21st Annual ARC Taste of Galena - February 4, 2010

GALENA, Ill. - It's hard to believe that eating this well is actually all for a good cause.

On Feb. 4, Galena's best, ranging from restaurateurs to winemakers and cheesecake bakers to caterers, will gather together at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7-10 p.m. to celebrate "Serving the Best" for the Galena Art & Recreation Center.

Now in its 21st year, the ARC Taste of Galena has become a sought-after event that promises an evening of pleasure for your taste buds. Past years have presented delectable dishes such as: slow roasted glazed pork loin, Yukon Gold mashed potato bar with toppings, blue cheese soup, lobster ravioli, salmon with béarnaise on potato galette, pan fried pork dumplings, sushi, Louisiana crab cakes, Southwest tortilla chip soup, gourmet pomegranate balsamic and blood orange olive oil salad, homemade fudge, toffee, assorted cheesecakes, and chocolate molten cake with caramel sauce. And that's just a partial listing. Is your mouth watering yet?

Your taste buds won't be the only thing thanking you. Your feet will thank you, too, as they may be keeping rhythm to the catchy beats of the Rob Martin Quartet, a live jazz ensemble, who will perform throughout the evening.

For a complete and up-to-date listing of ARC Taste exhibitors and menus, visit the event's website: www.tasteofgalena.com. The site also provides attendees with a quick and convenient way to purchase Taste tickets online. In addition to online sales, tickets may also be purchased at the Galena Art & Recreation Center, 413 S. Bench Street, Galena and the Galena Territory Owners' Club, 2000 Territory Drive, Galena. Cost is $30 per person.

This year's event will also be judged by the best! The Galena Art & Recreation Center welcomes Chicago Sun-Times food columnist David Hammond - and you, our Taste attendees - to vote for your favorite offerings.

"We are excited to be 'Serving the Best' - the best exhibitors, the best sponsors, and the best supporters and now the best judges at our 21st annual ARC Taste of Galena. Every year I look forward to the diverse menu, and this year's event is guaranteed to please!'" said Sarah Petersen, the ARC's executive director. "We are planning a lot of special things for this event, including a digital presentation of photos through the years, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. I recommend purchasing your tickets early as this event has sold out in the past."

The ARC Taste of Galena is a core fundraiser for the Galena Art & Recreation Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for all ages. The funds raised at the ARC Taste are included in the ARC annual operating budget and will assist with the ongoing process of balancing the budget and achieving financial security.

For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, please go to galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 877-464-2536 toll-free.

In 2009, the Galena Art & Recreation Center celebrated its 40th anniversary. Forty years strong...and still growing: visit www.galenaarc.org.