CENTRE WELLINGTON – Instead of hosting the Grand Taste of the Culinary Arts event this year, the Centre Wellington (CW) Rotary Club has put together a coupon booklet featuring local restaurants.
The Grand Taste Donate and Dine booklet will make a delicious “alternative,” said Lori Arsenault, executive director of the Groves Hospital Foundation, the annual Grand Taste beneficiary.
Since 2008, CW Rotary has raised over $200,000 for Groves through Grand Taste events, which feature local restaurants offering food samples to guests.
The event raises funds for Groves and also helps support local businesses.
This is the second year Grand Taste hasn’t run due to the pandemic, but instead of cancelling the 2021 event altogether, the Grand Taste Donate and Dine coupon booklet is being released.
“(It) gives the restaurants in the community a chance to showcase their venues,” said CW Rotary president Neil Whittaker.
The booklet, which costs $40 and features 18 restaurants in Centre Wellington, can be ordered online or picked up at Fergie’s Fine Foods in Fergus and Dar’s Country Market in Elora.
There are only 500 booklets available, so it’s first come, first served.
Those who purchase a booklet prior to Aug. 20 will be entered into a draw for the chance to win one of six prizes donated by The GrandWay Events Centre, including:
- four $50 gift cards for the GrandWay Lounge;
- a four-person table for Always a Bridesmaid (dinner theatre); and
- a private 10-person dinner on a race night.
“We really appreciate the ongoing support from the CW Rotary club,” said Arsenault.
Whittaker added this year’s coupon book includes more businesses than typically participate at the Grand Taste event.
While the Grand Taste Donate and Dine has potential to continue in the future depending on how this year goes, Grand Taste organizers are hoping to get back to the in-person event next year, recognizing people enjoy the social aspect.
For more information visit www.grovesfoundation.com/grand-taste-donate-dine-2021 or email neilwhittaker10@gmail.com.
