Robin Goldsworthy from the desk of the publisher

Excuse me while I loosen my belt.

Last Sunday’s annual Taste of Montrose event was held along Honolulu Avenue. More than 20 restaurants participated in this fundraiser for CVHS Prom Plus. Every type of food – and dessert – imaginable was served up.

This is one of my favorite fundraisers. It gives me a chance to become acquainted with the many local dining establishments including caterers like Gourmet A Go Go Catering.

Some of the participating eateries offered a tidbit of their specialties while others provided what seemed like a full blown meal! Zeke’s Smokehouse once again offered not only a succulent rib but their famous cole slaw as well. Mark Miller, who was helping Prom Plus out and is our resident Grill Sergeant, took a break to grab some hot wings from Rocky Cola. Linda and Mark Evans were also on the avenue and stopped by to say hello.

Bashan, which came onto Honolulu to the Prom Plus Food Court from its location on Verdugo Road, offered a taste of tender pork bellies that melted in your mouth. Not only opening its doors on Ocean View Boulevard, Ocean View Bistro also had a booth in our food court. I had a chance to visit with CV Sheriffs Captain Dave Silversparre up at Ocean View Bistro toward the end of the event.

Folks are still talking about the spicy clam chowder served by Leo’s All Star. Quiznos had samples of their sandwiches and around the corner Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provided drink and pastries. Star Café and Three Drunken Goats enticed people their way with samples of their wares in front of their restaurants.

Damons came north from Glendale and Dream Dinners had tastes of steak or chicken. Frank’s Famous offered chicken marsala with white rice and Pepe’s had samples of a variety of Mexican favorites.

No one seemed to mind the walk to New Moon and Fratellis for the Chinese chicken salad and pasta; many welcomed the exercise!

For dessert, there were decadent cookies at Oven Fresh bakery and mini soft serve cones from Slender Sweet Shoppe and fruit spears from Edible Arrangements.

A warm welcome was extended to event newcomers Food Art Catering, Paradis Ice Cream, Cucina Rustica, Jane’s Cakes & Chocolate and Montrose Candy. All understand the importance of supporting this fundraiser that ultimately benefits our kids.

The avenue was crowded on Sunday! Thank goodness for the Prom Plus Club students, outfitted in their blue shirts with “Prom Plus – saving lives one prom at a time” written boldly across their back. We’ve done Taste of Montrose for the last several years and these students made the event easier by distributing signs, balloons, and information or giving directions. Wags n’ Whiskers and Kids n’ Kritters events were also taking place plus of course the weekly Harvest Market. So, the help our students provided was appreciated.

Thank you to John Drayman who helped guide this event when Prom Plus first came up with the idea a few years back. With the encouragement of Camille Levee of Glendale Healthy Kids who has its own Taste of Glendale every year and the direction of Jean Maluccio who offered the mechanics of making it happen, the Taste of Montrose has become an anticipated annual event.

To learn more about Prom Plus, visit the website at www.cvhspromplus.webs.com  or email cvhspromplus@charter.net.