The spotlight shined on some of Richmond Hill’s finer restaurants and catering companies Nov. 14 at the 9th Annual Taste of Richmond Hill. The Business After Hours event was sponsored by Coastal Electric Cooperative and hosted by The Richmond Hill City Center.
Bubba’s Bistro, Fia Rua Irish Pub, Flaco’s House, Katie’s Catering, Loves Seafood and Steaks, Papa’s Pizza To Go Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill City Center, and The Green Spork Cafe and Market all served generous samples of some of their most popular menu items. There was also a cash bar and Kona Ice of Savannah on site.
Upon entering the venue, guests were given voting tickets so they could vote for whose food they thought was the most delicious after sampling. The prize was the Touchstone Energy “People's Choice” Award Gold for first place and Silver for second place.
Loves Seafood and Steaks got the most votes and won the Gold Award for their lump blue crab cakes with house-made aioli sauce and seared scallops topped with candied pepper bacon in a lemon caper cream sauce.
“We would like to thank Coastal Electric and Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to showcase a couple of our favorites for the community to sample,” said the owners of Love's Seafood and Steaks, Donna, Fulton and John Love.
Although those particular dishes were voted number one, the Loves said it’s hard to choose just one of their personal favorites. “Our catfish is what started it all and has kept us going, especially when we can catch our own. Our fried shrimp, Low Country bisque and ribeye have become some of our top menu items.”
The Richmond Hill City Center won the Silver Award for their Coca-Cola braised short ribs paired with parmesan scallion polenta.
“This event is so much fun, and every year it brings such a crowd. All of the food vendors love what they do, and they love showcasing their food," said Caitlin Hawkins, director of sales and conference services at the Richmond Hill City Center. "The “People’s Choice” Award adds a little competition to the fun, so all of the restaurants give it their best."
The Taste of Richmond Hill has been sponsored by Coastal Electric Cooperative since its inception nine years ago. It’s an opportunity for the community to taste varied cuisines available in Richmond Hill that they may have never tried before.
“Richmond Hill is such a dynamic community. Not only is it one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, there is also a lot of transition," said Mark Bolton, Coastal Electric Cooperative’s Vice-President, Communications, Marketing and Economic Development. "People moving out, new people coming in. So we thought it would be good if there were a way to showcase our many fine restaurants and eateries where people could come and sample some of the best food they have to offer, then perhaps, return for a full meal or dinner," he added.
Although there was plenty of food to go around, business professionals also had the opportunity to network.
“Like the Chamber's monthly Business After Hours events, Taste of Richmond Hill is a great opportunity for business and social networking," Bolton said. "Last Thursday I had the opportunity to meet the new local field representative for Congressman Buddy Carter's office. Already we have exchanged follow-up email on a project. Had he not been at Taste of Richmond Hill it might have been a while before I made that connection.”
Those interested in becoming a Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber member can apply at rhbcchamber.org/member/newmemberapp/. Those who may have trouble registering online can call 912-756-3444 or or send an email to info@RHBCchamber.org.
