By Bill Gilman
Managing Editor
The Neponset River Regional Chamber hosted its annual "Taste of the Region" event Wednesday evening at the Blue Hill Country Club, bringing together hundreds of local residents and business leaders to sample the area's diverse culinary landscape.
The two-hour showcase, held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featured a wide array of flavors from several surrounding towns, including Canton, Dedham, Norwood, and Westwood. According to official event listings from the Neponset River Regional Chamber (NRRC), the gathering was designed as a "fun evening out" to support local businesses while providing a networking platform for the community.
Local Flavors on Display
The 2026 exhibitor list featured a mix of longtime staples and newer additions to the regional food scene. Some of the participating vendors included:
- Blue Hill Country Club: The host venue showcased its own culinary offerings.
- Bar Cino of Westwood
- Chinatown Restaurant of Stoughton
- Ever So Humble Pie Company of East Walpole
- Neroli Ristorante of Westwood
- Cornerstone at Canton
- Ice Cream Emergency, a Norwood-based mobile dessert vendor.
- Not Your Average Joe’s of Westwood
- Tessie’s Bar and Kitchen of Walpole
- The Raven’s Nest of Walpole
Other participants included Dressed with Flavor from Quincy, The Capitol Grille of Dedham and several other establishments.
Community Impact
Beyond the culinary aspect, the event served a philanthropic purpose. The NRRC's 2026 Partnership Opportunities guide noted that attendees could enjoy the "best that local area restaurants and vendors have to offer, while supporting local food pantries."
The chamber anticipated an attendance of approximately 200 people for the evening. To engage the crowd, the event featured live music and a series of raffles. According to Jotform registration records for the event, member and non-member exhibitors donated raffle items—ranging from $50 to $75 in value—to help raise additional funds during the night.
Logistics and Sponsorship
The event was heavily supported by local corporate partners. The Neponset River Regional Chamber listed various sponsorship tiers that included local business recognition and digital marketing during the "Taste" series.
To ensure safety and quality standards, all vendors were required to obtain temporary food permits through the Canton Board of Health, as detailed in the chamber’s exhibitor requirements.
The "Taste of the Region" is part of a broader series of community-focused events hosted by the chamber. The next major gathering at the Blue Hill Country Club will be the chamber's annual golf tournament, currently scheduled for July 27, 2026.
