City Hall became the culinary heart of the island yesterday as Taste of Bermuda’s Tasting Village event returned.

While the threat of wet weather forced the City of Hamilton to push the event back by an hour, the rain eased up by the time festivities kicked off, with crowds of people visiting to try out the offerings. There were about 30 vendors including wholesalers, restaurants and caterers.

Michiko Campbell, of Chiko’s Catering, said he was happy with the turnout at the event and the number of people stopping by the stall to sample his food.

He said: “We make local fish with home-made buns, and instead of the big fish sandwich, we have made a mini one. It’s a great way of advertising the products we have and branching out so everybody knows what we are.

“We have been getting a lot of people who want fish sandwiches. We are also doing loaded nachos, and we have been doing a lot of fries for the kids.”

Mr Campbell added that events like the food festival give the public a better idea of the variety of options available on the island.

Jeff Sousa, of Sousa’s Spring Rolls, said he was happy to see the weather turn around in time for the event to start up.

He said: “A lot of planning went into this, and of course weather is one thing we can’t control. They changed the time just slightly to work with the weather.”

Mr Sousa added that it was the business’s first time taking part in Taste of Bermuda and that such events were important for entrepreneurs starting out.

“It allows the public to taste our food,” he said. “Not everyone has a bricks-and-mortar restaurant, which everyone knows is expensive to do, so it gives you that opportunity like Harbour Nights.

“This is the biggest tasting event that we have in Bermuda and we need more events like this.”

Elaine Lima, of Kebobs on the Curve, said the business was excited to take part in the event.

She said: “It’s nice to see everybody out. I think they did a great job setting everybody up with nice signage.

“It’s great exposure for us. We are the little guy, so it’s a great chance for people who have not been to our shop on Curving Avenue to try our product. Of course we are also on Five Star and Sargasso, so folks who can’t make it to the shop can order delivery.”

Marley Simons, of mobile cocktail business Toast and Taste, said she was grateful that the weather was holding up for the event.

She said: “It’s a great opportunity to bring people together. We need more events to support unity and bring people out in a great atmosphere like this.

“It’s also a great opportunity for small vendors like us to support each other.

“So far, the response has been excellent. We have always had great feedback.”