Annual Taste in the Glebe Fundraiser 2012 Style

"Daytime Ottawa" cohosts Lois Lee and Derick Fage share a moment with Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson (centre) (Giovanni)

The 14th anniversary of the celebrated Taste in the Glebe event, a famous showcase of local and area eateries, vintners, and brewers, once again proved to be an excellent fundraiser for the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) Community Fund.

So much sipping, sampling, savouring, and socializing proved that, after all these years, Taste in the Glebe remains as fresh as Kettleman’s Bagels, seafood from Pelican Fishery & Grill, or Italian fresh cheese from Il Negozio Nicastro.

With that and a whole lot more, all graciously donated, it was next to impossible to leave with an empty stomach.

Attended by around 400 guests, the event raised approximately $18,000 before expenses for GNAG’s community fund, which has contributed to improvements and upgrades to the Glebe Community Centre that can be enjoyed by the entire community.

“I remember 14 years ago challenging the Glebe Neighbourhood activities group to see what they could do to help raise money for the renovation to the community centre,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

“I suggested they have an event similar to Bon Apetit and invite local eateries to show off their food and drink. They then turned the tables and said, ‘Why don’t you chair it’? I did and we had a great event that I am very pleased has carried on. Taste of the Glebe is one of the most enjoyable social events of the year.”

Yasir Naqvi (MPP) and Ezio Costanza owner of Olga's Deli & Catering (Giovanni)

The great success of the event is due to the continual participation of area restaurants, food providers, vintners, and brewers, as well as companies such as Naji’s, Octagon Catering, The Flour Shoppe, and MPP Yasir Naqvi, who stopped by Olga’s Deli & Catering to sample their smoked meat sandwich. Naqvi then stayed to help owner Ezio Costanza serve the other guests.

In the room you could spot such celebs as Lawrence Greenspon, “Daytime Ottawa” co-hosts Lois Lee and Derick Fage and Fage’s girlfriend Monica, and many more recognizable faces who knew the night was all about socializing.

An ultra-special mention goes to the hard-working committee as well as all of the incredible volunteers who, as usual, went beyond expectations to ensure the success of the event.

Taste in the Glebe has evolved into a culinary extravaganza and the hottest ticket in the city. It maintains its popularity because of fabulous food from restaurants, and beverages from vintners and brewers in Ottawa and the surrounding area.

It brought people together, and from the moment the doors opened, guests enthusiastically sampled the delicious offerings.