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<\/a>\u201cWe wanted to help increase foot traffic into local businesses by bringing people into Hillcrest to shop, enjoy food and to have some drinks,\u201d Cox said, adding that the event is attended by people throughout San Diego County.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really interesting that a lot of people come into Hillcrest for this,\u201d he said, adding that the HBA expects the 2016 Taste \u2018N Tinis will draw more than 600 attendees into the 92103. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely not as hyperlocal as Nightmare on Normal Street. The event grows and changes a little bit each year and it\u2019s never the same. The crowd is always different.\u201d<\/p>\n Business participation has also varied, with different venues having signed on or opted out since the inaugural event.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Taste \u2018N Tinis will kick off at the corner of Robinson and Fifth avenues, where attendees will pick up wrist bands and receive a map of participating restaurants and retailers from the Will Call booth.<\/p>\n A total of 31 businesses, spanning from Fiesta Cantina to the Hillcrest Brewing Company, have signed on for this year\u2019s stroll. And while shuttle service will not be available, Cox said it\u2019s not unusual for attendees to travel on foot from the west to east ends of Hillcrest: state Route 163 divides the neighborhood into half.<\/p>\n \u201cYou would think that people\u2019s favorite thing about this would be the martinis and the food, but it\u2019s really something that people get to do with their friends,\u201d he continued. \u201cIt turns into this street party that takes them on a journey where they get to shop, try cocktails and taste great food samples.\u201d<\/p>\n Those who participate in the cocktail portion of Taste \u2018N Tinis must be 21 or older.<\/p>\n<\/a>