Tastiest Event of the Year Brings Community Together for Birthday Bash

D Street Bar & Grill, Winner of 2009 People's Choice Award

August 2010

In honor of the 21st birthday of the Taste of MainStreet event, the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association and participating restaurants are giving the community a reason to celebrate!

After 20 years of serving up the finest samplings of delectable delights, Taste of MainStreet is stepping it up a notch. This year, ticket holders are treated to happy hour prices and signature cocktails at a special rate at participating establishments. Now you have a reason to celebrate like it’s your 21st birthday.

Another reason to purchase the unbelievably affordable $25 ticket is the variety and creativity of food choices during the event. Participants are treated to the culinary creations of 40 different eateries. From Jamroc 101’s Caribbean flair to the laid back Swami’s Café you never know what the chef will prepare for the night’s samplings.

Newcomers Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria and East Village Asian Diner are joining downtown favorites such as Trattoria  I Trulli and Roxy Restaurant to provide an international flair this year.  This year’s expanded offering is sure to please even he most discerning food critics. In fact, for the second year in a row participants are able to cast their ballot for the People’s Choice Award.

More than just award-winning food, Taste of MainStreet is a celebration of the downtown community. “We’ve gone for several years because it’s a great way to familiarize ourselves with the different restaurants and also to just enjoy the environment,” said June Spirito, an Encinitas resident.

Even residents from neighboring communities get in on the festivities. “I came out one year to have dinner with a friend and we were surprised to see all the commotion,” said Jennifer Cabrini of Oceanside. “I loved the way people were walking the length of the downtown area and literally eating their way to the end and back again,” she said. “I’m definitely going to get tickets for my mom and I this year.”

What better way to spend a Thursday night than eating and drinking with friends in a festive atmosphere? The event wouldn’t be complete without live music. This year, seven varied live performers will play for the crowds at stations along Highway 101. The musical acts are suited to each location with everything from reggae to folk in the line-up. “Creating an event this popular takes the entire community,” said Peter Lindsey, who frequents area restaurants. “DEMA clearly does a lot of work putting this together, but it takes the excitement of the residents and the commitment and creativity of the chefs to pull it all off.”

With only 1000 tickets available, the event is a sell out each year. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring your friends and family to the Taste of MainStreet on August 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.