Celebrating 25 years, the annual Taste of the North End was a fabulous festival of food, charity and commemoration of the rich history of the neighborhood. Held on Friday, April 27th, the destination event set an attendance record with over 800 patrons coming out to the neighborhood’s largest fundraiser at the Steriti Memorial Ice Rink in Boston’s North End.
This year’s Taste of the North End community honoree was Pamela Donnaruma. Pam is the third generation publisher of Boston Post-Gazette newspaper, working with her staff out of their office on little Prince Street. Also celebrated was Paolo D’Amore as the restauranteur behind Massimino’s on Endicott Street.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Taste of the North End without showcase samples from more than 30 popular North End eateries with a wide array of delectable appetizers, cheeses, entrees and desserts. Revelers also sipped on refreshing libations from area wine and beer distributors. In a friendly participant survey at the event, Best Food went to The Living Room and Best Dessert to Modern Pastry.
Billy Costa, radio personality and NESN’s Dining Playbook host, was the emcee for the milestone event that included a high-end silent auction with iconic local photographs, hotel and restaurant packages, tickets to Boston sports events and memorabilia.
The North End’s local politicians each took part including State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Joe Boncore and Boston City Councilor for District 1, Lydia Edwards.
Event organizers Donato Frattaroli of Il Molo and James Luisi, CEO of NEW Health co-chaired the event. Zach Goodale was the event coordinator with committee members Donato Frattaroli, Gianni Frattaroli, Daniel Leonard, Mary Wright and Patrick Lyons.
The money raised from the event benefits the North End Waterfront Health as well as several local nonprofit organizations in the North End including: the Eliot School, St. John School, North End Against Drugs, North End Athletic Association (NEAA), and North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC).
For 25 years, Taste of the North End has brought together the neighborhood’s best restaurants to celebrate its culture and to give back to local organizations providing health care and other social services to our struggling friends and neighbors. Founded in 1993 by Donato and Nancy Frattaroli – the annual event has raised over forty five thousand dollars for local North End charities and organizations. To learn more and see a full list of sponsors, see netaste.com.
The best food in the world THE NORTH END OF BOSTON and all people in it
BOSTON STRONG ALWAYS
Wonderful evening! So much energy and so many very generous restaurants and other vendors letting us sample their delicious food and drinks… all for a great cause.