The fourth Taste on the River was a huge success and resulted in more than $11,000 in proceeds for the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

“It was by far the best ever,” said Melissa Sprouse-Browne, WCBF Chairwoman.

Photos by Kelli Ricard – City of West Columbia- link to more photos

And the restaurants that participated enjoyed the event at Stone River, too.

“It was good to get out and meet the people in the community,” said Mike Davis, chef and owner of Terra, who came to serve.  It was Terra’s first year at Taste on the River.

“It was wonderful to get Terra,” said Sprouse-Browne. Davis wanted to make his appearance special. He said he presented crawfish etouffee for the event because it was on Mardi Gras. He also said he was glad to help the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

Bill Mooneyhan, a WCBF Board Member, said he was impressed with the number of restaurant owners and top chefs that came out for Taste on the River. “It was really nice to see the people who own the restaurants talking with the people, and cooking on site,” said Mooneyhan.

In addition to the great food, Sprouse-Browne said Taste on the River is becoming a top social occasion for the year. She said this year’s gathering included many new faces.

“We sold 260 tickets,” said Sprouse-Browne, “and a lot of the people who came were at Taste on the River for the first time.”

Sprouse-Browne said the level of success Taste on the River is achieving would not be possible without a lot of help from West Columbia Beautification board members.

Lainie Lewis, an interior decorator of State Street Trading Company, decorated Stone River for Taste on the River. Steve Cohen, of Something Borrowed, donated table cloths. Anastasia Manos, realizing that there was a high demand for Zesto chicken answered the call on the spot, and brought in buckets of the popular item so everyone got as much as they wanted.

Staff from the City of West Columbia also contributed to the success of the event. “Kelli Ricard, Anna Huffman and Colleen Otte did a wonderful job for us,” said Sprouse-Browne. “The city is so supportive.”

“It was an excellent social setting and those who came will not forget,” said Spouse Browne. “It was a perfect night. And it raises awareness about the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Restaurants participating in “Taste on the River” were: Halls Chophouse Columbia; Hendrix; Terra; Black Rooster;  Brookland Baptist Conference Center; Cafe Strudel West Columbia; DeLucca’s Italian Grill; Grecian Gardens Restaurant; Parkland Cakes; Primal Gourmet Kitchen and Market; and True BBQ.