Nosara, Entertainment

Showcase of Nosara Chefs and Restaurants Returns in July

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The second annual Taste of Nosara, featuring more than 30 local chefs, bakers and caterers, is set for Saturday, July 20th at Harbor Reef from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a change from the original date which conflicted with the World Cup final. 

Taste of Nosara organizers have a goal of raising $5,000 to support the Nosara Fire and Safety Association’s project to transport a donated fire truck from North Carolina, U.S.A., to Nosara, said Ann Auchincloss, the event organizer and spokesperson. 

In order to reach this goal, Taste of Nosara will sell packets of eight tasting tickets for $6, but will encourage adults to purchase two packets for a total of 16 tastes for $12.  A free drink will be included. 

“A meal’s worth of food and a free margarita for $12 is a good deal.  Plus you’re supporting the bomberos,” said Auchincloss.   

In addition to raising funds through ticket sales, the organizing committee is still accepting sponsorships of $50 or the equivalent in raffle prize items from local business and individuals.  Auchincloss said she expects they will sell raffle tickets at the event for $1.  Sponsors will be thanked in ads in the August Voice of Guanacaste print edition and on signs at the event, she said.  

The committee’s attendance target is for 200 people to come and eat throughout the three hours.   

“So if we can make about $2,500 on ticket sales and about $2,500 on sponsorships and raffle ticket sales, then we can get to our goal,” Auchincloss calculated.

The Taste of Nosara still has room for more chefs, personal chefs, caterers or bakers to participate and show off their specialties.  Chefs can register for free and can bring whatever dish they want to feature in “boca” or appetizer size portions, plus marketing materials, brochures and coupons.  The only requirement is that they must prepare their food in a kitchen registered with the Ministry of Health, Auchincloss specified. 

She also explained that last year’s format of guests voting on favorite dishes has been dropped. 

“We got feedback from last year that it was a bit complicated to have all the categories and we didn’t want to set up winners and losers. So we decided to focus on encouraging the chefs to be creative and shine on what they do best.  We have such great restaurants in Nosara, and chefs are very passionate about what they do.   We know they will all work hard and give us delicious dishes to taste,” said Auchincloss.  

Auchincloss and the organizing committee, Mary Cavanaugh, Anne Marie Ermatinger and Ryan Bombard of the firefighters, also need 20 volunteers to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 20th.  Volunteers will set up and clean up Harbor Reef, sell tickets, answer questions, keep the area clean and do childcare in the kid’s area.  “We need about five people who are good with children to paint faces and play with kids,” she said.  

For Auchincloss, this is a win-win activity for everybody. “Food is always a huge tourist draw and they rave about the quality of food and restaurants here in Nosara.  They deserve a showcase and a chance to show off.   If it helps us build a fire department….even better,” she said.

 Chefs and supporting businesses are still invited to participate and can register at the Taste of Nosara website sabordenosara.com.  Questions should be sent to Auchincloss at [email protected].

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