Fathoms Restaurant  Fathoms Tropical Ahi Tuna

Fathoms Tropical Ahi Tuna

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 22, 2015) – More than 100 locals came out to the inaugural Best of Taste in the Park fundraiser to sample and vote for the best dishes to be showcased at the 33rd Annual Taste of the Town on Nov. 1.

Best of Taste in the Park is a new fundraiser put on by the Junior League of Fort Myers, Inc. and the Red Sox Foundation prior to Taste of the Town.

During the Best of Taste in the Park, attendees were given the opportunity to participate in judging offerings from 13 participating restaurants to decide the newly created “People’s Choice Award” that will be showcased at the Taste of the Town.

The “People’s Choice Award” winner was Connors Steak & Seafood for its Fire Grilled Pork Belly. Artisan Gelato by Norman Love Confections took the “Best of Taste” overall winner award for its Caramel Apple ‘A La Mode. Fathoms Restaurant & Bar took first place in the appetizer category for its Tropical Ahi Tuna. Runners up included 1st Street Deli’s Mid Town Reuben Wrap, Famous Dave’s St. Louis Style Ribs and EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill’s Tempura Cheesecake with Cardamom Chocolate Sauce.

In addition to the tastings and judging, attendees enjoyed complimentary beer courtesy of Budweiser, wine courtesy of Copa and rum tastings by Wicked Dolphin, a silent auction with one-of-a-kind items, self-guided tours, raffle prizes, complimentary admission to Taste of the Town on Nov. 1 and take-away swag bags.

The event raised $13,000 to benefit the Junior League of Fort Myers and the Red Sox Foundation.

“Everyone had a great time and left with full bellies thanks to the delicious food from our participating restaurants,” said Katie Haas, Red Sox senior director of Florida business operations. “Best of all, funds raised from the event will stay local to benefit the Red Sox Scholarship Fund in partnership with The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc., as well as the Junior League’s volunteer services and donations to programs supporting women and children in the region.”

Sponsors for Best of Taste in the Park included Scanlon Auto Group and Key West Express.

The 33rd Annual Taste of the Town, Southwest Florida’s original “taste” event and one of the largest outdoor food and entertainment festivals, will be held at JetBlue Park on Sunday, Nov. 1. The 2014 event attracted nearly 15,000 attendees. This year’s event will showcase more than 40 restaurants, live music, kid’s activities and more.

Taste of the Town VIP tickets are now on sale for $60 each or two for $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.jlfm.org.

The Red Sox Foundation, one of the most successful in all of Major League Baseball, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox. The Foundation’s primary focus locally is in serving the health, education, recreation and social service needs of children and families across Southwest Florida.

During the past 50 years, the Junior League of Fort Myers, Inc. has contributed more than one million volunteer hours to community projects and programs. A member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., the Junior League of Fort Myers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The JLFM is also a granting organization, providing mini-grants to organizations through out Southwest Florida’s five-county area to programs that create better life outcomes for our area’s youth. JLFM memberships are open to all women aged 21 and older of all races, religions and national origin who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

For more information about the Junior League, call 239-277-1197 or visit www.jlfm.org.

For more information about the annual Taste of the Town, call 239-277-1197 or email tasteofthetown@jlfm.org. For ongoing updates on Taste of the Town, visit www.jlfmtaste.com.

Shirley Snyder McLaren, Karen Hutto, Cyndy Cook & Erin Snead

Shirley Snyder McLaren, Karen Hutto, Cyndy Cook & Erin Snead

Ryan & Norman Love

Ryan & Norman Love

Ryan & Natalie Van Horn

Ryan & Natalie Van Horn

Randy & Arvey Krise

Randy & Arvey Krise

Norman Love Confections Caramel Apple ‘A La Mode

Norman Love Confections Caramel Apple ‘A La Mode

Melody Porter & Karen Hutto

Melody Porter & Karen Hutto

Katie & Danny Haas

Katie & Danny Haas

John Scanlon & Katie Haas

John Scanlon & Katie Haas

Famous Dave’s St. Louis Style Ribs

Famous Dave’s St. Louis Style Ribs

Dorothea Sonne, Brian Roland & Clay Miller

Dorothea Sonne, Brian Roland & Clay Miller

Connors Fire Grilled Pork Belly

Connors Fire Grilled Pork Belly

Chris Fennel & JoAnn Elardo

Chris Fennel & JoAnn Elardo

1st Street Deli’s Mid Town Reuben Wrap

1st Street Deli’s Mid Town Reuben Wrap