Dale Mabry festival a tasteful treat

  The Shutts & Bowen’s Taste of Westshore anticipated hundreds of guests for this inaugural event; however mother nature decided to place a literal damper on the festivities. Nonstop rain on Sunday October 9th led the alliance sponsors to relocate the event into the gymnasium of the Dale Mabry campus.

  Despite the inclement weather, attendees were entertained with music by HCC’s Ybor Jazz band and guitarist Dr. Mark R. Switzer. The guests had a number of choices in beverage, from coffee and tea to libations of beer and wine. They also tasted dishes by highly reputable restaurants and hospitality companies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Among the many restaurants were Roy’s, Fleming’s, Brio Tuscan Grille, Donatello, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Season’s 52, and the always hospitable team of Chili’s Tampa-Stadium.

  A sample of the delectable meals available was the Mojo braised pork shoulder over white corn and cheese arepa with a topping of key lime and sour orange aioli, presented by the Wyndham Tampa Westshore. Were this a contest, this dish would be my winning choice due to it’s ability to simultaneously exude both distinguishing flavors.

  Another unique concoction was the Lobster Corn Bisque with crawfish, presented by Coast Westshore Hilton Garden Inn.

  HCC Dale Mabry’s culinary students were also on hand assisting the chefs at select booths. The emcee for the event was Dale Mabry’s Academic Advisor, AS degree programs- Cecelia Livingston. Other sponsors included Whole Foods, Sweet Tomatoes, The Tampa Tribune, Casper’s, McDonald’s, Marriott Tampa-Wesshore A La Carte Event Pavilion and The Capital Grille.