With its busy roadways and strip malls, Cooksville might be thought of as simply a place to pass through. But a new festival aims to change that perception by shining a light on Cooksville's culinary chops.

Taste of Cooksville, which will feature some of the Mississauga neighbourhood's star eateries, is launching Sept. 22 and will close off Dundas Street East between Camilla Street and Hurontario Street.

At the festival announcement, Ward 7 Coun. Dipika Damerla called restaurants in the neighbourhood a "foodies' dream come true."

"It's really time to let everyone know that some of the best food in the GTA is right here in Cookville," she said.

Restaurants participating in the festival so far include My Empanada, Master Biryani and Grill and Pho Do Thi.

Damerla said the response for the festival so far has been strong. And with plans in place to establish a Cooksville Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Ward 7 councillor hopes the festival will encourage businesses to organize.

"I think one of the things that Cooksville does need is a BIA so all the businesses can come together to market Cooksville and promote it as a destination for great food for example," she said.

"This festival I'm hoping will also help businesses understand the power of promoting an area."

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