Tantalizing taste testing at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre

Patrons sample the eclectic, delicious dishes and socialize at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre. (Robin Krafft Photo).

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

The Senior’s Sampler event, held at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre on Sept. 15, was a great success. Eighty-five tickets were sold and eight vendors served a variety of sample menu items to attendees.

"There was a lineup of people at the door, but it ran really smoothly, especially for a first-time event," said Michelle Wegg, Program Coordinator, "and lots of people asked if we'll do it again."

Wegg looks forward to planning next year's event.

Vendors included SnackRite, The Olive Eatery, The Mill, Heart to Home Meals, Sobeys, Indigo Lounge Eatery, The Copper Mug, and Good Pud. Patrons responded enthusiastically to the event, noting the good value, the great variety, excellent food choices, flavour combinations and generous portions.

"It was really nice to hear how many seniors were trying new items and new restaurants that they've never had before," Wegg said, "and most people ended up leaving with food."

Gathered around tables, people enjoyed the social aspect of the event as well and mentioned that it was a great opportunity to catch up.

SnackRite owner John Araoye was pleased by the turnout and how many people were willing to try his meat patties, spiced rice and puff puffs, noting that some people came back for more.

"People loved it; the spice, the taste, they enjoyed it," he said, "and people were happy to know that we make the food fresh, so we can control the spice in it according to taste."

Many patrons commented on Indigo's delicious tomato basil soup with aged cheddar, but their taster platter also included Nepalese dumplings, Thai cashew quinoa salad on cucumber crackers and a sesame noodle shot. Proprietor Kelly Spencer said that there was "really good feedback and lots of menus were taken."

Heart to Home Meals brought a variety of their dessert items which were also popular, and Sobeys appreciated the opportunity to introduce some of the prepared foods that are available in the store, serving chicken pot pie, maple glazed ham, scalloped potatoes and mini donuts. The Mill served chicken parmesan, and The Copper Mug served meatloaf, pulled pork and apple crisp.

Good Pud owner Sarah Senior said that the event was "a really nice opportunity to meet members of the community and let them sample what we have." Their core range of Belgian chocolate desserts were a big hit. She added that "it was great for me as a business owner to meet others and try their food and build more connections with other food businesses."