Taste of Tamarac {courtesy Chamber}
By: Saraana Jamraj
Taste of Tamarac, the Chamber’s signature event, is hoping to add some Halloween spook to its famous spice for its 16th year.
Presented by the Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, the annual event brings food and entertainment to residents — all while providing local businesses the chance to introduce themselves.
This year, more than 60 vendors will attend, including 27 restaurants. Attendees will have the chance to taste local cuisine from restaurants from around Tamarac with free food samples.
As the Executive Director of Chamber, Peter Mason’s goal is that guests to enjoy the food and eventually visit the restaurants.
“[The restaurants] They are looking to promote their businesses- they’re looking for long-lasting customers,” said Mason.
Between 800 and 1,000 guests are expected, and the Chamber has planned a day of fun and celebration for all. The Kid’s Zone will include face painting, candy stations, and interactive games. Local artists will be performing, including Polynesian dancers.
Both children and adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, as there will be a costume contest.
“We’re going to have plenty of giveaways, plenty of food, plenty of music, and dancing. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in their outfits and having great Halloween fun,” said Mason.
Five-time returning vendor, Saxsay Café co-owner, Renzo Salini hopes guests will enjoy the Peruvian cuisine his restaurant will be serving up.
“We like to be part of this community, that’s why we go there: to see the people and show them what we can offer,” said Salini.
Taste of Tamarac.
In addition to many returning vendors, several new ones will be there for the first time including Lemon N Spice, a new local Halal Indian/Pakistani restaurant. Co-owner Abe Kassim hopes guests try their specialties like the butter chicken and spicy chicken subs.
“We like the program and we want to promote our business and we feel like it’s a great venue to do so,” said Kassim.
Guests can browse the full list of food vendors including: Applebees, At’s A Pizza, Boyd Anderson Culinary, Chef Jones, Chefs For Seniors, Chow Time Grill & Buffet, Illegal Pizza Lauderhill, JP Taravella Culinary, Lemon n Spice, Los Verdes, Lully’s Catering, Matchbox, Metro Diner, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pizza Hut Tamarac, Sax Say Café, Subway Tamarac, Tamarac Buddhist Temple, Tamarac Farmers Market, Tijuana Flat Commercial, Tijuana Taxi, Tropical Iced Tea, University Hospital, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Wawa.
The Chamber encourages everyone to come out, eat, and enjoy.
“It’s an affordable fun day, supporting local business,” said Mason.
The event will be held in the Tamarac Community Center, on Saturday, October 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early bird tickets can be found online at $8 per ticket for adults, $4 for children under 12, and free for children under 6. After those sell out, tickets will be $10 and $5, respectively.