Early Rains Didn’t Dampen the Taste of Olean

Olean, NY -- A Taste of Olean 2017, presented by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC), National Grid Co., the Chamber’s 49 Corporate Sponsors, was again a success at the location new in 2016 – War Veterans Park.  “A few vendors were setting up at War Veterans around 8 a.m. this morning when the downpour came,” stated Meme K. Yanetsko, GOACC COO. “I was directing the Sanzo Beverage driver, Bill to his position near the front of the park, with my rain gear on and my umbrella!”

The Taste had 13 restaurants and beverage vendors, 11 participants in the Marketplace at the Taste; and the Art in the Park had 27 artists.  A few of the food restaurants ran out of food by early 3 p.m. and a few had lines into the later afternoon.  The early rains didn't dampen event goers.

The GOACC and its Taste of Olean Event Committee honored Ola Mae Gayton, Lisa and Paul Marra, Tony Procacci and Mike and PJ McAfee with the 2017 Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards.  The Hospitality Wall of Fame recognized individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.

The winners of the Taste of Olean this year include: Tasters’s Choice for Overall Best Taste — Mercato of Olean (new to the area but opening in September in downtown Olean); the Taster’s Choice for Best Taste Main Entrée — Braised Short Rib Mac & Cheese from the Seneca Allegany Casino; the Taster’s Choice for Best Appetizer —the mini brisket tacos from the Hammerback Bar & Grill; and the Taster’s Choice for Best Dessert — there was a tie between the apple pie from Beef ‘n’ Barrel Restaurant and the mango lassi from Mirchi’s Restaurant.

Art in the Park, sponsored by the Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) held in conjunction with the Taste, was a juried fine arts show showcasing the finest art in southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.  The Best in Show went to Dutch Hill Pottery, the Best New Vendor went to Earthology; and the Best Presentation went to Kumbha Moon.

A suggestion from the vendors was to eliminate the tickets for the Taste items – all vendors were pleased with this new system, cash at each booth.  Mrs. Yanetsko added, “War Veterans Park is the ideal location for this event.  Art in the Park had record number 27 artists, the marketplace had a good showing of 10 vendors.  The Taste committee needs to increase the number of restaurants appearing.  That will be accomplished with working with the restaurants early on in March and helping them establish their menus early as well as ensure adequate staff is available for the Taste day.”

The Chamber’s next two events are the new event, August 18th with strOLEAN and August 18-20 the 10th Annual Gus Macker Basketball tourney.  For more information on the Taste of Olean, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email taste@oleanny.com.