Hartford Taste block party is back

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Hartford Taste is back on the menu this weekend with restaurants, musicians and artists.

The two-day block party will feature food from more than 30 local restaurants, 30 musicians on two stages, and live art demonstrations.

“So, we’re all excited. My wife’s excited, everyone around us. The music is going. Smiles since 12 o’clock. Smiles on everyone’s face,” said Marshall Corrado, Co-owner, Foreigners Cottage Coffee.

“I think people need to see art. Like, people need art in their lives,” said Chris Gann, Artist. “It shows that life is happening in the city. There’s a real growth going on. It’s going down in the streets.”

Organizers said proceeds benefit Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s food bank.

“Last year we were able to raise 30,000 meals and this year, we’re trying to do 50,000 so we need everyone to come down, enjoy the food, listen to the music, watch the artists,” said Jeannette Dardenne, Communications Director, Hartford Taste.

The Hartford insurance company said it covered all vendor fees, so restaurants participated for free.

This is the second year Thomas Hooker Brewing Company has participated in Hartford Taste.

“I think when people come down here, particularly out of the office buildings, who normally leave at the end of the day, they see how many great restaurants are actually in the city and its a great way to sample each one of those from around the area,” said Curt Cameron, President, Thomas Hooker Brewing Company.

The event is set to happen on Constitution Plaza atop Columbus Boulevard in downtown Hartford on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

The event is a public with free admission event for all ages.

A full line-up of food, music and art activities can be found at thehartfordtaste.com.

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