Attendees get sampling of Palestine fare

Palestine Herald-Press

By PAUL STONE

Associate Editor



Attendees at Thursday’s 14th Annual Taste of Palestine came in all ages, shapes and sizes.

And perhaps most importantly, they came with an appetite for good food and spirits at the event sponsored by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce.

Meghan Hill, executive director of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event gives local restaurants the chance to provide “a quick sampling” to potential customers.

“It gives vendors the opportunity to give back to the community,” Hill said. “They actually have a chance to talk to people about new products and other items.”

A total of 10 vendors -- down from last year -- participated in Thursday’s event held at the Palestine Civic Center.

Jerry Nowlin, president of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, attributed the lower turnout to “the economy” and some other conflicts.

“Many of them (vendors) were not available,” Nowlin said, “but I expect them back next year.”

Local residents Steve Presley and Mark Davis were among the approximately 300 persons on hand sampling the fare.

“The food is great,” Presley said. “It’s great to get to taste a lot of things I might not taste otherwise. I think we all tend to go to all the same restaurants. Most importantly, it’s a lot of fun.”

Davis said he has attended the event most years and enjoys catching up with old friends as much as anything.

“It’s kind of nice to come out and see people you don’t normally see,” Davis said, “and try the different food they’ve got.”

Rafael and Cheryl Hernandez, owners of Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus, were displaying their wares for the second straight year at Taste of Palestine.

Texas Vineyard and Smokehaus, located on CR 2133 off of FM 1990 southwest of Palestine, prepares food “by appointment” for, preferably, five or more customers.

“We do it by appointment because it is not cost effective to have an array of food way out in the boondocks and nobody show up,” said Rafael Hernandez as customers filed by enjoying samples of homemade bread pudding and peach sangria.

He said he and his wife can prepare “short order” items such as barbecue sandwiches “or we can go with a full blown menu.”

The Taste event gives a small, family-owned business like the Smokehaus a great deal of “exposure,” but also allows for other opportunities, according to Rafael Hernandez.

“We’re trying to give something back to the community,” he stated.

Brookshire’s Deli and Bakery were represented at Thursday’s event, with both taking top honors in their respective categories.

The deli’s featured items included panko crusted chicken breast and wings of the barbecue and “medium-hot” variety.

On the bakery side, Brookshire’s sported a nice smorgasbord of offerings, including a half-dozen flavors of cupcakes; chocolate-covered strawberries; and a sampling of their custom cakes.

Kevin Fridinger, store director for the local Brookshire’s, said the store takes the event seriously, beginning their preparations about two months out.

“We try to put our best foot forward,” Fridinger said. “...This has gotten bigger and bigger for us.”

Fridinger estimated the bakery alone spent between 35 to 40 hours of manpower preparing for the Taste of Palestine.

Sales of custom cakes typically go through the roof on the heels of the event, he added.

“Especially in the next month after we do this event,” Fridinger said. “Our business jumps exponentially.”

Top finishers in the various categories of Thursday’s Taste of Palestine included:

Restaurants/Caterers: 1. Pizza Hut Italian Bistro; 2. Dairy Queen; 3. Sterling House - Palestine.

Deli/Sandwich Shop: 1. Brookshire’s Deli.

Wine/Spirits: 1. Sweet Dreams Winery; 2. Granny Muffin Wines; 3. Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus.

Bakeries/Delicacies: 1. Brookshire’s Bakery; 2. Eilenberger Bakery; 3. El Natural Veggie-Table.

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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mailed at pstone@palestineherald.com

 

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