Taste of Madison 2012: Cooking Up for Big Night

The heart and soul of Madison's venerable Restaurant Row will get a chance to show off their finest fare at , scheduled for April 2 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park at 7 p.m.

The annual food and wine event organized by the Foundation, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, and the Madison Downtown Development Commission will feature food, desserts and wine offered by the restaurants and retailers of Madison.

The event is the largest fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, drawing 500 attendees and raising more than $45,000 in 2011. Proceeds are equally divided among the three organizing groups, who in turn channel these funds back into community projects, scholarships, or assist other non-profits.

"This is going to be the 11th year for Taste of Madison and as of right now, we have 26 restaurants/businesses that will be participating and having a table at the event," said Danielle Torrani Dixon, owner of and co-chairwoman of this year's event.

"We also have about 11 businesses that are sponsoring the event."

What's been the secret to Taste of Madison's growing success and popularity?

"I think for a few reasons," she said. "First of all, the committee is really passionate about its success. Everyone puts in a lot of work to make sure it is the best it can be.

"I also think that the restaurants are excited to participate and show off what they can do, so that definitely helps. We put out a wonderful, fun event that keeps people coming back each year. I went last year for the first time and I was blown away."

Dixon is optimistic looking ahead to this year's event.

"We have a great committee working on the event and great restaurants and businesses excited to be involved, so we're looking at a successful event," she said. "Each year the Taste continues to grow and get more exposure and we're not expecting this year to be any different."

The deep roots of residents and business owners creates a special environment that enables so many different restaurants to thrive in the Rose City's cozy environs — a special loyalty that binds the borough together in a way that's uncommon in today's world.

Along with that loyal nature is a profound sense of volunteerism among the people who live and work in the Rose City, who passionately believe that you only reap what you sow.

"Madison is a great, tight-knit community," Dixon said. "There are amazing people in this town that want to help keep it thriving and support what is going on here."

It's that esprit de corps that's brought out the best in businesses participating in Taste of Madison—and the attendees who continue to make it such an important part of their social calendar.

"I love all the new people that I'm meeting," Dixon said. "It has been great to learn more about different people and businesses in town.

"I also have been checking out a lot more of the restaurants in town!"

VIP admission ($100) begins at 6 p.m. or general admission ($65) at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the following locations: Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, d torr Boutique, or . Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.tasteofmadison.org. For additional information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 973-377-7830.

Participants in Taste of Madison:

• Park Avenue Club
• Rod's Steak and Seafood Grille

Madison Patch is the official online media sponsor of this year's event. For more, visit our Taste of Madison 2012 page.