theTaste

There’s something about the way great food and drinks bring people together. On Friday, March 7th, that idea played out beautifully

at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club, where over 400 residents from Fairview, Lucas, and nearby neighborhoods gathered for the theTaste, a celebration of local flavor, community, and connection.

Organized by theMagazine, in partnership with Heritage Ranch and Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, theTaste wasn’t just another food event. Instead, it was part reunion, part discovery, part culinary adventure. “It felt like you were being welcomed into someone’s home,” one guest remarked. “Except the home had over 25 kitchens, and they were all amazing.”

Across a packed clubhouse, ballroom, and back patio, guests wandered booth to booth, sampling small plates from more than two dozen local eateries. There was no single cuisine dominating the night, but instead a mosaic of what makes our local food scene so diverse.

Deviled eggs and dirty nachos. Barbecue and hand- baked cookies. Hot honey chicken sliders and fried dumplings. The diversity on display mirrored the diversity of the people: retirees and young families, longtime residents and recent arrivals, foodies and curious first-timers.

What stood out, though, wasn’t just the food; it was who was serving it. General managers, chefs, and owners, some of whom are also residents, weren’t hiding behind kitchen doors; they were out front, greeting guests, answering questions, sharing laughs, and in some cases, jumping in for photos. Their pride was palpable, as was their appreciation for the chance to showcase their work and give back to a community that proudly supports them.

Heritage Ranch, a 55+ community often seen as tucked away from the more youthful hustle and bustle outside of its gates, proved to be the ideal host. For one evening, the clubhouse transformed into a cross-generational gathering space. We sometimes forget that many parents and grandparents live behind its gates—like HR residents Renee and Gene Jantzen, who have a total of six grandchildren, all of whom attend Lovejoy.

The deeper purpose behind theTaste gave the evening greater heart. With proceeds donated by theMagazine, benefiting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, the event raised over $12,000 to support educators and students across the district. It’s not every day you get to indulge your appetite while investing in the next generation, but on this night, every bite counted.

“TheTaste is a fantastic community event where neighbors gather to connect and sample delicious foods from local restaurants—all while supporting our schools,” shared Henri Friloux, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools board member.

We’re happy to report that plans are in motion. The 2nd Annual theTaste is scheduled for Friday, March 6th, 2026, once again at Heritage Ranch. And if this year’s response is any indication, you might want to mark your calendar early.

In a time when we’re constantly connected but often feel apart, theTaste was a welcome reminder that face-to-face as a community matters. Local matters. Sitting down, or standing up, with your neighbors over something delicious matters.

Thank you to all of our partners and participating restaurants. Without you, this event would not be possible. See you next year!