2019 Taste of Hoover raises $15,000 for Aldridge Gardens

The food and drinks were flowing and the lights were glowing at the 2019 Taste of Hoover event at Aldridge Gardens Thursday night.

About 325 people showed up at the fundraiser for the gardens and sampled fare from 27 food and drink providers. The event raised an estimated $15,000 for Aldridge Gardens, said Tynette Lynch, CEO for the facility and director of tourism and hospitality for the city.

Lynch said she was happy with the turnout, and the mild weather made for a pleasant experience. The Birmingham Heritage Band provided music as people ate and mingled.

“It’s so unique to me because people come to stay rather than just grab some food and go," Lynch said. “I see more people are bringing their kids.” Children 12 and younger get in free.

Dianne Joseph of the Bluff Park community said she and her extended family have attended for several years and always enjoy it. The strawberry shortcake sundae from The Whole Scoop was the favorite for her granddaughter, Madeline Toth.

Tommy Hudson of Mountain Brook and Cathy Pilcher of Trussville said this was their third time to come to the Taste of Hoover. “It’s always wonderful,” Pilcher said.

“It’s just a casual, friendly atmosphere, and fortunately tonight, the weather was pleasant,” Hudson said.

Pilcher said she particularly enjoyed the spinach and artichoke dip and bread pudding from Tre Luna Catering, while Hudson was fond of the caramel ice cream from The Whole Scoop and sushi from Rock N Roll Sushi.

Bradford and Mallory Evens brought their 17-month-old daughter, Lydia, with them for their first visit to the event. They, too, liked the sushi, and the offerings from the Dread River Distilling Co. “Their drinks were delicious,” Bradford Evens said.

Tickets for the event cost $45 for members of Aldridge Gardens and $50 for non-members.

Here’s a complete list of the restaurants, caterers and drink providers who participated:

• Back Forty Beer Co.
• Bruno Hospitality
• CakEffect
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
• Coca-Cola Bottling Company United
• Dread River Distilling Co.
• Edible Arrangements
• Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes
• Gourmet Pantry Catering
• International Wines & Craft Beer
• Jake’s Soul Food Café
• Jefferson State Community College Culinary & Hospitality Institute
• Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
• Merk’s Tavern & Kitchen
• Newk’s Eatery
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• R&S Food Service
• Rock N Roll Sushi
• Royal Cup Coffee
• Savoie Catering
• Simply Infused Olive Oil & Balsamics
• Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
• The Cajun Cleaver
• The Happy Catering Co.
• The Whole Scoop
• Tre Luna Catering

R&S Food Service won the first-place award for best display, while Merk's Tavern & Kitchen came in second, and Carrabba's Italian Grill was third.