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Plates, Programming and Postponing WACC postpones Taste of Westerville and transitions to virtual events

The 17th annual Taste of Westerville was set to feature a brand-new VIP experience. Known for its delicious culinary offerings and amazing networking opportunities, this event is a staple in the community and the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce wanted to heighten its reach through a VIP experience that would give attendees an exciting, personal experience.

“Who doesn’t want to feel special?” says WACC Events Manger Courtney Bailey. “It’s just a new element for fun for the event.”

However, even VIPs have to abide by the COVID-19 quarantine guidelines. Taste of Westerville is postponed, a new date not yet specified.

“We are definitely sensitive to the impact that all of the COVID-19 measures have had an our restaurant industry,” Bailey says. “We will look at our program and the (Taste of Westerville) event overall in the way that is most beneficial to all of these folks.”

For now, the Chamber is focused on being as active as possible online.

“We are currently hosting Coffee & Conversations, virtual information sessions with varying topics as many of them relate

to COVID-19,” Bailey says. “Our Women in Business committee will replace one of their luncheons with a virtual session centered on mindfulness and body awareness.”

For all the responsibility the Chamber has, there have been a lot of challenges to overcome when transitioning to virtual meetings and events.

“The Chamber is largely event-driven and our programs often center around gatherings, presentations and meetings, so making the shift to what this looks like virtually is something we’re still working through,” Bailey says. “Taste of Westerville has become a community staple, so imagining what our year looks like without the event is a challenge, but we are up for it and excited to imagine what new ways we can reach our members.”

While we wait for updates about the event’s future date, you can still support some of the local restaurants who would have been in attendance.

For the sweet tooth…

• Duck Donuts • Fat Girl Bakery • Nothing Bundt Cakes

For the carnivore…

• City Barbeque • Chicken Salad Chick • Mitchell’s Steakhouse • J. Gilberts Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood • Eddie Merlot’s

For the carb-itarian…

• Giammarco’s • Giodano’s

For the wine and brew expert…

• 101 Beer Kitchen • The Wine Bistro

Westerville Magazine’s Editor’s Plate Picks! We put together just some of our favorite dishes at a few Westerville restaurants. • The six cheese ravioli from

Polaris Grille. • The Philly cheesesteak from

Firebirds Grille. • The Godfather pizza from

Giammarco’s. • The pasta Checca from Old Bag of Nails.

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