The Taste of St. Augustine

Taste of St. Augustine award winners Chef Bob Henle of The Reef, Chef DeeAnn Hobbs of Villagio, Chef Joe Ronan of Santiago’s and Chef Kris Baldwin of Meehan’s (not pictured: The Hyppo)

Photo by Colin Goodman

Wendy Brooks and Zane Crecelius of San Sebastian Winery

Lorna MacDonald, Candice Shave, Valerie Logan, Steve Carlson, Shayna Carlson and Chris Cantabene of Raintree Restaurant

Kevon Fletcher, Cindy Taylor, Monique Bangoura, Laney Brittingham and David Berry of Chicken Salad Chick

Karrie and Matt Hooker of Old Coast Ales

Joe Gargano and Sarah Nunn of Casa Monica

Cupcakes from Gimme Some Sugar

Cathy Smith, Spencer Upchurch and Christina Costuk of Fried Chicken Kitchen

A chef from World Plate Walkup Eatery prepares a plate.

A chef from Uptown Scratch Kitchen prepares a plate.

Posted Friday, June 28, 2019 12:24 pm

By Jon Blauvelt

Good food, good music and a good cause. That’s been the mission of “The Taste of St. Augustine” year after year, and the 23rd annual event, held April 28, did not stray away from that undertaking.

Hosted at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, “The Taste” featured samples from some of St. Augustine’s most well-known restaurants, as well as some newcomers to the scene. Pellicer Creek Band and Chillula jammed throughout the afternoon at the Amphitheatre’s Front Porch. And once again, proceeds from the event — over $60,000 this year — benefited Epic Behavioral Healthcare, a nonprofit organization providing substance abuse prevention and treatment and mental health counseling.

“We like to consider it one of the premier food festivals here in town,” said Teresa Andrews, director of development for Epic Behavioral Healthcare. “People get to come in and try out new restaurants maybe they haven’t tried before, or go to a favorite and see new dishes they’re trying to serve, and enjoy live music.”

Per annual tradition, restaurants at the event competed for a number of awards at the event. The Reef ultimately won the award for Best Family Dining with their Datil Lime Scallops and Grits. Meehan’s Irish Pub took home the honors for Best Ethnic Taste with their Irish Cuban Sandwich. Best Upscale Taste went to Villagio’s/World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, which sampled a Seared Scallop with Apple Salad and Watercress Pesto. The Hyppo received the award for Best Dessert, after wowing event attendees with their Orange Cream Ice Pop. The People’s Choice award went to Santiago’s at Guy Harvey Oceanfront Resort, which presented their Bahamian Conch and Ciderhouse Bacon Encrusted Gulf Shrimp with Datil Pepper Orange Blossom Honey.

For the 10th year, the event kicked off with “The Race to the Taste,” a 5K run/walk starting and ending at the Amphitheatre, going through Anastasia State Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Event attendees also enjoyed a free children’s activity area featuring crafts, face painting and other activities.

Established in 1973, Epic Behavioral Healthcare serves over 5,000 people a year. For more information, visit www.epicbh.org.