Cochrane foodies looking for a sampling of spirits or taste of local nosh are encouraged to purchase their tickets for the 7th annual Taste of Cochrane. In the flavour of the larger scale festivals done in cities such as Calgary and Edmonton, Cochrane businesses and volunteers are whipping up hors d'oeuvres, baking treats and cooking eats for the Oct. 20 afternoon event that includes 17 businesses and counting. "The Taste Of Cochrane is not just an event, it's a real community event for people to get out and see the physical locations and meet the staff," said co-organizer Ronnie Knowles, tipping his hat to one of the event's biggest supporters and participants – Jag Thind, owner/operator of Mehtab East Indian Cuisine. For $25, tasters are encouraged to try as many establishments as they can from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While walking the streets is encouraged, a Southland commuter bus will be available to take tasters from tour to tour to sample specialty menu items in what Knowles said is fantastic value for the ticket price. "The events that happen in this town bring people together, they make people feel better," said Knowles, adding that he would prefer to not switch the event to one large venue, as he favours the unique experience of tasters checking out the ambience and meeting the staff – all which add up to selecting the next favourite coffee or treat shop, the next anniversary dinner or wine store. Knowles, who closed the doors of the Hideout Pub in August of 2017 as a result of the economic downturn, has been an active volunteer and community builder for many years. "I found my real passion was more for the community," said Knowles, following the difficulties of closing the well-known pizza and pint locale that was a big supporter of live music where he was able to get to know countless Cochranites. Participating businesses so far this year include: Mehtab East Indian Cuisine, Joe's Liquor Store (wine tasting), Schooners on First, Global Pet Foods, Killarney's, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, Menchie's, The Gentry, Chiang Rai, The Boot, Cobs Bread, Krang Spirits, Avenue Bakeshop, The Venue Bar & Grill, The Texas Gate, Horse Creek Heritage Candy and Coffee Traders. To get tickets, stop by Mehtab, Joe's, Schooners or Coffee Traders. To get on board as a host business, visit tasteofcochrane.com.
