Pasta, Pastries Bust Diets At Taste Of MetroSouth

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Eight-year-old Thomas Vassil did not hesitate to double dip a free standing chunk of dark chocolate with walnuts into an oozing and tantalizing chocolate fountain displayed by Brockton's Gowell’s Candy during the 19th annual “Taste of MetroSouth,” hosted by the MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a chocolate fountain,” Vassil said with lips covered in chocolate and giving an enthusiastic thumbs up. “I love it. It’s amazing,” he said. (Pictured above)
Vassil was one of hundreds who attended Wednesday night’s food extravaganza held at the Shaw’s Center that featured more than 60 MetroSouth area restaurants, shops,
bakeries, schools and caterers who served up tid-bits, helpings and slices of their specialties, including hot and cold pasta dishes, seasoned beef, meatballs smothered in a variety of sauces, and a multitude of diet-breaking cupcakes, brownies, cakes and chocolates.
Some of those serving dishes were students from Brockton High School’s Fine Arts Café, who served delicious Greek Spinach fillo dough appetizers filled with sautéed spinach, feta cheese, red onions and tomatoes topped with a tasty vinaigrette. (Pictured above from left to right are: Juniors Adilson Vieira, Richard Marsh II, and senior Brianna Corcoran)

While their own offering was delicious, nearly all of the culinary program students who had a chance to try recipes from the other tables agreed with Thomas Vassil that they were drawn to the table where chocolate actually flowed.
“I love the chocolate,” said Ellise Dower, a junior at Brockton High.
Entertainment during the night, included Brockton Symphony Orchestra, DJ Rob Peters and Brockton High’s Jazz Band, whose members feasted after their set was completed, including juniors Alex Hatzinikolau and Colin Keane, (Pictured above) who stopped by Stoughton’s A Perfect Taste for a cupcakes and brownies.
Following the high school jazz band was the U.S. Navy Show Band Northeast out of Newport R.I. treated the crowd to a mix of popular songs by Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, and classic rock selections from the Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
While many of the vendors said it was difficult for them to leave their own tables to try other businesses’ food, Bill Simms, of Bridgewater's Cake In a Box, who with his wife Janine, enjoyed the offerings of those in their vicinity, including Stoneforge Restaurant, who served up a meat lover's delight.
“I love the barter system,” Simms said. “I’ll trade you a cupcake for a piece of steak any day,” he said. (Pictured above)