‘Taste of New Canaan Stroll’ Kicks Off Thursday Evening

This year’s Taste of New Canaan Stroll kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday at Stewart’s Wine & Spirits on Elm Street (tickets available here).

Presented by the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, the annual event sees participants choose their own self-guided foodie (and beverage) tour of the downtown.

We put some questions to longtime participant and sponsor Doug Stewart of Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewart’s Wine & Spirits ahead of the Stroll.

Here’s our exchange.

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New Canaanite: For those who have not experienced it before, describe the Taste of New Canaan Stroll. How does it work?

Doug Stewart: The Stroll is a “Food Raiser” for New Canaan Food Pantry. Participants will donate to the Food Pantry by selecting one of three Tours: Taste, Wine Trail or Family Fiesta. The event kicks off this Thursday, Aug. 22 between 5 and 6:30 p.m. at Stewarts Wine & Spirits, right next door to Walter Stewart’s at 215 Elm St. Ticket holders will check in to receive the map of their chosen tour as well as a bracelet that identifies that they have donated. With map in hand, they will walk through downtown and sample some of the best food and drink New Canaan has to offer. 

Walter Stewart’s is a longtime sponsor of this event (among many others). What makes Stewart’s want to get involved in the Taste of New Canaan Stroll?

First of all, it’s a great cause. Last year we were able to deliver $6,000 of groceries  (sold at our cost) to the New Canaan Food Pantry. And the event is a lot of fun! It brings the community together. This year presented us an additional opportunity to be the launch point for the event. Stewart’s Wine & Spirits and Walter Stewart’s will be offering wine & cheese samples to kick off the stroll.

What are some of the highlights of this year’s Stroll?

Over 20 businesses are participating across the three tours. On the Food Tour—Taste and Family Fiesta—you can expect both sweet and savory samples and those on the Wine Trail will be able to sample a wide range of varietals. 

What should families with young kids know about their options to experience the Stroll?

The Family Fiesta tour is a perfect way for the under 18 crowd to try foods that will expand but not overwhelm their palates! There are 11 locations on the Family Fiesta Tour which will fill up a couple of hours but no pressure to make all the stops!