Restaurant Rally back on fall menu
Event: Conshohocken’s Restaurant Rally back on menu to benefit Special Athletics programs
The popular event that benefits AMBUCS is back, scheduled for Sept. 26 from noon to 4:30 p.m.
At press time, the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo were well underway, and this summer’s medal-winners were already making news around the world. On the other hand, participants in Conshohocken AMBUCS’ Special Athletics Programs are unlikely to attract global headlines. But the lack of international attention does nothing to diminish their achievements.
ASAP was established 35 years ago and currently includes approximately 170 athletes affected by physical or intellectual challenges. Not surprisingly, the group has spent much of the past yearand-a-half on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 also forced the cancellation of its signature fundraiser – Conshohocken AMBUCS’ yearly Restaurant Rally – in 2020. But the hugelypopular event is back… scheduled for Sept. 26 from noon to 4:30 p.m. and already looking to be the same hit it’s been since local gastronomes began eating and drinking their way along the annual food crawl 14 years ago.
“People really missed it last year, and, of course, it just wasn’t something we could do in the middle of the pandemic,” says AMBUCS spokesman Vince Flocco who coordinates ASAP. “But with the number of people vaccinated and comfortable with the idea of masks and social distancing protocols, we decided to go ahead with it…even though we normally do it in May.”
Rally tickets are $60 each and cover stops at some 20 restaurants and specialty shops with sampling options that range from Italian and Mexican to Thai and Hawaiian. Some stops offer beer, wine or specialty drinks. Registration and pre-rally noshing are set for 11 a.m. to noon at Great American Pub’s ballroom, 123 Fayette St. The day’s route is walkable, but shuttle buses will be available. The Rally concludes with voting for the “Best of the Rally” people’s choice award.
“Because of the pandemic’s (impact) on some businesses, some of the restaurants that used to participate have gone out of business – for example, Tierra Caliente and Fayette Street Grille – and some others can’t (participate) because of staffing issues, but as of right now, we also have a few new places…like PokeOno and Conshohocken Candy,” Flocco says.
The event is co-sponsored by Greater Conshohocken Chamber of Commerce, also known as Love Conshy.
“The restaurants and businesses in town really get behind this and support this,” Flocco says.
“They contribute the food and, in some cases, complimentary drinks…and some even kick in gift certificates we can use as door prizes.”
Among this year’s lineup:
• Bar Lucca, 729 E. Hector St.
• PokeOno, 103 Fayette St.
• Coyote Crossing, 800 Spring Mill Ave.
• Edwards-Freeman Nut Co., 441 E. Hector St.
• Guppy’s Good Times, 2 Maple St.
• Trattoria Totaro, 639 Spring Mill Ave.
• Flanigan’s Boathouse, 113 Fayette St.
• StoneRose Restaurant, 822 Fayette St.
• Brunch, 521 Fayette St.
• Deli on 4th, 326 Fayette St.
• Conshohocken Candy Company, 108½ Fayette St.
• Chiangmai Thai Cuisine, 108 Fayette St.
• Southern Cross Kitchen, 8 E. First Ave.
• Pepperoncini’s Restaurant & Bar, 72 Poplar St.
• Izenberg’s Deli, 401 Fayette St.
• Tony & Joe’s Pizza, 203 Fayette St.
• Ashley’s Italian Deli, 900 Fayette St.
• Viggiano’s Italian Restaurant, 16 E. First Ave.
• Jasper’s Backyard, 101 E. 7th Ave.
Flocco emphasizes that all proceeds support ASAP practices, competitions and special events, which, generally, fall under the umbrella of the Montgomery County Special Olympics program. Offerings include aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling longdistance running and walking, track and field, softball and volleyball – “for all ages and ability levels.”
“It’s been frustrating, because we’ve had to put just about everything on hold except long-distance running and walking during the pandemic,” Flocco continues. “But we’re beginning to start up again… with bowling on Sept. 12, aquatics in October and basketball in December… all according to the protocols established by Special Olympics.”
Restaurant Rally tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite at Conshohocken AMBUCS’ Facebook page and in-person at Flocco’s Shoes, Clothes and Formal Wear, 110 Fayette St. Additional information about the Rally or ASAP, including volunteer opportunities, is available at 610-828-6904.