Hundreds get ‘Taste of Garden City’ during Chamber of Commerce outing

Posted 8/21/14

There was an unusual and unique old-fashioned garden party Monday night in Cranston.

Upwards of 350 people enjoyed a “Taste of Garden City” – hosted by the Greater Cranston Chamber of …

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Hundreds get ‘Taste of Garden City’ during Chamber of Commerce outing

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There was an unusual and unique old-fashioned garden party Monday night in Cranston.

Upwards of 350 people enjoyed a “Taste of Garden City” – hosted by the Greater Cranston Chamber of Commerce and served by 14 eateries in Garden City Center – amid the night’s sparkling sun, gloriously green grass and colorful landscaping.

Attendees enjoyed samplings from the 14 participating restaurants while listening to music played by a talented trio that included vocalist Jeanne Evans, acoustic and electric guitarist Mathew Kearns and bass player Dick Lupino.

For some two hours, people ambled about the Garden City Gazebo socializing and enjoying a slice of life.

“Thank you for coming,” Joe Koechel, the general manager of Garden City Center, told attendees. “Please be sure to keep your eye on the center, we’ll be having other events.”

It was an event that “absolutely thrilled” Chamber President Stephen C. Boyle, who in addition to offering his organization’s greetings and thanks announced winning tickets in the night’s raffle that was made possible by the 14 participating businesses.

“We had a record 266 pre-registrations for tonight,” Boyle said. “We’ve never – ever – had that many people sign up before an event. We’re excited about moving forward and hosting other social networking and community events.”

Although Boyle didn’t tip his hand, he noted the Chamber enjoys partnering with member businesses and presenting events that afford Cranston businesses a chance to showcase their wares and offer city residents something special.

As soon as the clock struck 5:30 p.m., a large crowd had already gathered to enjoy offerings like heirloom tomato caprese salad and different beers from Bistro 22, one of the Garden City’s newest and exciting eateries, and mini sandwiches on brioche rolls and bite-sized sweets courtesy of Corner Bakery Café.

For the sweet tooth, Pinkberry had samplings of its famous frozen yogurts and toppings while Sweenor’s Chocolate’s set up various fudge samplings and Newport Creamery had two different flavors of ice cream. Applebee’s even presented different desserts.

Whether it was tortilla chips with salsa and vegan tofu from Chipotle or Tortelloni al Aragosta (lobster with pasta) and red and white wine from Papa Razzi, the night’s food samplings drew rave reviews.

Whole Foods Market presented in-house guacamole topped with cojita cheese, micro greens and pickled radish served with tortilla chips, while b.good offered sliders that went rather nicely with the non-alcoholic sangria courtesy of Williams & Sonoma.

Organizers didn’t forget coffee lovers, either, as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts served their famous blends while Edible Arrangements offered smoothies and chocolate-dipped fruit.

And in keeping with its philosophy, LA Fitness offered bottled water for everyone.

“We also supported the Aliviti Music Foundation,” explained Lev Poplow, a Chamber member who helped organize the event. “The Chamber gave them a table to educate folks about their mission to support music programs in the way public schools no longer do.”

All on a sun-splashed summer night that Boyle and dozens of people called “another great show of Americana right here in Cranston.”

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