Editor's Insight: Tantalized taste buds at Buttonwoods

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July 5, 2007

Jean MacDougall-Tattan

It whetted the appetite of guests and made them yearn for more, so it’s a good thing the first annual Taste of Haverhill at Buttonwoods Museum will return next year.

The museum, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Merrimack River, was alive on June 21 with guests tasting the offerings of many Haverhill food establishments.

Except for one brief but heavy shower, the weather cooperated. But because of the tent and the heavy cover of leaves from the many large trees that adorn the museum grounds, guests were unaffected by the showers. The night just went on as it was supposed to.

Food vendors lined the outer edge of the large white tent that was filled with white tables and chairs for the 130 or so guests who attended. Some came and went. Others stayed the whole night.

Offerings included everything from pizza and subs to delicious salads, elegant dishes and decadent desserts.

The band Still Breathing entertained with its provocative blues selections complete with vocals, saxophone and harmonica.

The John Ward House was home to the cash bar and silent auction items that ranged from hand-made soaps and face cloths to jewelry, lottery tickets, hanging flower baskets, antiques, gift certificates, Firefighter’s Museum shirts, Buttonwoods museum camperships and signed baseballs. The sky was the limit and everyone was bidding.

The purpose of the evening was to give museum members and others who attended a nice evening while raising money to support Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society and its programs.

It was a success because the lawn was filled with smiling guests and laughter literally filled the air. Even Mayor James Fiorentini and his opponent, Sally Cerasuolo-O’Rorke, thought the event was important enough to make an appearance and bid on a few items. Museum Director Brenna Langenau estimates the event brought in over $5,000.

It was a lovely event, and the city eateries that participated got some terrific exposure.

The Hot Nepali at 42 Merrimack St., one of the downtown’s newest eateries, served many of its Nepalese specialties, which are similar to Indian cuisine only milder and noticeably lighter. Owner Pramod Rimal had many serving stations and the dishes in each of them changed as the evening went on. He got rave reviews and many happy patrons returned for seconds and thirds as the night continued.

A hidden jewel in RiversEdge Plaza is Emily’s Bakery, which served a variety of cakes and cookies and tortes, cream puffs and eclairs.

Jane England of England’s MicroCreamery thought it was an excellent opportunity for people to sample the signature flavors of ice cream available at her 109 Washington St. shop.

Leaf & Ladle had a table with salads, fresh bread, vegetables with dip and freshly cut fruits. And Daly’s Dogs brought its whole rig and set it up by the museum.

Other restaurants tantalizing taste buds were Essex Street Grille, Heather’s, Barrett’s Specialty Foods, The Tap, Mark’s Deli and Dino’s Pizza, all complemented with coffee from Heav’nly Donuts and the cash bar.

Guests so enjoyed ethnic delights such as Greek salads, Greek lasagna, skewered salmon, curry chicken and stuffed zucchini appetizers that they are already asking about next year — the second annual Taste of Haverhill at Buttonwoods.

Jean MacDougall-Tattan is editor of The Haverhill Gazette.