Traversing Bird Rock in search of dinner may incite one to desire a smorgasbord of ribs from Bully’s, pasta from Lupi’s, Pad Thai from La Thai Basil Cuisine and a lick of something sweet from Bird Rock Yogurt.
For one night, that dream will materialize at the fourth annual Taste of Bird Rock, scheduled for next Thursday, July 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. along La Jolla Boulevard. Oh, and feasters can have their cake, too; the evening will also celebrate Bird Rock’s 100 birthday with a community-size cake.
Nine restaurants will open their doors for samples, including Bully’s, Lupi’s, La Thai Basil Cuisine, the French Pastry Shop, JJ’s Pizza & Deli, Starbucks, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and Bird Rock Yogurt.
Jazz tunes, four-part harmony and rock will float along the boulevard as the Big Provider, the Barbershop Quartet and the Banjo Bums perform for diners.
Merchants will open their shops, offering free mini-massages, special sales and giveaways, eyebrow waxes and demonstrations of bracelet making, cooking, yoga and Pilates.
“It’s a great way to check out what the Bird Rock community has to offer,” event co-chair Lindsay Arellano said.
Children will also be in for a treat with an Astro jump, games, magicians, clowns, face painting, a mini-animal carnival, balloons and a popcorn machine.
All proceeds from the evening will go to Bird Rock Elementary and another city school yet to be determined. Bird Rock Community Council is running the event, and has already received $17,500. Barratt America, developers of the Sea Haus condo project, is the lead sponsor, with a $5,000 donation. Last year’s profits capped at $13,900.
The community can also chip in by having their names written on one of the 100 birthday candles for $100. Beyond monetary contributions, Bird Rock Elementary third-graders also showed their appreciation for the area by competing in an artwork/prose contest themed “100 Ways to Love Bird Rock.” Caroline Feeney won the art section, and Margaret Haerr came in first in the prose contest.
Tickets sold out early last year, and coordinators advise the public to purchase in advance. More than 1,000 people strolled the boulevard in 2005.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Children under age 3 eat free.
Taste of Bird Rock will stretch between Midway Street and Camino de la Costa. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 5627 La Jolla Blvd.; La Jolla Mailboxes, 5666 La Jolla Blvd.; or on the day of the event.
For more information call (858) 335-5778.