Chowing Down

Earthplace was the happening place to be Thursday night as a few hundred Westporters gathered to sample foods from more than a dozen local restaurants at the Taste of Westport.

The annual event, now in its sixth year, is organized by CLASP Homes, a non-profit organization which aids adults with developmental disabilities and supports several group homes and apartments. The funds raised from ticket sales – along with auction proceeds — will all go to support CLASP's vocational and recreational activities.

But the main attraction at the Taste of Westport was most certainly the food. And there was plenty of it. Guests suited up with a glass of wine or vodka when they walked through the doors and then began the real work of making their way through the auction tables and crowded downstairs auditorium where the restaurants had set up shop.

Throughout the night, the mood was upbeat and lively, and the atmosphere was more fun than fundraiser. Beija rum's very popular caipirinhas might have had something to do with that. A potent mix of fresh lime, sugar and rum, these little cocktails were addictive and packed a strong punch.

Earthplace was dressed up for the occasion with a jazz band in the foyer, lantern suspended from the ceiling, and swaths of khaki silk softening the walls. Lining the perimeter of the auditorium were all the restaurants, serving more plates of food than anyone could possibly try.

In general, the vendors brought their A-games, and served up some of their best dishes. Da Pietro's was a big draw, as the chef himself presented four appetizer-sized bites: salmon mousse, beet soup, fish terrine, and an unbeatable guacamole with mango and Vidalia onion served on a crostini. Rizutto's offered a generous plate with homemade focaccia, a fennel salami, parmesan, and a slice of spec (a smokier, saltier prosciutto).

Tasters lined up in front of Matsu Sushi's table, where they were preparing fresh yellowtail and spicy tuna rolls on the spot. Matsu owner Paul Teoh was delighted that his enormous rice cooker was nearly empty by the end of the night – a sure sign that their sushi was in high demand. "We have to be socially responsible," he says of their desire to participate in the event. "We do whatever we can."

Blue Lemon might have served the most unexpected dish of the night: a wood-roasted pepper stuffed with a subtle shrimp salad and topped with a chimichurri sauce. It was inventive and surprisingly satisfying. Other restaurants serving up savory bites included Tengda, Bobby Q's, Bombay, Café Lola, Rory's, Saint Tropez, Tarantino's and Tavern on Main.

For the dessert course, tasters flocked to Cake Suite's table, which featured a tower of adorable mini lemon and red velvet cupcakes. Michele's Pies offered an array of her greatest hits: chocolate pecan, apple, and berry. And the famous pies were most definitely hits last night, disappearing early in the evening. Latecomers had to console themselves with a slice of banana bread.

While people satisfied their appetites, a silent auction and Chinese raffle were underway. In addition to the usual items (haircuts, training sessions, dinners on the town) the auction offered up a weekend in Tortola, a private plane ride around Manhattan, tickets to The Daily Show, and a party for 20 at the Westport Country Playhouse valued at $2,100.

If you missed out on the opportunity to sample your way through some of the best food in town  and buy yourself a weekend trip to the Caribbean at the same time, there's always next year. CLASP is already planning their 7th annual Taste of Westport, set for May 5, 2011. Many of the same restaurants will be making a repeat performance.

Tim Doherty, sous chef at Bobby Q, says his restaurant participate in the Taste of Westport every year not only to help out CLASP Homes, but also to generate a bit of restaurant fever among the community. "Look around, Westport has Italian, French, Indian, Japanese food – everything, all within a few-mile radius," he said. "This event is a good way for people to discover you don't have to go to New York City to get great food."