Downtown Winchester Special Event: A Taste of South America 2009

If you had fun at this event, please post a comment.

The Facility

The Food

The Fun

The Story

By Diedre Ortiz, Staff Writer, The Herald-Chronicle

Continuing its series of cultural dinner events to be held on the square, the Winchester Downtown Program Corporation hosted a Taste of South America on Saturday, June 13 at San Miguel's Coffee Company at a cost of $35 a ticket.

About 100 people gathered at the restaurant's conference room which was turned into a festive, South American banquet complete with bright decor, dim lighting and a small fountain to create a romantic effect.

Those who came hungry weren't disappointed. Lucia and Zach Rowe, owners of San Miguel, provided plenty of South American-inspired foods, wines and coffees to those in attendance.

Flamenco music also played throughout the entire evening, and Guitarist Carlos Enrique played pieces of his original music with Fernando Santisteban accompanying him on a couple of occasions.  Later on in the evening a salsa dancing demonstration was given by Noela and Evan Suarez. 

The Taste of South America definitely left the crowd anticipating the WDPC's next event.

These events, according to Bill Cowan, executive director of the WDPC are meant to be "friend-raisers" bringing more people and activity to Winchester's downtown area.

"The overall objective of these events is to introduce people to the downtown area and to showcase our restaurants and shops," he said.

And though the economic times have had an impact on some businesses on the square, Cowan believes business owners are keeping a positive attitude and customers still remain steady.

"These are tough times economically, and we're just trying to get through it," he said.

The tough economic times have not stopped some from starting new businesses either.  Cowan mentioned Randy Hawkersmith is planning to open a barbeque and bluegrass restaurant on the square beside the Oldham Theater.

In the face of hard times Cowan feels it's the perfect opportunity to invite people downtown and have some fun.

He thanks all of the people who helped plan the Taste of South America, especially Josh Hammer, chairman of the Downtown Merchant's Event Committee, and Pam Castle, Debbie Howard and Linda Grant who were in charge of decorations. "I want to thank them for their tireless effort," Cowan said.  "Without them, the event could not have been. It was a community effort and a community enjoyment."