Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips hosts 10th annual Taste of Dr. Phillips

Ten years ago, a handful of restaurants and area residents gathered in a parking lot off Sand Lake Road for the inaugural Taste of Dr. Phillips, hosted by the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips. It was a smaller event back then, with only a few hundred people in attendance. But over time, Rotary members watched the annual event blossom into a community success. 

“It’s increased every single year,” said Alma Van Der Velde, publicist with the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips. “There’s entertainment, and we always have a fabulous silent auction that’s been a big highlight. It’s just a great event.”

This year’s 10th annual Taste of Dr. Phillips will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Road, and will feature a variety of food and drinks from more than 20 restaurants. Robbie Demoor, from Memorable DJ Entertainment, will provide entertainment.

“The Rotary Club is a great organization,” said Ronald Auyong, general manager at Dragonfly Robata Grill and Sushi, one of the restaurants participating in A Taste of Dr. Phillips. “They do great things. We’re super excited about it.”

About four years ago, the event relocated to the Dellagio Town Center after it outgrew its original space.

“It’s such a great thing, and so close to our restaurant,” said Nicole Maurice, assistant manager at BRAVO Cucina Italiana. “It’s amazing how many people come out to this.”

The club is hoping for a sold-out event, Van De Velde said, which is a goal they have hit nearly every year since the creation of A Taste of Dr. Phillips 10 years ago.

But it’s not only the tasty food, drinks and entertainment that draws a crowd year after year. All proceeds benefit a variety of charitable organizations throughout the community.

And supporting local charities is one of the club’s primary missions.

The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips was created in 1979 and donates an average of about $100,000 annually to charities and organizations. With more than 80 members, the group is constantly working on projects to better the community, and A Taste of Dr. Phillips is one of those projects.

For Sunday’s event, tickets are limited, and only about 100 are left, Van Der Velde said.

General admission is $65 per person. This year also features VIP tickets for $95 per person, which includes not only the food and drinks, but also seating in a covered area.

“There’s a lot of standing, but with the VIP, they’re guaranteed to sit in a certain area under the

shade,” Van Der Velde said. 

Tickets can be purchased online at atasteofdrphillips.com.

Contact Brittany Gaines at [email protected].