By Margie Palmer/Reportero SDUN

On Saturday, Oct. 2, food lovers from all over the county have been invited to “delight their appetites” and taste original culinary specialties from 33 participating restaurants throughout the historic North Park neighborhood. Taste of North Park, now in its second year, is billed to feature every flavor imaginable, from fresh and local seafood to exotic ethnic plates, showcasing all-American classics to hearty Italian pastas, desserts, drinks and everything in between.

For gourmands and passersby alike, the self-guided Taste of North Park tour is an opportunity to sample original culinary specialties from the area’s most exclusive up-and-coming chefs, who will be offering highlights from their kitchens. From al fresco eateries to French patisseries, each location will not only provide specialized eats but a unique and inviting ambiance.  

David Cohen, owner of the West Coast Tavern, recalled last year’s event not only as the inaugural but also as opening day of his restaurant.  

“West Coast Tavern opened on that day last year and we had 800 bodies through the door,” Cohen said.  “It was a great way to kick off our opening.”

The event, he feels, creates an opportunity for local businesses to showcase what they have to offer, not only to locals but also on a countywide scale.

“Last year we saw people coming down from North County, which is always good because this increases a draw beyond what we already have out of places like City Height, Hillcrest and downtown,” he said.  “The success of Taste Of events throughout San Diego has been helpful for all of the areas which have hosted them, including North Park.”

San Diego District 3 City Councilman Todd Gloria agreed that Taste of North Park is a valuable tool in bringing outside exposure to the neighborhood.

“I think the Taste of North Park, like every other Taste, is simply a way to expose the restaurants in that particular neighborhood,” Gloria said.  “It encourages folks to participate and it showcases North Park’s premier restaurants, like Sea Rocket Bistro and Gastropub.  There are a lot of great businesses on the 3oth Street corridor.”

Events such as this, which have shown marked success in surrounding neighborhoods such as Hillcrest, may also lend a hand in helping to revitalize North Park’s Main Street corridor.

“The fact is that replicating Hillcrest sometimes, and utilizing a successful model, makes sense,” Gloria said.  “It makes sense that using lessons learned in Hillcrest can only help areas such as North Park, or City Heights, or all of the neighborhoods in District 3.”

Cohen agreed.

“Taste of North Park creates a lot of residual business for surrounding businesses,” he said. “It also promotes new business because it’s a great catalyst to bring prospective business owners into the area.  They can come down and see the foot traffic that people get during the Taste, and see firsthand what it would be like for them if they opened a business here.”

In addition to the myriad participating restaurants, it’s only fitting that eight of North Park’s many art galleries and boutiques have also hopped on board and will be inviting the public to check out their storefronts as well. 

Chad Anglin, owner of Pigment, a home décor and accessory shop, is excited to participate a second time. 

“We’ll have a bartender here and have a day liquor license so we can give out beer samples,” Anglin said.  “Last year it was a great success in terms of getting people in the door in general.  [Taste of North Park] is great recognition.”

He also believes that the event helps “build a sense of community.”

“Events such as these, especially during the current economy, are definitely important,” he said.  “It allows for exposure of local businesses and communities in general, and they’re a great way to build the community as a whole.”

The second annual Taste of North Park will take place Saturday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are available online at tasteofnorthpark.com or via phone by calling (619) 233-5008.