Hernando Sampler Raises Money For Park

Alan and Marie Berger pointed in different directions as they commented on the samples of food they tasted.

It was all good to them and they wanted to acknowledge all of the vendors in the room.

The servers sat and stood behind booths along all four walls of the Lake House. The couple took as many samples as they could - from chicken wings to pasta salad.

"This is some of the best chicken I've ever had," said Marie Logue, who was seated next to them.

The dish was prepared from the cooks at Silverthorn Country Club.

"I didn't even know they served food," Logue said.

That was one of the aims of the Hernando Sampler and Family Fun Fest, which took place Saturday at the Lake House. More than a dozen local restaurants were invited to sample their cuisines during the Rotary Club-sponsored event. It offered local eateries the exposure they always hope for.

The money raised from the Fun Fest will go toward Rotary Centennial Park, the county's first dog-friendly park. Volunteers hope to add a playground, basketball courts and a beach volleyball court in the near future.

"They told us to expect a large crowd and that's what we have here," said Gennaro Castiglione, owner of Cucina Gennaro in Spring Hill.

He was serving penne a la vodka and tiramisu. Alan Berger raved about the pasta.

Outside were more local vendors. Live entertainment was offered both indoors and outdoors.

Because of the emphasis on the park, many people brought their dogs with them. Representatives from the Humane Society of the Nature Coast also were in attendance.

Inside, people could sample chicken wings, eggplant scampi, bowtie pasta salad and other dishes.

Some of the other local vendors included R&M Catering, Chef Audrey's Eclectic Café, R Beach, Mighty Wings and Grecco's Restaurant.