After going virtual for two years during the pandemic, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s (DLBA) food tasting event Taste of Downtown is live and in-person once again, offering attendees the chance to sample the diversity of Downtown Long Beach’s culinary culture in one location.
The first Taste of Downtown installment of 2022 is set for the East Village on May 25 an d 26, from 6 PM to 10 PM. Admission is free, and tasting tickets for individual food samples are $1 a piece. Live music and entertainment will make the evening even tastier. The event will also include a Maker’s Mart area featuring local retailers. Tickets can be purchased on the day of each event, or attendees can avoid the line and buy online in advance through Eventbrite.
The Taste of Downtown event is being sponsored by The Auld Dubliner, George’s Greek Cafe, Jersey Mike’s Downtown, The Ordinarie, Padre, Pedal Movement, Rosemallows & Fonda Tobala and Coldwell Banker Commercial BLAIR. Beverage participants include Beachwood Brewing and Hi-Lo. See below for a list of participating restaurants.
“We are very excited for this opportunity,” said Sahadia Auguste, who co-runs Cheri’s Caribbean Kitchen at 900 Long Beach Boulevard. “We are all so eager to get outside this summer, and the Taste of Downtown series is the perfect way to sample the great food Long Beach has to offer while transitioning back into our normal activities.”
Taste of Downtown has been a recurring DLBA Signature Event since 2009. Frank Buono, who owns and operates Buono’s Pizzeria at 250 West Ocean Boulevard, has served his Italian fare in almost every Taste of Downtown since the event’s inception. He is excited to see Taste of Downtown going live again.
“We are thrilled to be participating in the 2022 Taste of Downtown,” said Buono. “It’s a great opportunity for us. We meet a lot of new customers and we love seeing our regulars as well. It’s a lot of fun and we really appreciate the chance to market our brand.”
Here is a list of restaurants that have signed on so far:
- Auld Dubliner
- Bistro Bar
- Breakfast Bar
- Cheri’s Carribean
- Daily Dose
- George’s Greek Cafe
- Ladie Kakes
- LB Taco
- McDowell’s Soul Food & Barbeque
- Mobile Wine Bar SoCal
- Jersey Mike’s Downtown
- The Ordinarie
- Padre
- Rosemallows & Fonda Tobala
- Torisho
- Utopia
After visiting the East Village this month, Taste of Downtown will return to Pine Avenue and The Promenade on July 27 and 28, and will happen on the Downtown Waterfront on August 24 and 25. Maker’s Mart, a unique craft market featuring the wares of a plethora of local crafters and vendors, will be happening on 1st Street the afternoon before the East Village edition.
As the weather warms and the daylight extends further into the evening hours, Downtown becomes a wonderful place to dine al fresco. Join fellow foodies this month and during the summer for Taste of Downtown, one of the best culinary festivals the Southland has to offer.