A Taste to Remember at the South Shore YMCA

I had some truly phenomenal bites on a basketball court Wednesday night. No, it wasn’t a stadium pretzel or hot dog—I was at the South Shore YMCA’s The Taste of the South Shore.

Paul Gorman, President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA, explained the secret behind this event’s enduring success. “People look forward to this event because, unlike galas where you sit down all night long, this is a night all about meeting people and introducing them to the Y,” he said.

The event was an explosion of flavor, sound, and community spirit. There was truly something for every attendee—an upbeat playlist, delicious savory bites, sweet treats, as well as beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic offerings. Many of the local purveyors were familiar faces, having participated in past events and clearly understanding the vibe: warm, welcoming, and distinctly South Shore.

With nearly 700 guests in attendance, the event was more than just a good time. Throughout the evening, more than $400,000 was raised to support camperships—scholarships that help children attend YMCA summer camps. “We had almost 5,000 kids go to our camps last year, and we gave away around $400,000 in scholarships,” said Gorman. These funds ensure that even more children will have the chance to explore, learn, and grow this summer with the South Shore YMCA.

As I wandered through the venue, I chatted with guest chefs, bakers, and drink masters who were as passionate about their craft as they were about their community. One standout was Moriah Wood, co-founder of Tilden, a premium non-alcoholic cocktail brand. She served up “The Tandem,” a refreshing blend of tart cherry, citrus, American oak, and ginger, topped with a luxurious maraschino cherry. 

“I'm here to support the Y and the community they’ve built here,” she said. “I’m also here to support and connect with the other restaurants. There’s a great food scene on the South Shore and I want to be a part of it.”

That local food scene was on full, delectable display. A slice from Bardo’s Bar Pizza was perhaps the most surprising bite of the night—a daring and unforgettable combination of peach, prosciutto, goat cheese, and arugula. It was sweet, salty, creamy, and peppery all at once—utterly unexpected and yet perfectly balanced.

To ensure full culinary coverage (and in the name of journalistic integrity), I committed to a gnocchi investigation. I sampled three versions of the pillowy pasta. Davio’s served up two: one with organic mushrooms, basil, and truffle butter, and another with braised veal, beef, pork, and San Marzano tomatoes. Meanwhile, Lucca delighted guests with a hearty plate of braised beef short rib paired with potato gnocchi. 

Throughout the night, the joy and generosity of the crowd were just as impressive as the food. Attendees were there for all kinds of reasons. 

One group told me, “We just want to be here with friends and family and not have to cook tonight!” 

Another shared, “We come to figure out where to go on the next date night for the best food and best drinks.” 

One particularly inspired guest remarked, “I love to source ideas. I’m an event planner and I love the thrill of finding new creativity.”

The Taste of the South Shore delivered all that and more—an evening where bites became memories, and where eating local meant fueling the futures of thousands of kids. It was a delicious reminder that community is always the best ingredient.

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