PALMDALE – Cool, breezy weather, a rainbow of aromas, and a relaxing atmosphere greeted event goers who came out to enjoy the 4th Annual Taste of Palmdale Thursday evening.
“It’s something different to do in Palmdale,” said Palmdale resident Tammy Edwards. “The food is good and it’s a nice atmosphere.
“It’s interesting to see the different vendors that are out here as far as the foods and the restaurants because a lot of them I didn’t know about,” said Palmdale resident Michelle Johnson.
With 27 participating restaurants offering everything from soul food to Mediterranean cuisine, there was something for every palette.
“We have rib tips, black eyed peas, jambalaya and bread pudding topped with our brandy sauce,” said Carl Porter, of Bayou Bar B Que. “I look forward to sharing some of the southern dishes with the people here in California.”
“I’ve been here since the beginning,” said Lea Graffeo, of Fresco II Restaurant Mediterranean Cuisine. “It’s a really nice event to get everybody together and have a little wine, music, great food and have everybody showcase what they got.”
Attendees moved swiftly from tent to tent, stopping just long enough to sample the many items on each menu. When asked, many couldn’t settle on just one dish.
“The seafood gumbo [Terry Fayes Soul Food] knocked me out,” said artist Glen Knowles of the Glen Knowles Studio. “I liked the brushcetta at 14 (El Tapatio Restaurant) too. Those are my two top picks so far.”
Another hit with event goers was the entertainment. Many came out to see the night’s featured performer Gina Eckstine.
“I’ve heard Gina Eckstine perform and I wanted to hear her again,” said Palmdale resident Barbara McNairy. “I’m tasting the food, drinking the wine and having a good time.”
For McNairy the event also proved a welcomed distraction to a hectic work week.
“I’m a sixth grade teacher at Joshua Hills School,” she said. “We just had back to school night last night and now I’m just here relaxing and having an ‘ahhh’ moment.”
For the first time in its four-year history, the Taste of Palmdale added local artists and six participating wineries to its lineup.
“We added the wineries and that’s a big plus,” Event Chairman Ralph Vasquez said. “We just keep getting better.”
For a complete gallery of pictures from the Taste of Palmdale, visit our facebook page.
Update 9/16/11: The winners of the Taste of Palmdale are as follows:
- Best Restaurant – Fresco II Restaurant
- Best Caterer – LeMaes’ Fine Cuisine Catering
- Best Dessert – Nadia Cakes
Stacia Nemeth says
The Palmdale Chamber of Commerce hosted this event and secured a liquor license, liquor liability insurance, and a temporary use permit. Sheriff’s officers were in attendance as security. Poncitlan Square is a lovely setting for our Taste of Palmdale event.