What do college students love and miss the most about home, regardless of what school they attend or how far away they are? 

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A good home-cooked meal.  Or rather anything that is not from the diner or any of the countless restaurants that line route one.  Even with the opening of 251 North, the new buffet-style dining hall on campus, Maryland students still miss the meals cooked by their loved ones at home.

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But every year in mid-October, students get the chance to sample pricey, gourmet food, thanks to the Taste of Georgetown Food Festival.

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Located on Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, this year’s festival featured 30 of Washington’s most exquisite restaurants, nearly 60 delicious dishes, including cheese ravioli, pad Thai chicken, and pumpkin cheesecake, and the jazz music of Blues Alley, a jazz dinner-and-supper nightclub.

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“I was surprised by the variety of restaurants and cuisine,” said sophomore geography major Mark Tucker.  “I liked the feel of the festival.”

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Sophomore government and politics major Ross Marchand was a big fan of the Italian cuisine.  “I will definitely go back next year to get another helping of the delicious ravioli.”

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David Shan, the manager of Ristorante Piccolo, has participated in Taste of Georgetown for several years.  He participates because it gives him the opportunity to bring in new customers, and give back to the neighborhood.  “Its also a fun event,” Shan said, “Very Georgetown-like.”

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Started 18 years ago on the lawn of Grace Church, the annual festival has grown into the largest food and wine festival in D.C.  The event is also family friendly and offers kid-friendly attractions like balloon making, juggling, and caricature artists.

Students can buy one food sampling ticket for $5 or five tickets for $20, and all proceeds go to the Georgetown Ministry Center to provide shelter, education, and counseling services to the homeless.  Last year’s Taste of Georgetown raised over $38,000.

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So for all you foodies out there looking to have a great time or to support a good cause, keep an eye out for this festival next year.

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Published in the November issue of Unwind! Magazine- a University of Maryland Publication