Twelve downtown Long Beach restaurants participated in the first-ever “Taste of Downtown” on Pine Avenue on Wed., Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors were able to stroll between 1st and 4th street and enjoy the sample size portions of their signature dishes along with ongoing music, dancing , and drinking.

Long Beach diners were able to purchase tickets at the event for $1 each or 12 tickets for $10 that they were able to redeem for food and drinks at the participating establishments.

In addition to the delicious food, two bands, – Rally for One and Jay Buchanan – performed live music continuously throughout the event. Rally for One rocked the lively crowd outside of Smooth’s, playing several popular cover songs and keeping the crown energetic until the last hours of the event.  Jay Buchanan attracted diners at the opposite end in front of Starbucks with no amplification to create a real “street scene” vibe. With their array of instruments and a stand up bass player, the duo mesmerized onlookers with perfect harmonies that echoed in the allies and hushed loud- mouthed crowds.

Esther McCurry, marketing and special events assistant manager for the Downtown Long Beach associates, said using local artists was a priority to them when planning the event.

“We wanted to use the artists from the SAM (Summer and Music) series because we got a great response,” McCurry said. “We wanted to use local musicians who were part of the community and add an ambiance to the street as well.”

Most restaurants had tables set up in front of their building as not to disturb regular business, therefore eating and not making a mess was a bit of a challenge. Restaurants such as King’s Fish House sampled their spicy tuna roll and savory ahi poke while Hooters served up traditional hot wings and celery.  Alondra’s Hot Wings however, offered full mini pizzas, tables inside the restaurant, and a comfort-food delight: deep fried cheese balls, which was a nice change of pace to the speed dining element of the event. To wash it all down, It’s a Grind delivered blended mochas and pumpkin lattes to pair with Pinkberry’s sweet frozen yogurt and choice of topping.

The Taste of Downtown was sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Associates and was a huge success. The “Taste” will return in March at the Waterfront Hilton and again in July at another location to be announced.

“We were very pleased this first time around,” McCurry said. “The event exceeded our expectations on all accounts.”

Written by LBCC journalism student Jenny DuBois
Photos by event coordinator Ashley Hectus