Tempt your taste buds while supporting a good cause by participating in the fourth annual Taste of North Pacific Beach fundraiser Wednesday, Feb. 27.
The self-guided culinary walking tour benefits the Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools (FOPBSS), the parent-teacher organization representing Pacific Beach Middle School and Mission Bay High School.
“It’s a win-win,” said FOPBSS treasurer Kerry Upp. “We get to make some money. The restaurants get to showcase their food and the community has a fun evening.”
Several North Pacific Beach businesses will participate in the annual event, including:
“¢ Chocolate Haus, 947 Turquoise St.
“¢ Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise St.
“¢ Chronic Smoothies, 847 Turquoise St., Suite G
“¢ French Gourmet, 960 Turquoise St.
“¢ Froggy’s Bar & Grill, 954 Turquoise St.
“¢ GWhiz, 929 Turquoise St.
“¢ Java Jones, 4978 Cass St.
“¢ Latitude 32° Pub & Grill, 5019 Cass St.
“¢ Leilani’s Café, 5109 Cass St.
“¢ Pernicano’s, 711 Turquoise St.
“¢ Rafaela’s Italian Restaurant, 5119 Cass St.
“¢ San Diego Coffee Tea & Spice, 5026 Cass St.
“¢ Service Deli at Albertson’s, 730 Turquoise St.
“¢ Tacos Mi Rancho, 5010 Cass St.
“¢ Turquoise Coffee, 841 Turquoise St.
“¢ The Turquoise Café Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St.
“¢ 7-Eleven, 4983 Cass St.
The walk gives diners the opportunity to sample fare from some of their favorite local eateries as well as try out places they may not otherwise go.
Not to be forgotten, Dr. Atkinson and the Turquoise Animal hospital will be offering treats for Pacific Beach’s furry friends, as well as hosting the Mission Bay High School Jazz Band.
According to FOPBSS President Laura Daly, last year’s nearly sell-out restaurant walk made more than $7,500 that was split evenly between Pacific Beach Elementary, PB Middle School and Mission Bay High School. The funds were incorporated into the schools’ budgets and used to supplement various programs.
Events such as the restaurant walk are even more critical now as schools are facing a year of sizeable budget reductions. Cuts made at the state level will filter to local districts and often impact already under-funded programs such as arts and music.
Upp said that money raised from these events can be put back into arts and music as well as special projects and needs that teachers approach the PTOs with.
“In a time where public funds are diminishing, it’s great to have public support,” said Niki Morgan, Mission Beach resident and first grade teacher at Spreckles Bilingual Elementary, who regularly attends the restaurant walk.
The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $7 for children 6 to 10. Children under 5 are free.
Tickets can be purchased in the offices of PB Elementary, PB Middle, MBHS, or at Java Jones, Leilani’s Café, G-Whiz, Pernicano’s and San Diego National Bank.
Tickets will also be available during the event at the The Turquoise Animal Hospital.
For more information visit www.missionbayhigh.com or call (619) 276-7533.