'Taste of Floyd' showcases local culinary artistry
Held Sunday, March 22, at the Center, the third annual event drew attendees from across the region and from out-of-state to sample sweet and savory delights from the culinary community of Floyd.
The annual Taste of Floyd: Fill Your Palette is a popular Floyd Center for the Arts fundraiser that spotlights the talents of Floyd’s restaurants, caterers, bakeries, food trucks, and food vendors. Held Sunday, March 22, at the Center, the third annual event drew attendees from across the region and from out-of-state to sample sweet and savory delights from the culinary community of Floyd.
For a $45 admission fee, attendees filled small plates and dined in the Hayloft Gallery amid the solo exhibition of local artist Howard Wenger. Local Plein Air artist Steve Hessler gave a painting demonstration of a downtown scene as people enjoyed the tasty bites.
When asked what sampling she would recommend, Kathy Bachara from Wythe County announced, “Everything’s good!” Her friend from Hillsville commented how much she enjoys the Floyd community and that she comes for all the Small Town Summer music events at Warren G. Lineberry Park.
A table of friends from Raleigh and Greensboro, NC, chatted with the Center’s Special Events Committee Chair Barbara von Claparede, who mingled amongst the diners. They raved about the ravioli from Deer Park Farm, the Thai spring rolls from Thai & more, and the barbeque from Slaughters grocery store. They hadn’t hit the dessert bar yet.
Inside the Center’s Community Room, food vendors lined the walls along the decorated centerpiece, the dessert bar, which was staffed by Art Center volunteers. Member volunteers contributed desserts to the sweet tasting choices. Volunteer Anni Ellis dipped strawberries in a chocolate fondue fountain prepared by board member Sally Walker. Barbara von Claparede made cookies spread throughout the display that were colorfully designed to resemble a painter’s palette.
Big Indian Farms Bakery heads up a popular vending booth at Saturday’s Floyd Farmers Market. Owners, Earl White and Adrienne Davis specialize in artisan bakery goods that include wholesome organic sourdough breads, pastries, and bagels. The couple filled their tasting table with tempting croissants, cheese Danish and more. They are set to open a restaurant called
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Gathering in the space above The Harvest Moon Food Store. White said they expect to be open by mid-April, after dealing with previous weather and equipment delivery delays.
Gathering will initially be open five days a week for breakfast and lunch, serving what Davis previously reported to Floyd Times as a menu reflecting a “farm-to-table idea with international flavors and a menu that changes with the seasons.” They plan to eventually incorporate a dinner service and host music events at the restaurant.
Another farm-to-table vendor that was well received at the event was Deer Park Farm, a working community based in sustainable agriculture that produces jams, salsas, hot sauces, sauerkraut and more from their commercial kitchen. Deer Park Farm kitchen employees, Seven Williams, and Blaise Addison dished up raviolis made from scratch at the Farm. The raviolis were topped with marinara sauce made from organic ingredients either grown on the farm or locally sourced.
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DJ’s Drive in brought the mac and cheese. Copper Dog food truck brought chocolate raspberry cheesecake and Thai & More had to restock their spring rolls because they went so fast.
Good Coffee was an important component to the tasting experience. When asked what makes his fresh roasted coffee so good, Rowan Chantal of Chantal Coffee Company quickly answered, “Love.” His wife Kaitlin Chantal made homemade vanilla bean and chocolate syrups to add to the coffee.
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Event volunteers were invited to sample foods near the close of the event. “It’s a fun event for volunteers,” said Art Center Executive Director Keela Dooley Marshall. “We filled up our volunteer slots very early. We have such a big family here now,”
Marshall later said that the 2026 Taste of Floyd was very successful. “Everyone is excited about next year. Eighty tickets were purchased, an increase from the last two years. We’re so thankful and overwhelmed by the support of the Art Center. Thank you all for coming,” she said.
Click to enlarge photos in gallery.
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