Small State, Small Bites Food Competition and Silent Auction May 2, 2016

Food and lots of it…friends and fun was the best way to spend the last Friday in April, not to mention it was at the Buena Vista Mansion in New Castle.

Having recently met Amy and Kim, MOT Charter High School parents and PTO members, I was invited to attend their 1st Annual Small State, Small Bites Food Competition & Silent Auction. 

This event was held at the Buena Vista Mansion and sponsored by ConnectTheDot, a Consulting, Marketing and Advertising Agency.

Had the weather been a bit warmer, it would have been nice to walk the grounds, unfortunately we were once again treated to an unseasonably cold April evening.  However, inside the Mansion things were definitely warm, delightful and delicious! 

The doors opened at 6:00 p.m. and I walked through this gorgeously decorated Mansion taking pictures, making mini videos, networking and nibbling all before the opening remarks by PTO President Kim McNeil.

As attendees began arriving, which by the way, was far more than I could count and way more than they expected, made this fundraiser a smashing success!!!

The Registration Table contained a brochure with the order of the evening’s events and each attendee also received a take-away bag with a “Tasting Card” attached.   

There were 10 tables of Small Bite Tastings and although I didn’t take the opportunity to sample something from each, what I did taste was amazing.

Chefs from the 10 following local restaurants prepared delicious bites that everyone seemed to enjoy so I can only imagine how difficult it was for the judges, who were sequestered on the 2nd floor to choose the winner.

Cantwell’s Tavern, Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen, Catherine Rooney’s Irish Pub & Rest., Guzzy-Q Competition & BBQ Catering, Aqua Sol Restaurant, Metro Pub & Grill, Stewart’s Brewing Company, World Café Live at The Queen, 301 Plaza Restaurant

DJ “The Man of Steel” played a mix of music that was perfect for the taste testing and Silent Auction portion of the event.  As I was leaving I could hear the sounds of “let’s get this party started” music but since I had to conduct a Blogging Workshop Saturday morning I didn’t stay to enjoy it.

There were 12 Silent Auction items in which to bid on including a Crow Farm & Vineyard Winery Tour; Casino Night; Baltimore Package, Fitness Package, Spa Package; Golf Package and of course several Restaurant Packages.

Photographer, Ralph Mallamace and I became fast friends and we enjoyed taking snap shots of the guests and also of each other!

I missed the announcements of the “People’s Choice” winners and closing remarks but am sure you can read them on the ConnectTheDot and MOTCharter websites.

As I had previously stated, this was by far a smashing success and I hope to be in attendance at the 2nd Annual Small State, Small Bites Food Competition and Silent Auction. 

Maybe next time I’ll be invited to be a judge like I was at the Burger Battle, then I’ll have more of an opportunity to taste test everything!

I love attending local fundraisers especially to those that involve food, how about you?

 More pictures can be found on my Instagram page.