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By Vince Meehan
The Taste of North Park returns to Uptown as a fundraiser for North Park Main Street on Saturday, October 9th, 11 am-3pm. The popular self-guided restaurant tour is back for foodies and culinary aficionados from across San Diego. In addition to featuring food from over 30 of North Park’s iconic restaurants, the event also features street musicians and live art along the walking route.
“This event is about helping our local businesses and the community,” said Angela Landsberg, executive director of North Park Main Street (NPMS). “The income from ticket sales goes directly to municipal improvements such as graffiti control, high-pressure cleaning on sidewalks and other beautification projects.”
Ronnie Schwandt, Executive Chef at Verbena (photo courtesy of Verbena)
Time and again, the Taste of North Park is one of the most popular Uptown events, drawing people from all over San Diego. Gourmets can stroll from place to place and sample canapes from restaurants such as a culinary trick-or-treat event. This year’s participating restaurants include Encontro, One Door North, and new places like Verbena and Tabu Shabu.
Ronnie Schwandt is Executive Chef at Verbena and is looking forward to attending his first Taste of North Park event.
“I’m delighted to be attending the Taste of North Park for the first time and giving North Park a small bite of Verbena,” said Schwandt. “As a brand new restaurant, we look forward to meeting everyone in the community. I’m also excited to be part of an event that brings people to the streets and supports local shops and restaurants. We need all the support we can get! “
Of course, North Park is also famous for its numerous local craft breweries, and many will be represented at the Taste of North Park, which serves four ounce tasters as well as distinctive soft drinks. Virginia Morrison is the co-founder and CEO of North Park’s Second Chance Beer Company and is excited to support the community.
“Taste of North Park is an example of what makes the North Park community such a vibrant and attractive place for a small business. The North Park Main Street Association is doing a great job connecting residents with our business community, ”said Morrison.
Mike Hess, Original 40 Brewing Company, North Park Beer Co., and Second Chance will all be in attendance to freshen up thirsty tasting attendees. Many local musicians and street performers will perform for guests along the route, and parking is available at North Park Parking for an all-day parking rate of $ 5.
Landsberg says many of the non-food boutiques in the neighborhood will also have specials in connection with the event. “Attendees’ purchases while drinking and shopping at the event are a great way to support local businesses. If each of us spent $ 100 more a year on local businesses than chain stores, it would add an extra $ 3 million to our economy annually. And not only that, it would create thousands more jobs as well. “
As in previous years, NPMS relies on an army of proud volunteers to help grow their local businesses. Anyone interested in helping out as a beer pourer is encouraged to volunteer at northparkmainstreet.org. All volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and receive a Taste of North Park souvenir t-shirt and an invitation to a special volunteer recognition party. Tickets to the event are available online or on the morning of the event at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 3725 30th Street
See bit.ly/3ibQfOc for more information.
– Vince Meehan can be reached at vinniemeehan@gmail.com.
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