Folks enjoyed a culinary extravaganza in downtown Suffolk on Thursday.

The Rotary Club of Suffolk held Nosh on the Nansemond at Constant’s Wharf Park Thursday afternoon. The culinary event was originally organized as an annual United Way fundraiser from 2004 to 2007, raising about $100,000 during those four years.

“We felt that the Rotary Club was in need of a signature event,” said Suffolk Rotary Club member Margie Wiley. “It also provides an opportunity to showcase different restaurants.”

Mason’s Grill and Smokehouse, Plaid Turnip, Baron’s Pub, Rajput, That Good BBQ, Mosaic and Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront provided free food samples to hungry ticketholders. Un’Corkd and Hoffman Beverage Company provided patrons wine and beer.

“They are donating the food and the time for being out here to support the Rotary Club,” Wiley said. “Nosh is an event celebrating the food we have in Suffolk, with a little bit of wine and beer.”

Baron’s Pub brought savory North Carolina barbecue sliders. Owner Mike Williams said he was happy to help the Rotary Club and the community.

“That’s what I’m here for,” Williams said. “Bringing our product and services on the Nansemond and helping with a good cause.”

About 250 tickets were sold leading up to the event, Wiley said, each for $25. The money raised will go towards scholarships and local organizations such as Western Tidewater Free Clinic.

Wiley said the club is looking to raise just under $10,000.

“All of it goes back to the community here in Suffolk,” she said.

Suffolk residents Doug and Linda Bradshaw were some of the many ticketholders that had satisfied taste buds while listening to music by the Nansemond River. She especially enjoyed a serving of sweet potato biscuits.

“I never had it before, and it was amazing,” she said.

Doug Bradshaw summed up their experience.

“It’s great food, great music and good people,” he said.

Mosaic executive chef Josh Nicol was impressed by the range of food offered at the event, from Southern recipes to traditional Indian offerings. He said it’s a great opportunity for both new and seasoned restaurants in Suffolk to get the attention of local diners.

“I think it’s a good way for people to get their names out there and show people what we have to offer,” he said.

Suffolk Rotary Club president Donald Luzzatto said he was glad see so many people attend the tasting. He said the club will continue the event to raise awareness about its community impact.

“This is the first time we’ve done this, but it won’t be the last,” he said.

A panel of judges determined winners among the restaurants. Virginia Eats & Drinks magazine founder and “Eat-itor-in-Chief” Patrick Evans-Hylton selected his Critics Choice winners: That Good BBQ, Hilton Garden Inn and Plaid Turnip.

“The most important thing is that it’s a lot of folks supporting local restaurants,” Evans-Hylton said. “That’s always a good thing.”

He said the event could become a premier event for the city.

“It’s a good time to have taste buds in Suffolk,” he said.