It's almost that time again when people can fill their bellies with their various dishes -- from Jamaican jerk and West Indian roti to tasty Bermudian chowder and Portuguese pastry.

And they will even be able to pick up some of those delicious little homemade donuts.

On May 25, during Heritage weekend, the West End Development Corporation will have its fourth annual Taste of Bermuda Festival in Dockyard.

One can expect to see several food stalls and lots of entertainment by various groups -- one of which is aimed at children.

"It is going to be a very, very exciting tasters day,'' food organiser and "Curious Cook'' Edward Bottone said.

He added: "We are in our fourth year and it is a day in which we celebrate good old Bermudian home cooking.

"We will have dishes from the basic Bermudian menu like fish 'n' chips, fish sandwiches, codfish cakes, macaroni and cheese, chicken, Portuguese specialities and fresh baked goods.'' Mr. Bottone said there will be a special booth devoted to vegetarian cooking, West Indian and Jamaican specialities which will include meat patties, curried goat, jerk chicken and pork. There will also be all time favourites like hamburgers and hotdogs, freshly made donuts, and snow cones.

"I am also hoping to get some fish chowder and shark hash.'' He added: "Taste of Bermuda is designed to be a family fun day to get everyone out on heritage weekend. We want them to immerse themselves in their culture and have good things to eat and be thoroughly entertained from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come by boat, ferry, bus or bike whatever you choose but be sure to come.

"Some of the participants are Jamaican Grill, Bermuda Chefs Association, Pirates Landing, Yardies Variety, Freeport Restaurant Mad Man's pasta, Atlantic Paradise and more.'' Asked how Taste of Bermuda began, Mr. Bottone said the actual tasters' day was the event that gave birth to Culture Fest that is now in October.

"We wanted to do something for Heritage month with a focus on cooking that is typically Bermudian. This way we get two festivals a year one to start the season ad one to put the icing on the cake at the end of the season.

"This is the fourth Taste of Bermuda and every year it gets better and better attended. People love to eat and drink in a family way, in an accessible enjoyable family-oriented way.'' Mr. Bottone added: "Food never fails to bring people together -- it is the universal language.'' West End Development Corporation special event coordinator Miranda Gilbert said there will be an interesting line-up for entertainment.

"We are having a group doing Morris Dancing which is a mixture of dancing and they will do two shows. We also have a steel band from Clay House and the Piece of the Rock band will be playing some fun soca music.

"The Right Stuff which is a duo will be singing children's songs that are fun and encourage children to participate.

"We also have the Xtasy show band, the Bermuda Boot Scooters, and Kathi Laurencio,'' Ms Gilbert said.

She added: "The public can expect a broad range for everyone's taste and style. We try to cater to everyone from young and old and we hope everyone will be able to sit off and enjoy the food and entertainment for the afternoon. Entertainment starts at 11 a.m.'' To date some 15 operators and restaurateurs have applied to set up their individual food tents on the Clocktower Parade, and Mr. Bottone would like to hear, as soon as possible, from any other organisation interested in taking part.

Dockyard will remain open throughout the Heritage weekend, with stores and attractions opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days and the restaurants functioning normally.

The three-day Heritage weekend will also feature the St. George's Sailing Regatta on Saturday May 24 and the Heritage Day Parade on Monday May 26.