By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
August 15, 2012

Historic Northeast is the melting pot of Kansas City, hosting residents from Somalia, Vietnam, Haiti, the U.S., among others.

Dishes from around the world can be tasted in Northeast and the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is capitalizing on that asset.

Approximately 20 Historic Northeast restaurants will be featured in the chamber’s NEKC Taste and Tour 2012 on Sept. 8.

“This is the first opportunity to enjoy the international fare that the Northeast community has to offer,” Chamber President Bobbi Baker-Hughes said. “We’re bringing neighborhoods, friends and family in one space to eat and dance. It’s a party, and it’s going to show off the great things about the community.”

For years, the chamber pondered the idea of a taste and tour, and it’s finally come to fruition, Baker-Hughes said. Funding from the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Greater Kansas City Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is helping make the event possible, she said.

During the Taste and Tour, attendees will be able to sample delectable dishes from a variety of restaurants, ranging from Vietnamese food to Mexican to Ethiopian to Haitian and more. One of the vendors is
a chocolatier, she said.

Those signed up for the Taste and Tour can also take a bus tour of Historic Northeast. Tour highlights will include the Kansas City Museum, historic homes, international market districts, Cliff Drive, area parks and memorials, 18th and Vine District, American Jazz Museum and Gem Theater.

In addition, the night will include a dance performance by the Swingsters, the sounds of the Grand Marquis Band, a cash bar, silent auction, raffle and 50/50 drawing.

The Taste and Tour is a major fundraiser for the chamber and will allow the chamber to host more events and provide business opportunities for the community, Baker-Hughes said.

Cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Northeast News, 5715 St. John Ave.; Central Bank of Kansas City, 2301 Independence Blvd.; UMB Bank, 6400 Independence Ave.; or by calling the chamber, (816) 231-3312. The Taste and Tour will be held at the American Sons of Columbus Hall, 2415 Independence Ave., from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 8.

“We want to be able to show off the gems of the neighborhood to our family, our friends and our business associations,” Baker-Hughes said, “and to be able to taste the flavor of the community.”

Sponsors still needed for NEKC Taste and Tour

How you can help:

•Donate items for the silent auction and raffle

•Purchase an ad for the Taste and Tour map

•Become a sponsor at the $250 or $500 level (Both include several perks)

Call (816) 231-3312 for more info.