It was a day of liquid sunshine at TOOT (Taste of our Town) this year and attendees strolled the streets with smiles, big appetites, and their trusted umbrellas as the delicious foods awaited them. We strolled through the festival as well and tried almost every dish.

Here is a review in photos with some descriptions!

Our first tasting was in front of the Wild Bean at The French Goat’s booth. They served up Bourguignon Sliders! This was the perfect starter for the rainy morning.

Our next tasting was a treat! It was an apple crisp with cinnamon whipped cream by Greenbrier East High School’s Pro Start program. 

Doubling up on dessert, the next tasting was chocolate covered strawberries by Rhema Christian Center. 

Ready for more food, our next stop was Three Little Pigs. They were located beside Edith Health Food Store and had BBQ sandwiches w/ slaw. 

Then it was time for gyros at Rudy’s Grille from Ronceverte! We then checked out the dog cookies from Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital‘s booth.

Next up was Stardust Cafe. Their booth was located in front of their restaurant on E. Washington Street. They served up Cuke Wasabi and Turkey Pesto Wraps! They also had carrot cake, chocolate tore, hot chocolate, and coffee.

The General Lewis Inn & Restaurant was beside Stardust’s location, in front of Bella the Corner Gourmet. They served their traditional chicken and waffles w/ jalapeno maple syrup. Photographed to the right of the waffle is a tasting by Please Save a Cat. They had white bean chicken chili. Their booth was located on W. Washington St near the Visitor’s Center.

The weather was starting to improve so we picked up a refreshing smoothie from High Rocks Academy & The Hub!

We then crossed Rt 219 onto W. Washington Street and arrived at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center booth. They had a Braised Pork Cheek over smoked fontina grit cake. 

Greenbrier Valley Baking Company was next and they made their annual crab cake sandwiches. Their booth is always located in front of Wolf Creek Gallery and these cakes are a must have every year.

Next up was the freshest bread in the county at Jeff’s Breads and Cookies from Greenbrier Episcopal School.

Located across from each other were Farmer Phil’s Apple Cider (in front of the Visitor’s Center) and Davis Stuart, which was in front of Serenity Now Outfitters.

We were now about 2 hours into TOOT and were craving some Cuban food from Diana’s Cuban Cafe and pizza from The Bakery on N. Court Street. We agree, it’s ok to eat a whole pizza by yourself!

Following the pizza, we visited the Beef Jerky Outlet who offered a variety of popcorn and exotic chili. We then picked up a couple cake pops from Cakes N’ Cones. 

Then we came across El Gleno Grande, entertainer extraordinare.  His show is a TOOT tradition and a must watch every year.

Feeling hungry again, we stopped at Mr. Blake’s Italian Sausage. 

Needing to walk off some of the tastings, we went over to Country Roads CrossFit on Church Street and noticed co/owner Laura Lee adopted a dog from the Greenbrier Humane Society! The humane society was also set up on Church Street, near Carnegie Hall. Laura’s new dog is named Ellie (pictured on the left)!

Back to dessert, we stopped at The Greenbrier Resort’s booth where they served their Peaches n Cream and Draper’s Chicken Pot Pie. 

Fitting in one last tasting for the day, we picked up the shrimp n grits from the Greenbrier Sporting Club. 

On our way out, we caught eye of the TOOT map! People from all over the world visited this year, including Europe and South Africa!

If you missed out on TOOT this 2016, make sure you visit next year. Even under an umbrella this is an event always worth checking out. TOOT is not only fun, but it’s an important fundraiser for Carnegie Hall, an organization that keeps the arts alive in Greenbrier County!

– Christina Entenmann and her son Troy. HashtagWV, October 2016.