Taste of Bloomfield Showcases Local Bites

A bevy of restauranteurs put their best bites on display Sunday afternoon at for the fifth annual Taste of Bloomfield.

Nearly 200 foodies crowded the historic estate to nibble on small plates from 14 Bloomfield restaurants and three special guests from out of town - Montclair's Applegate Farm and Greek Taverna, and Fitzgerald's 1928 in Glen Ridge.

"I've been here every year since they've had it," said Montclair resident Natalie Pitts, who came with her two daughters. "I'm here to support Kim (Reilly) and Oakeside - and to eat."

Reilly, the executive director of Oakeside, is the brainchild behind the Taste of Bloomfield, an event which was established after a failed pizza-tasting challenge between local restaurants about seven years ago. She said the event, which annually showcases some of the finest eats in Bloomfield, came about as a way to bring the town together.

"I said, 'What can we do to get the community involved?'" said Reilly. "It's unfortunate. As long as I've been here, people don't know that you can come (to Oakeside) and do things."

The day before, Reilly and her team hosted nearly 175 children and parents for two sittings of brunch with the Easter bunny. Taste of Bloomfield was a welcomed treat for Reilly, who sneaked in a bite of local grub just before darting off to resolve a plastic fork shortage.

"It was a fun day," said an exhausted Reilly, who's taking Monday off from work. "I'm taking a sleeping day."

From 4 to 6 p.m., guests meandered through the halls of the cultural center noshing on a mix of sushi, Spanakopita, squash-filled ravioli and veal meatball sliders from local shops like , , the and caterer , all for a nominal price of $25.

Pitts raved about Fitzgerald's short-rib sliders, while Mike Albano, garde manger at French restaurant Mes Reves on Broad Street, said the curried goat from was his favorite.

Taste of Bloomfield newcomer Mes Reves, which opened in February, served up a well-rounded sampling of its menu, including seared sea scallops and mushroom tart puff pastries. Owner and chef Quang Tran said attending the event was well worth the exposure, despite having to work on his day off.

"It's fun. I'm glad I did this, to see what's around town. It's a diverse mix," said Tran. "I love to eat."

Click through the photo gallery above to see other restaurants featured at the fifth annual Taste of Bloomfield.