WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP | There was only one rule guiding the chaotic mass of people filing through the Porter County Expo Center on Thursday night: Save room for dessert.
More than 1,000 people and 41 local restaurants participated in this year's Taste of Valparaiso, an annual fundraising event hosted by the Iota chapter of Tri Kappa. People with healthy appetites lined up outside the door more than an hour before the event started to make sure they got first dibs at some of the finest food area restaurants had to offer.
Having already sampled slowly braised pulled pork on onion artisan bread from the newly opened Valparaiso restaurant Industrial Revolution, "Taste" veteran Nancy Porter paused before diving back in for seconds.
"It's fun to get a taste," Porter said. "Now it's time to take a deep breath and go back for dessert."
For $25, diners were able to sample signature dishes from restaurants including Bistro 157, Don Quijote and Pesto's Italian Restaurant while helping Tri Kappa raise money for nonprofit organizations and scholarships awarded to Valparaiso High School students. Tri Kappa President Julie Douglas said the event typically brings in almost $30,000.
"It's definitely our largest event," Douglas said. "It's something different."
"You don't have to get all dressed up. It's a fun social event, and there's amazing food," she said.
Vendors came from Valparaiso, Chesterton, Michigan City, LaPorte and Portage to showcase menu items, attracting both longtime customers and newcomers.
"Designer Desserts is our favorite," Valparaiso resident Laura Steele said as her 9-year-old daughters Kate and Abby finished off mini-hamburgers provided by Pikk's Tavern. "We've been eyeing their table. The girls wanted to start with dessert."
Other popular dishes included filet tips from Kelsey's Steakhouse and turkey schnitzel from Strongbow Inn.
"We've been here since the beginning," said David Hemdal, executive chef at Strongbow Inn. "People really like the schnitzel. We've tried bringing other things before. One year we brought turkey dijon. But everyone always asks, 'Where is the schnitzel?'"
The night also featured live music by the Valparaiso High orchestra, a silent auction, flower sale and 50/50 raffle.
"This is just a great community event," Jane Shotton said, who stood in line to try a pulled pork sandwich from Birky's Catering and Banquet, a Kouts restaurant she had never tried before.
"I'm running around miscellaneously, tasting everything. I'm here to enjoy," Shotton said.
