Taste of Olean

A Taste of Olean 2011, presented by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, National Grid Co. and the Chamber’s 50 Corporate Sponsors, was again a success with thousands of hungry palates making their annual pilgrimage to downtown Olean and sampling the area's best culinary offerings, great entertainment, and favorite beverages.  
 
Meme Krahe Yanetsko of GOACC, stated, "The community came out and supported our event even with the big chance of thunderstorms and super hot weather – made the event a huge success and we are grateful for their support.”  The Taste had 19 restaurants and the Art in the Park had 21 artists.”
 
The GOACC and its Taste of Olean Event Committee honored Neil and Denis Goodemote; Paul and Mary Psathas; Anthony Zampogna; and James Pappas with the 2011 Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards.  The Hospitality Wall of Fame recognized individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.
 
The official Taste of Olean Taster, Al Wager of National Grid Co. chose the winners of the Taste of Olean this year.  They include: Tasters’s Choice for Overall Best Taste – Old Library Restaurant’s menu; Taster’s Choice for Best Taste Main Entree- 17 West Bistro’s Shrimp, Crab and Cod Cakes w/ Roumalade Sauce; Taster’s Choice for Best Appetizer - Randy's Up the River -- BBQ Ribs; and the Taster’s Choice for Best Dessert -- Wrapped in Dough -- Baklava.
 
Shurfine/WPIG Backyard BBQ Area winners were Katrill Garey of Olean and Beth Todd of Portville winning a basket full of goodies donated by Shurfine.  The Chamber’s next event is the Ninth Annual Rally in the Valley scheduled for August 25-28, 2011.  For more information on the Taste of Olean, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email taste@oleanny.com.

TASTE MEDIA SHEET

WHY DID TASTE CHANGE ITS DATE -- The Taste of Olean and the Art in the Park will be held July 26, 2009 at Jamestown Community College, Olean Campus.  The Taste of Olean has historically been held in the summer.  In 2003, the event was changed to combine with the opening of the Olean Campus of JCC.  After many successful Tastes in September, the event will move back to the summer months.  GOACC is anticipating gaining increased attendance of summer visitors as well as those vendors that do not participate in September due to its opening day of the National Football League.