Hundreds of guests crowded into the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building last Thursday for a chance to sample food and drinks from some of Delaware’s best eateries at the 4rd Annual Taste of Delaware celebration. Co-hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Senator Coons, the tradition brings together Delawareans and D.C. guests to enjoy the finest of the first state’s eats.
Taste of Delaware has come a long way. The first “unofficial” Taste of Delaware took place three years ago in a conference room just a week after Senator Coons took office. The gathering consisted of about 20 people enjoying a small sampling of Grotto Pizza, Capriotti’s sandwiches and Dogfish Head beer. Three years later, the event has gained a reputation among congressional staff and legislators as one of the can’t-miss events of the year.
Kicking off the reception, Senator Coons thanked guests and vendors for taking part in the event and encouraged those who enjoyed themselves to come to Delaware and explore more of the state’s culinary – and tax free – offerings. He also recognized Richard Heffron, President of Delaware’s Chamber of Commerce, Delaware staff, and the late restaurateur and humanitarian Matt Haley – noting how much Matt would have enjoyed the gathering. Senator Coons then invited the crowd to enjoy themselves, relaying the Benjamin Franklin quote, “beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!”
Vendors from more than 20 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and wineries from all corners of the state came to share their goods with D.C. guests, many of whom were Delaware transplants hungry for a taste of home. Celebrated Delaware staples like Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Brandywine Brewing Company, and Dogfish Head Brewery lined the walls between popular restaurants like House of William and Merry, (a)Muse, and Piccolina Toscana. For images of the evening’s festivities, click here.