‘Taste’ has twists for 15th year Cocktail hour added to beginning of event

If you’re hungry for Nashua nightlife and local gourmet restaurants, check out Great American Downtown’s 15th annual Taste of Downtown Nashua on Wednesday.

Join 850 of your neighbors and a fleet of Budweiser Clydesdales as you sample “bites” from a dozen local restaurants, including the Peddler’s Daughter and Michael Timothy’s.

But the Taste of Downtown Nashua isn’t just about food. The dining establishments will find temporary homes at downtown businesses, from Beckonings to Just Lights.

Munch on Swan Chocolates as you peruse Fortin Gage’s beautiful collection of flowers and gifts. “Mangia” with a succulent sample of Villa Banca’s cuisine between “oohs” and “ahhs” over Scontas’ jewelry and decor.

And while you walk from shop to shop, enjoy live music while you wait for your next delectable sample at Nashua business gems old and new.

The Taste of Downtown Nashua brings exciting new twists in its 15th year. 2009 introduces cocktail hour from 5-6 p.m., when tasters will find charming ambience and tasty drinks at those restaurants whose chefs have relocated around the city.

“A lot of people came down to have a drink before the event in years past, so (cocktail hour) serves a dual purpose,” said Sue Butler, executive director of Great American Downtown in Nashua. “For those restaurants that vacate their place, it’s one way to get people into the restaurants.”

But happy hour is only part of the reason attendees will be delighted. The $35 dollar Taste Ticket ($40 on Wednesday) redeems deals and promotions from participating downtown locations throughout June.

“We want ticket holders to keep their tickets and come back to eat at downtown restaurants after the event is over,” Butler said.

Great American Downtown has added one more treat for event-goers. Anyone who buys a $1 raffle ticket is eligible to win more than 15 prize packs valued at $100 or more, including multiple prizes worth more than $140 in Chunky’s movie tickets.

This year’s Taste of Downtown Nashua promises to continue its tradition of a satisfying night filled with good food, good music and good company. And it’s all for a worthy cause: proceeds fund future downtown activities.

“We want to bring back the old feel of downtown Nashua,” Butler said. “People have a great time even as they wait in line, having time to chat with people they know.

“It’s a great way for us to bring people downtown for the first time or those that haven’t been in a while. They get a chance to really see what’s here.”

Maryalice Gill can be reached at 594-5833 or mgill@nashuatelegraph.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE TASTE OF DOWNTOWN

A Facebook page for the Taste of Downtown Nashua was created in March with the plan of keeping the page going during the year to help with input and planning for future events.

The goal of the page is to build online community and conversation around the Taste of Downtown. It allows real-time input and feedback from participants and the opportunity to target “fans” for future events.

OnWednesday, the online Facebook community will have the opportunity to connect with the in-person community on the streets of downtown Nashua during the Taste event.

Great American Downtown has sent and will send updates to its “fans” before, during and after the event. GAD has been using the page to promote “Menu Sneak Peaks,” updates about restaurant and menu pairings, details about additional value from this year’s Taste Ticket (savings at restaurants during the
cocktail hour before the event and additional downtown savings through June and suggestions about how to plan the evening.

On Wednesday, Taste “fans” can use the Facebook application on their mobile devices to post updates during the event. This can help alert participants about shorter lines and other information.

The URL is www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-of-Downtown-Nashua/57225639937.

– Source: Great American Downtown