On April 26, 2023, the South Shore YMCA is bringing The Taste of the South Shore, its signature fundraiser and tasting event, to Lombardo’s in Randolph for one last time in the ballroom before the building closes later this year.
Chef-owner of Restaurant ORO, Robin King and son, Owen.
The Taste of the South Shore is the region’s leading tasting and social event where guests enjoy gourmet tastings served by executive chefs from the South Shore’s top restaurants. Over 30 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, distilleries, and wineries will participate in “The Taste” to raise money that helps provide South Shore YMCA summer camps, programs, and membership to local children and families in need.
“I’m a Y kid, so this event is very personal for me,” said event co-chair Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef of Alma Nove and longtime participant in The Taste of the South Shore. “The Taste gives us a chance to get together for some friendly competition with the best chefs in the area, and it raises money to help kids find a safe place to grow up at the Y.”
For over 25 years, The Taste of the South Shore has been held in the ballroom at Lombardo’s in Randolph, and this year’s event will pay tribute to the Lombardo family and their commitment to celebrating community.
John Hafferty, Bin Ends Wine, Braintree explains the pairing of wines with dishes.
“The Lombardo family has always treated the South Shore YMCA as part of their family,” said South Shore YMCA President and CEO, Paul Gorman. “Lombardo’s in Randolph is so much more than a venue to us. Thanks to Vinny [Lombardo] and the entire Lombardo family, it has felt like a home, and they have continuously opened their doors and their hearts to us year after year. We are forever grateful.”
Lombardo’s General Manager, David Lombardo, part of the fourth generation of Lombardo’s leadership, has been closely involved with The Taste for over ten years and will once again host this year’s event.
“The Taste wouldn’t be The Taste without the vision and creative genius of David Lombardo,” said South Shore YMCA Chief Development Officer, Mary Orne, who leads the event. “David has been instrumental in transforming The Taste from a traditional, sit-down fundraising event to an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience. Especially during COVID, when we could not gather in person, David helped us pivot and bring The Taste into people’s homes virtually, directing and hosting a professionally produced cooking show competition filmed at Lombardo’s.”
Billy Costa, of Kiss 108 and Emmy Award-winning Dining Playbook, will return to the microphone as Master of Ceremonies to bring the fun and fundraising to raise money that supports financial assistance and access to South Shore YMCA programs and camps for children and families in the area.
“This is the last time we’ll be celebrating The Taste together in Lombardo’s historic ballroom, and we are going out in style,” said event co-chair, Julie Ellis, who owns The Chef’s Table with her husband, Executive Chef Mark Ellis. “It’s going to be one big party as the chefs once again bring their A-game with mind-blowing dishes and drinks. Nowhere else will you get a chance to socialize and get served personally by the executive chefs of your favorite restaurants. It’s just phenomenal.”
To register for The Taste of the South Shore or for more information on sponsorship and ways to participate, visit ssymca.org/taste.
About The Taste of the South Shore 2023
The Taste of the South Shore is the South Shore YMCA’s signature fundraising and tasting event, gathering over 30 of the area’s top restaurants, bakeries, breweries and distilleries to donate their time and talents to raise money that supports children’s programming at the South Shore YMCA.
- Wednesday, April 26, 2023
- Food & Beverage Tasting 6PM-10PM | Doors open at 5:30pm for Cocktails
- Lombardo’s Ballroom, 6 Billings Street, Randolph, MA
- Emcee: Billy Costa of Kiss 108FM
- Co-Chairs: Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef, Alma Nove and Julie Ellis, Owner, The Chef’s Table
- Host: David Lombardo, Lombardo’s Hospitality Group
- Admission: $125 per person
- Register: ssymca.org/taste
- Business Sponsorships: Contact Mary Orne, Chief Development Officer, morne@ssymca.org
About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
