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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Foodies will once again have the chance to sample dishes from dozens of local restaurants and food vendors when Taste of Keene returns to downtown for the sixth year.
More than 30 restaurants and (for the first year) more than a half-dozen 21-plus beverage vendors will line Main Street on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the event, organized by the Keene Young Professionals Network.
This year marks the first time that Alana Fiero has served as the event organizer. Fiero, who recently stepped down as president of the Keene Young Professionals Network, has been involved with the event in some capacity since its inception. She said she was excited to take the lead on an event that has grown significantly since its debut.
Several new vendors are joining the festival this year, including Buba Street Noodle and Bar and Noble Ramen House, while Voodoo Box is among the businesses generating buzz ahead of the event.
One thing Fiero noticed while reviewing vendor menus was a recurring ingredient.
“Pork seems to be the theme this year,” she said.
Among the featured dishes are pulled pork tacos from 21 Bar and Grill, spicy pork dumplings from Buba, barbecue pulled pork sliders from Charcoal Charlie, wood-fired pork belly from Granita Enoteca, pork belly burnt ends from Guerrilla Grill, barbecue pork burnt ends from Jenna’s, sweet and sour pork from King’s Garden, Korean barbecue pork ribs with lemongrass scallion aioli from Monadnock Food Co-op and Chashu pork belly with hot hoisin from Noble Ramen House.
While pork appears on many menus, attendees will find plenty of other protein options showcased in many different ways. Offerings include chicken skewers with pineapple-jalapeño teriyaki glaze from 21 Bar and Grill, spicy tuna “Italiano” tacos from Granita Enoteca, mini crab cakes from Otto’s Food and Drink and coastal seafood stew from The Stage. Vegetarian and vegan options will also be available, including vegan Korean meatballs with vegan lemongrass scallion aioli from Monadnock Food Co-op.
Dessert lovers will have several sweet treats to choose from, including stuffed peanut butter cups and fluff nachos from Artisan Hill, tiramisu cups from Eat More Cake and turtle cheesecake from Moe’s Cheesecake Company.
In addition to food vendors, 21 beverage vendors will participate, including Black Cloud Brewing, Branch and Blade Brewing, Copper Cannon Distillery, Elm City Brewing Company, Frogg Brewing, Post & Beam Brewing and The Summit Winery.
Taste of Keene will once again use its token-based system, with token packages available in increments of 10, 25 or 50 tokens for $20, $50 or $100. Most food samples cost two to three tokens, a pricing structure organizers say helps keep the event affordable while allowing visitors to sample multiple vendors.
The festival will look slightly different this year due to concerns that downtown reconstruction work would begin before the event. Organizers adjusted the footprint after discussions with city officials and moved activities away from Central Square. Although construction is now not expected to begin until mid-July, the revised layout remains in place.
As a result, Railroad Square will serve as the festival’s entertainment hub, featuring a stage, tables and chairs, and demonstrations associated with the opening weekend of Keene ArtWalk. The annual art celebration transforms downtown storefronts and restaurant windows into galleries showcasing local artists through June 14.
Live entertainment in Railroad Square will feature Fool & The World from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Isness Ensemble from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Bob Denson from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The event has become a downtown tradition since its launch six years ago, drawing large crowds rain or shine. Last year’s festival was held despite heavy rain, with attendees continuing to sample food and support local businesses throughout the day.
Complete vendor menus, event information and ticket details are available at TasteOfKeene.com.