TWS promises a great ‘Taste’

Food from a dozen or more area restaurants will be enjoyed by guests at the sixth annual Taste of the Arts fund-raiser for the Theatre of Western Springs.

Updated: July 10, 2012 9:38PM

Thinking about trying out a new local restaurant, but just can’t agree on which one to visit? There’s a chance to try them all at the Theatre of Western Springs’ annual Taste of the Arts event.

From 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. on July 21, guests to the theater’s annual fund-raising event can sample exceptional cuisine from a dozen area restaurants while sipping fine wines, beers and soft drinks.

But the evening’s treats aren’t limited to food and drink. Chairwoman Jennifer Jermano Miller of Indian Head Park said this year’s live auction is particularly impressive, with prizes that include a two-week stay in Maui and a trip to the Citrus Bowl in Florida on Jan. 1, 2013.

“We have a fabulous live auction this year. Fabulous,” she said.

Great stuff

Taste of the Arts also will include a silent auction that will offer dinner on the TWS stage set for “Dracula” (opening Oct. 18), Jet Blue tickets from any city to any city, Lyric Opera tickets, Walt Disney World Park Hopper passes and Panera bread for a year.

Raffle prizes include a week’s vacation at a number of choice destinations, two nights at Eagle Ridge in Galena, and dinner for two at Vie. Tickets are $10 or three or $25. The winner need not be present to win, but why wouldn’t they want to be?

“This is our largest fund-raiser,” said Jermano Miller, a member of the local theater since 2008.

Of course, it’s the food that gave this event its name.

“It’s all the food and drink you want,” Jermano Miller said.

Great food

Guests can enjoy the Italian creations of Bella Bacino’s and Francesca’s Bellezza of La Grange, and Scavuzzo’s Café Italia of Western Springs, Spanish cuisine from Emilio’s Tapas of Hillside, and Mexican delicacies from Café Salsa of Countryside.

The event also will feature food from Chew Chew of Riverside, 800 West of Western Springs, Events by Tommy R’s of Hinsdale, Mécénat Bistro & Gathering Place of Western Springs, Taste of Home Catering of Hinsdale, Tavern on La Grange and Thipi Thai of La Grange, along with Whole Foods Market. La Petite Sweet of Westmont will provide an assortment of desserts, and the evening also includes wine, beer and soft drinks.

Now in its sixth year, the annual Taste of the Arts event takes place inside the Theatre of Western Springs, as well as on its outdoor patio.

“It’s our chance to host a beautiful summer party as a way of thanking patrons and introducing newcomers to our theatre. Everyone is welcome,” Jermano Miller said.

Adding to the festivities this year will be musician Paul Strolia, performing live throughout the evening.

“Maybe there will be a little dancing going on,” Jermano Miller said.

This casual night of summer entertainment goes a long way toward providing the community with quality local theater all year round.

“It allows us to do professional-quality shows at a community theater price,” Jermano Miller said.

A not-for-profit organization founded in 1929, TWS presents shows throughout the year. Since 1946, the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs has been providing comprehensive theater education for students in first grade through high school.

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