The Taste of Chelsea has not only been one of the most popular events of the year, it’s also been one of the most successful fundraisers for any local organization.
Joseph Vinard, co-founder and chair of the Taste of Chelsea, said that the event has raised more than $500,000 for HarborCov, a Chelsea-based organization that provides free safety and support services, along with housing and economic opportunities that promote long-term stability for people affected by violence and abuse.
“We have raised over a half million dollars and it all goes to HarborCOV,” proudly stated Vinard, who co-founded Taste of Chelsea with former director Laurie Holmes.
Lynn Peters and Kourou Pich are the current co-directors of HarborCOV, which was founded in 1998 and has been lauded for its professional, comprehensive approach to addressing violence within families and communities.
The 12th Annual Taste of Chelsea 2015 will be held Monday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 99 Marginal Street in Chelsea. The event was held at the old Massport Garage on Broadway before being moved three years ago to the current location, a new park that was generously offered as a site for the event by Eastern Minerals.
According to Vinard, thirty-one local food vendors and restaurants will participate, tying the record for most vendor participation in the event’s 12-year history.
Most of the vendors are from Chelsea, but East Boston, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, and Saugus businesses, as well as some from other communities, will also be represented.
Three Chelsea hotels, the Terranova Grille at the Wyndham Chelsea Hotel, the Residence Inn by Marriott, Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea, and TownPlace Suites by Marriott, Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea, will have food stations at the event.
Taste of Chelsea’s ability to consistently draw a large following is impressive. Vinard said between 500 and 700 people will buy tickets and attend the food festival, making it one of the most well attended in the region.
“It’s a great event,” said Vinard. “People look forward to it.”
Vinard, who is division president of Chelsea Bank, which is a division of East Cambridge Savings Bank on Broadway, Chelsea, is being assisted by a committee of 15 volunteers.
Asked if the excitement is building toward Monday’s Taste of Chelsea, Vinard replied, “We’re very excited. The event is a few days away and we’re ready to rock and roll.”
Parking is available on Marginal Street. Cataldo Ambulance will provide a bus to transport attendees to the site. Tickets are available online at $35 in advance. Tickets will be $40 at the door. Blocks of ten tickets or more are $30 apiece.
The featured restaurant and food vendors include:
Adriana’s Pastry and Café, Winthrop
Albert A. Russo Imports – BelGioioso Cheesea, East Boston
Al fresco, Chelsea
Arthur’s Deli/Meho Place, Chelsea
Blackstrap BBQ, Winthrop
Bobby C’s Ristorante, Melrose
Boston Yogurt, Chelsea
The New Brown Jug, Chelsea
Buccieri’s Pizzeria, Chelsea
Chelsea Fire Hot Sauce, Chelsea
Crown Coffee, Wakefield
Dockside Restaurant, Chelsea
Dunkin’ Donuts, Everett Avenue, Chelsea
Fusion Foods, Chelsea
Golden Cannoli, Chelsea
Kayem, Chelsea
Kowloon Restaurant, Saugus
La Siesta Restaurante, Chelsea
Mandarin Buffet, Chelsea
Naked Juice, Boston
Peach’s and Cream, Chelsea
Piantedosi Baking Company, Malden
Polar Beverages, Worcester
Pollo Campero, Chelsea
Residence Inn by Marriott, Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea
Spinelli’s Pasta and Pastry Shop, East Boston
Starbucks Coffee, Chelsea
Stop & Shop, Everett
Terranova Grille, Chelsea
The Taste of Chelsea Committee is ready for the 12th annual food festival fundraiser for HarvorCOV on Monday, Sept. 21, beginning at 5 p.m. at 99 Marginal St. Pictured at a committee meeting at the Chamber of Commerce office are, front row, from left, HarborCOV co-executive directors Lynn Peters and Kourou Pich, and Renee Caso Griffin; back row, from left, are Maureen Foley, Chrissie Miele, event co-founder and committee chair Joseph Vinard, and Dr. Sayra Owens Pinto.
TownPlace Suites by Marriott, Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea
Volare Cucina Italiana and Bar, Revere
(Editor’s Note: Some factual information used in this story regarding HarborCov and Taste of Chelsea, including the list of food vendors, was taken directly from the HarborCov Web site).