Thanks to a self-confessed “foodie” who wants to help his community, the Katy Taste Fest returns in March for its fourth year to tempt people with food samples from more than 30 restaurants but from a new site.
It’s new home on Saturday, March 28, will be Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy.
Cyril Thomas, founder, started the Katy Taste Fest in 2017 at Villagio Town Center in Katy, where its growth each year eventually led to the need for more space. Last year about 1,500 people attended. Thomas looks for 1,700 this year.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with VIP entry at 10 a.m. Thomas talks of the VIP tasting experience being more upscale this year with air conditioning and its own bathrooms.
Ticket prices will be the same. Prior to March 1, the VIP tickets are $65 and general admission is $35. Starting March 2, the VIP tickets become $75 and general admission is $40. Visit www.katytastefest.com for more information. Each ticket includes four samples of beer/wine. Thomas stressed that they are local beers and wines.
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Participating restaurants are judged in the categories of judges’ choice, people’s choice, best presentation and best food.
Thomas considers himself an entrepreneur first and foremost and said the taste fest was kind of an evolution. He saw the taste fest as filling a gap in Katy and by 2017 the area had what he considered to be a fair number of restaurants that could compete as far as quality is concerned. He favors mom-and-pop ventures for his selection of local restaurants that are from Katy, Houston and Texas. Jan. 31 is the deadline to apply. Those selected become charity partners to raise awareness for services in the Katy community.
“I had always wanted a restaurant and being a foodie married my passions together,” he said. In 2017, he had just retired and sold a business and looked for an opportunity to give back. Having seen food festivals in other parts of the country, he wanted to provide quality exposure and equal footing to between 30 and 35 restaurants by inviting community members to become tasters to learn and see what’s available.
He saw the Katy Taste Fest as an opportunity to bring people together for something everyone likes to do: Eat — by offering a variety of cuisines from a variety of restaurants — and as way to give back.
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The annual event is a way to involve both restaurateurs and attendees to benefit Armor of Hope Foundation (www.armorofhopefoundation.org). Thomas started the foundation in 2015 and the Katy Taste Fest became its major fundraiser. The focus has been on vulnerable children and homeless mothers and children.
With Kroger as this year’s title sponsor that focus is directed to hunger and food security, he added.
Thomas said he couldn’t do it without members and chairs of his nine committees. The Katy Taste Fest is volunteer run. Carmen Valderrama, chair of the media/public relations committee, has been part of the Taste Fest since the beginning and supports the fun event as a way to benefit local nonprofits.
Returning again this year will be a chef demonstrating one of his favorite dishes. Thomas said the Taste Fest the last couple of years has featured a chef. For example, last year pasta making was spotlighted.
“It’s a piece of the event that I think adds value and that attendees enjoy,” Thomas said.
The event includes a kids zone featuring local organizations that provide services to children. Live entertainment will be highlighted on the stage. Other features include a silent auction and raffles. The silent auction will include two trips. A grand-prize raffle winner can take a five-day cruise. Plus all restaurants donate gift cards that are also raffled. Visit the event website for sponsorships and auction/raffle donations.
karen.zurawski@chron.com
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