Taste Of The South 'Roars' Into Washington; Charm & Hospitality De Rigueur At Sold Out Affair

NORTHWEST -- This year marks the 31st anniversary for Taste of the South, where attendees dressed to impress, enjoyed some of the South’s finest offerings and danced the night away. Taste of the South was founded by a group of transplanted southerners, longing for home, wanting to share its rich traditions and products with the Nation’s Capital.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
This year’s featured charity, Mercy House, is dedicated to combating poverty and homelessness in nearby Shenandoah Valley and, over the years, the event has donated over $3.5 million to charities across the south and in the Washington, D.C., area. Proceeds will also help The Fishing School, a D.C.-based youth development organization, and other charities from the host states.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
“Roaring Southern Nights,” was the evening’s Gatsbyesque fun-filled theme with a celebration of southern pride. State themes included a rebellion over prohibition with “Moonshinin’ on Tennessee” and Georgia’s, “Southern Snapshot”, showcasing local products provided by Coca-Cola, Aflac, Southern Company, Chic-fil-A and more.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
Virginia’s “Pickin’ On the Crooked Road” was one of the best state representations, with a large display of products provided by Perdue Farms, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Mckee Foods Corporations, Virginia Development Authority and Homestead Creamery.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
Other notable themes included Texas’, “Friday Night Lights”, Arkansas’, “A Natural State of Mind”, picnic theme, Alabama’s “The Greatest Show on Earth”, circus theme and North Carolina’s “Fun in the Sun”, where Bojangles’ Chicken and Biscuits were highly coveted items.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
Attendees included representatives from thirteen southern states and those looking to appreciate and celebrate southern hospitality. The hall was filled with gorgeous dresses ranging from southern belles to city chic and gentlemen wore tuxes, a few even with boots, and most certainly a diverse array of preppy or American themed bow ties. Lively entertainment was provided by Coast 2 Coast and kept the dance floor grooving past midnight.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
Located downstairs, and a nice respite from the crowds, was the stellar VIP suite, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Tables were adorned with beautiful floral arrangements, navy striped tablecloths and upon entering you had the option of your own whiskey tasting provided by A. Smith Bowman. The bars were stocked with everyone’s classic drink choices thanks to MillerCoors, assorted Virginia wines sponsored by Farm Credit and Ag First and a specialty cocktail featuring Cacoctin Creek Roundstone Rye. VIP guests were also treated to a special menu provided by Bullfeathers.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
The silent and live auction showcased some of the south’s best offerings and the committee was honored to welcome Congressman Billy Long of Missouri, a former auctioneer, to lead the live auction.

Photo: Matt Torrenzano

Photo: Matt Torrenzano
The evening was a delightful “Roaring Southern Night”, and we look forward to seeing what Taste of the South brings to the District in 2014.