The seventh annual Taste of North Pacific Beach promises a bigger bang for the buck with more participating restaurants and eateries than ever before, along with a brand new show. Slated for Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., attendees can sample an assortment of food and drink in a variety of styles ranging from French to Hawaiian and from Italian to American at the 17 restaurants and outlets in this year’s festival. With tickets priced at $15 per adult ($7 for children five to 10 years old), that’s less than $1 per restaurant if a person visits each one. “It’s the best deal in town as far as cost per restaurant,” said Laura Daly, the event’s chairwoman. “It is a steal. You cannot participate in this event and go home hungry.” The event is organized by the Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools and all proceeds from the event benefit various programs and special events at Mission Bay High School and Pacific Beach middle and elementary schools. Although the event has expanded from the 12 businesses involved in the original taste, Daly said the ticket price has remained unchanged. Daly expects all 700 tickets to sell and recommends that visitors come early to savor all the flavors and enjoy other activities like concerts performed by school bands on the front lawn of the Turquoise Animal Hospital. Tickets are punched once at each restaurant and a map detailing the locations of each restaurant and activity is printed on the back of the ticket. Restaurants tend to highlight either the best or newest items from the menu. For example, The French Gourmet restaurant and bakery will be offering samples of braised short ribs with fresh potatoes and miniature chocolate eclairs. French Gourmet owner Michel Malecot has been with the event from the start and watched it grow into a community staple. Although he appreciates the exposure his restaurant garners, Malecot said he participates to support the schools where some of his employees’ children attend. “Everyone is joining and the businesses on the block are festive,” he said. For those who want to satisfy another taste without it going to the waist, the event will have an art show for the first time, displaying pieces by talented students working in a variety of mediums and styles. The works will be featured at the Gallery at Land’s End and can also be seen at Java Earth Cafe and Turquoise Coffee. Tickets can be purchased in advance at four Pacific Beach locales: Java Earth Cafe, Leilani’s Cafe, Pernicano’s Family Restaurant and Turquoise Coffee. If any remain, tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at the Turquoise Animal Hospital. “There’s such a community feel to it when you’re on the street seeing so many familiar people,” Daly said. “It has that small-town feel.” Taste of North Pacific Beach Art and Restaurant Walk Where: North Pacific Beach, in the general area of the intersection of Turquoise and Cass streets When: Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 per adult; $7 for children between five and 10 years old; free for children under five Information: (858) 270-4947