Taste of Key West Benefits AIDS Help

On April 18, bring your taste buds to "Taste of Key West 2016," an annual fundraiser to benefit AIDS Help. The 21st annual event will roll onto the Truman Waterfront Pier, overlooking Key West Harbor at the end of Southard Street, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The open-air event promises a bounty of beverage and palate-pleasing plates. During the three-hour event, foodies can stroll edibles and drinkables along the Waterfront, including seafood, tropical and Caribbean flavors, European delicacies, vegetarian dishes and more.
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Every fork lifted, every plate cleared, is due to the generosity of donating food service owners and managers, AIDS Help Executive Director Scott Pridgen notes.
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"Participating restaurants give us their time, staffs and products. Chefs create gourmet bites of Keys cuisine influenced by the island's seafaring heritage, subtropical climate and multicultural atmosphere. Vintages from 100 wineries and vineyards are provided by Republic National Distributing Company, with a larger beer selection than ever," said Pridgen.
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Fun for the kids is promised, too, with special menu items for them, plus recreational diversions.

The organization is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions, including row monitors, restaurant servers, wine pourers, volunteer check-in officers, ID checkers, beer truck assistants and tickets sellers. Volunteers receive a dated T-shirt commemorating this year's event. Pridgen offers a special shout-out to those who staff the event.

"Staging 'Taste of Key West' would be unthinkable without our corps of volunteers, who man sales and information booths, direct a seamless flow of hungry, thirsty patrons and even drop by food booths to see if they need anything," said Pridgen. "In a town where second jobs are common and free time precious, the greatest gift you can offer AIDS Help is your valuable time."
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Duties from that Monday morning's set-up to post-event breakdown and everything in-between are available, adds Terry Paulson, Volunteer Coordinator for the Agency, and inquiries should be directed to him at 305-296-6196, or via e-mail: [email protected]

"Invite people you like. Check. Ensure there's plenty of eclectic food and generous spirits. Check. Find a picturesque setting. Check," these are the steps to success, said organizers.

General admission to 'Taste of Key West 2016' is $25 per person and includes a commemorative wine glass and $20 in food tickets. Gates open at 6 p.m. for general admission. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 apiece, and samples of foods and beverages typically "cost" three to eight tickets each.

A limited number of VIP packages are available featuring exclusive "early entry" admission at 5 p.m., $20 in tasting tickets and a commemorative Taste of Key West T-shirt, plate and wine glass. Cost is $75 per person. VIP tickets permit entry at 5 p.m.

There will be plenty of free parking, but biking or walking is strongly suggested... for both convenience and to work off those calories!