Taste of Rockville Centre fuels parade committee's philanthropic efforts

It is said “laughter is brightest in the place where the food is.” This was certainly the case last Friday night, as crowds of hungry patrons converged at the St. Agnes Parish Center for the annual Taste of Rockville Centre.

Renowned for its plentiful dining options, the Village of Rockville Centre presently boasts more than 50 different pubs, restaurants, eateries and catering establishments, living up to its acclaim as the dining hub of South Nassau.

The Taste of Rockville Centre is hosted every year by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee — nicknamed “The Parade that Cares and Shares,” for its unwavering dedication towards helping charitable organizations.

“Every year we’re absolutely amazed by the enthusiasm and turn out for this annual fundraising event. And this year was no different,” Jackie Kerr, president of the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, said.

This year’s gastronomic affair featured more than 20 different local establishments from the village and surrounding communities, each vying to showcase all of their finest fare.

Some of the restaurants that participated this year include Blue Moon Pizzeria, Churchill’s, Dark Horse Tavern, Flour Shoppe Café, Frank’s Steaks RVC, Front Street Bakery, Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Kookaburra Coffee, Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant, Polka Dot Pound Cake, South Shore Craft Brewing Company in Oceanside, Swingbelly’s Beachside BBQ in Long Beach, The Wild Feast Café and many more.

The event proved to be a smorgasbord for food enthusiasts, offering up mouthwatering entrees, wine and microbrew samplings and extravagant desserts, along with some live musical entertainment provided by Jerry and the Newcomers.

The Taste of Rockville Centre, however, is much more than just a feast. It’s a feast with heart. That is because every dollar that is raised goes to support the parade committee’s three charities — one local, one national, and one Irish.

All of the proceeds raised this year will go to benefit Beyond the Badge, The Limb Kind Foundation, and the Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan, Ireland.

“Pre-sales this year we’re at an all-time high, which is a testament to how popular this annual event has become,” Ann Travers, a member of the parade committee, told the Herald. “The vendors are such a key part of this and they never disappoint, from their creative displays to their fantastic food choices. Everyone this year went away happy — most notably our charities.”

Rockville Centre isn’t just serving up a variety of flavors; it’s dishing out a colorful celebration of community, cuisine and charity.

For more information on the Taste of RVC, the parade and upcoming fundraisers, visit RVCStPatrick.com. And be sure to save the date for the 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 23, at noon.