Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Just click on any posting on the Jewish Pavilion Facebook page and you'll find photos of seniors savoring a taste of traditional and/or cultural foods, whether they're noshing on latkes at Chanukah, hamantashen at Purim, Challah on Shabbat, or rugellah and kugel during Yiddish class. On Nov. 8 the Jewish Pavilion will bring their tasting expertise to the entire community, and will host a new fundraising event at the Maitland Civic Center called "A Taste in the Park," which will benefit the hundreds of seniors it serves in more than 50 elder care facilities throughout Orlando.

The Taste will replace "A Walk in the Park," which was held at Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs for the past five years. Pavilion Executive Director Nancy Ludin noted, "A big thank you to the hundreds of community members who put their best foot forward and walked on behalf of our seniors for so many years. Construction at Crane's Roost Park has led us down another path for this year's fundraiser. Please join us for A Taste in the Park at noon at Venue on the Lake-Maitland Civic Center. Like the "Walk," the Taste is open to the entire community and will offer something for family members of all ages and has all the features of a taste event, plus children's activities, live entertainment, and much, much more."

Event chairwoman Jane Edelstein, expects more than 500 guests to fill their plates at the Taste. "A Taste in the Park will be an event that everyone can benefit from, as well as enjoy," noted Edelstein. "The public will have a chance to sample food at their favorite restaurants, as well as at eateries they've never been at before. And restauranteurs and vendors can expect to reach many new diners and customers who have never been to their establishments before."

In addition to sampling tastes from scores of restaurants and vendors, guests can look forward to noshing on "A Taste of Home" at a table sponsored by the Jewish Pavilion. Jewish Pavilion Marketing Director Pam Ruben stated, "The Pavilion has been serving up A Taste of Home to seniors for the past 15 years. The familiar and traditional foods we dish out to our seniors bring comfort, and helps preserve and access memories that have been long forgotten." She continued, "Program Director Gloria Green has been serving up A Taste of Home outside the holiday season, benefitting the mind, body and spirit of our seniors year round. Attendees can sample A Taste of Home and enjoy latkes, hamantashen and other foods of remembrance this November."

The 45 members of the Taste Committee have been hard at work for several months, arranging for sponsors, vendors and entertainment. "George Williston, executive director at Venue on the Lake - Maitland Civic Center has been a tremendous asset to the Taste Committee by providing insight regarding restaurants, event planning and festival design. His knowledge of the foodie community has been invaluable," Ludin stated. Restaurants that have already signed up include Bagel King, Carmel Café, Brio Tuscan Grille, Brown's Deli, Panera Bread, Ben's Bakery, Sam Snead's, Onli Beverages, Food Glorious Food, and First Watch.

Ludin said that A Taste in the Park has all the flavorings of success thanks to current sponsors, Fresh Market, Temple Israel, and Klaiman Urology. Additionally, Jane Edelstein and Carol Stein are memorializing their late parents, Fanny Edelstein and Danny and Betty Stein, respectively, with a sponsorship.

Ludin expressed her thanks for the communitywide support for the new event, and urged local businesses to step up to the plate and join in. She stated, "Having your company participate in A Taste in the Park is a terrific way to feature your business to an affluent audience. I hope that you will choose to participate in the festival as a vendor or sponsor, but please come, no matter what, and enjoy the festivities."

To sign up as a sponsor or a vendor for A Taste in the Park, or for information on memorializing or honoring a loved one contact http://www.jewishpavilion.org or call 407-678-9363.