A Taste of San Marcos

A large crowd gathered at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday to help a good cause.

The United Way of Hays and Caldwell counties held its 10th annual Taste event with approximately 350 people in attendance, according to President and CEO Michelle Harper.

Jessica Pizana and Deanna Lalich sample some of the cuisine at Taste 2019. 

There were 15 food and two drink vendors at Thursday night’s benefit. The restaurants in attendance competed for best appetizer, best entree, best dessert, best for lunch, best for dinner and best overall.

Industry San Marcos received best appetizer. The Railhouse in Kyle earned best entree. San Marcos’ Rhea’s Ice Cream was honored with best dessert. Figaro’s Pizza & Pub in San Marcos was named best for lunch. The Root Cellar received best for dinner and best overall was The Pita Shop — both are located in San Marcos.

Allison and Cody Lock and Allison and John Hardy at Thursday’s Taste 2019 event.

“We’ve seen steady growth and fundraising and ‘friendraising,’” Harper told the Daily Record, adding that the event is meant to bring awareness to United Way and what they do for Hays and Caldwell counties. “Big shout out to HEB – the recipient of the Living United award (on Thursday). That has to do with more than $2 million raised in at least the last 11 years I’ve been here — $200,000 pledged in support of United Way. Not corporate dollars, it’s from the baggers, checkers and stockers, etc. from the eight stores in the area.”