinks the event is a great way of getting the community involved and supporting local restaurants.
“People who don’t normally go out have the opportunity to go out and try a restaurant and treat themselves,” she said. “Hopefully, they will like the experience and come back.”
Kajen Thiru, owner of Offsides Kitchen & Bar, who just took over the restaurant last month, is also happy to be participating.
He said Offsides is well known as a bar, but he wants to focus on the food aspect with new menus and experienced cooks.
“I wanted to be a part of Taste of Georgina so people can taste our new dishes and give us good feedback,” he said.
He said he wanted to show that Offsides is a place for everyone, a family restaurant.
Lui said every time you purchase a Taste of Georgina meal, you will receive a ballot to enter a contest to win a $100 gift card to a participating restaurant or a set of ROC all-day passes for the 2024-2025 season.
A complete list of participating restaurants can be found at https://www.georgina.ca/taste-georgina.
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