Q&A With The Taste Of Mystic's Harp & Dragon Pub

In just a few short weeks, more than 30 restaurants and food providers will set up booths along Cottrell Street for the . The three-day event featuring food samples and entertainment from around the region begins at 5 p.m. on Sept. 7, and continues until 5 p.m., Sept. 9.

The Harp & Dragon in Norwich is one of the new restaurants to this year’s Taste. General Manager Laurie Trainor shared with Patch what she is looking forward to about the 2012 Taste of Mystic and what dish you have to try.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the Taste of Mystic this year?
A: We are so excited to be able to participate in the Taste of Mystic this year! It’s a great event that brings people from surrounding communities to one spot to try all the great restaurant selections from southeastern Connecticut. We wanted to gain some exposure and bring attention to Harp and Dragon's off-site catering ability as well as share some of the traditional Irish fare that we do on a daily basis in our pub.

Q: What are you looking forward to about the Taste?
A: I think the thing that we look forward to the most about the Taste is the energy that radiates through all of Cottrell Street. It gives us the ability to network with other local restaurants and citizens from surrounding communities.

Q: What is your can’t miss dish people should try?
A: Our to die for Corned Beef and Cabbage. It doesn't have to be St. Patty’s Day to enjoy corned beef.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant besides your own participating at the taste?
A: As far as a favorite can't miss spot to stop for a treat Mystic Rotary Club’s Dell's Lemonade. There is no better treat on a hot day than a cool crisp frozen Dell's Lemonade. Reminds me of my childhood in Mystic when we would grab a Dell’s and sit on the old boardwalk and watch the boats pass by.

This year Patch will be sponsoring the People’s Choice Award at the Taste of Mystic. During the three-day festival Taste goers will be able to text their votes and see a live leader board on Patch. Check back with Patch and the for more information as the 2012 Taste of Mystic gets closer.