The third annual Taste of the Merrimack Valley drew diners to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Andover on Monday, Sept. 28.
The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, in association with Merrimack Valley Eats, hosted the event at 123 Old River Road, the Andover Townsman reported. About 24 restaurants, caterers and bakeries participated, according to a Merrimack Valley Eats Facebook promotion. General admission tickets were $45, with a $35 rate for seniors 65 and older.
Jennifer Maroun, owner of George's Bakery and Market in Methuen, served Mediterranean and Lebanese specialties alongside helper Suzanne Sassine, the Eagle-Tribune reported. The Smoke Shop, also in Methuen, dished out pulled pork, with D.J. Pang and Hannah Kelley working the table.
Domenico Staniscia of Andover, a former UNICO president, and David Archuleta of Boxford sampled the Smoke Shop's offerings. At least six UNICO members attended, including Stephanie Messina Sewade of North Andover and Robert Cerniglia of Andover. M&T Bank employees Mary Ellen Giolito, Kevin and Edily Rosario and Jennifer Pena also turned out.
The event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The chamber has not announced a date for a fourth annual Taste of the Merrimack Valley. Residents can check MerrimackValleyChamber.com or call (978) 686-0900 for updates.
