Taste Of Rhinebeck Event Damp, But Delicious Tuesday

RHINEBECK, NY — Despite the drizzle that turned to pouring rain, hundreds of people dodged raindrops and puddles to sample culinary curiosities Tuesday evening during the 13th annual Taste of Rhinebeck.

The event was a fundraiser organized by Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation.

Exact numbers of attendees and the amount raised were not available Wednesday, but the 2016 Taste of Rhinebeck saw 450 foodies in attendance and $26,000 raised to support the hospital’s delivery of quality care.

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People had the opportunity to sample small bites and beverages and then vote for their favorite appetizer, main course, beverage and dessert, along with the most hospitable participating venue.

Among the appetizer offerings were pork chimichangas with house-made guacamole from Gaby’s Cafe, wild rice polenta with sesame ginger quinoa slaw from Sunflower Cafe and fried pickles with sriracha and horseradish dipping sauce from Periwinkles at Rhinebeck.

Main course bites included the Yard Birdger Slider served up at Buns, smoked rib tips at Smoky Rock BBQ and lobster mac and cheese at the Tavern at the Beekman Arms.

German wines were sampled at Old Mill Wine & Spirits and three New York State crafted beers were on tap for tasting at Grand Cru Beer and Cheese Market.

Tasters got to try four different confections for dessert at Samuel’s of Rhinebeck, which is co-owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Aroi Thai Restaurant sampled coconut rice cake.

All told there were 27 vendors who had food or drink for attendees to try.

The goods and services were donated to the event by the businesses, according to a spokeswoman.

Photo caption: People crowding into Samuel's of Rhinebeck for something sweet. Photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.