Join 15 local restaurants and food trucks for the 13th annual Taste of Morgantown as they compete for prizes and raise funds for local and national charities.
Set for Sunday at Mylan Park’s Aquatic Center & Track Complex, the event features an afternoon of local food, live music, philanthropy and scenic outdoor views.
Participating food vendors range from Italian fine dining, old-fashioned barbecue, grab-and-go breakfast and classic comfort foods. Vendors include The Preston County Inn, Oliverio’s Ristorante, Black Bear Burritos, Young’s Southern Kitchen, Terra Cafe, Rising Creek 2 Tutto Gelato, The Silver Spur Saloon, Fat Angelo’s, Tootsie’s Sandwich Shop, Mama T’s Munchies, Sweet Southern Smoke, Iron Horse Tavern, Monarca-Taquiera, Muriale’s Italian Kitchen, and Peace, Love and Little Donuts.
This docket includes many restaurants known and loved by Morgantown locals but also features a variety of establishments from Mon, Preston, Harrison and Marion counties. With a diverse selection of foods, attendees will have an opportunity to try something new and see what the area has to offer.
“We are excited to be able to exhibit some of the best local restaurants, and they each come with a unique style,” said Jason Keeling, executive director of the Allegheny Highlands American Red Cross chapter. “That’s what attendees are going to be able to experience, is these different types of culinary offerings.”
Funds from this event will support nonprofit properties of Mylan Park, as well as the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, an operation dedicated to preparing Americans for one of the most frequent disasters, as well as providing assistance to victims of house fires.
“The home fire campaign ensures people impacted by fires have their immediate needs met,” said Keeling. “They have shelter, clothing, medical supplies, emotional support and case services that help them to establish a plan for recovery.”
Attendees have a selection of three admission tiers based on punch cards, with family and couple bundles available. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Vote for your favorite restaurant and watch as a panel of judges award vendors with a range of culinary titles, including Best Savory Dish, Best Sweet Dish, Most Creative Dish, Best Grab and Go, Best Presentation, Best Use of WV Ingredients, and the grand prize — the Taste of Morgantown.
The Preston County Inn, a participant since 2009, is excited to return after a couple years of scheduling conflicts and compete again after previously earning the Best Living Local award six times and Best Presentation once.
“It’s a nice event and it’s for a good cause,” said Preston County Inn chef and innkeeper Jean-Manuel Guilloto. “And it’s nice to get together with some of the other chefs and see what the other restaurants are doing.”
He also hopes folks will take this opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and try new restaurants to continue supporting after the event. The Preston County Inn will be testing out a new dish during Taste of Morgantown — New Orleans-style street tacos with frog legs and a side of maque choux.
First-time participants this year include Muriale’s Italian Restaurant.
“We’re honored to be a part of this event, and excited to share our love for food and hospitality,” said Muriale’s Italian Restaurant Catering Sales Manager Kayla Palmer. “We hope that attendees have a good time at the event, fill their bellies with good food and connect with one another.”
For more information on Taste of Morgantown, visit MylanPark.org/TasteOfMorgantown.
