Shelter Island’s premier restaurant walk is all grown up. Now in its 18th year, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s beloved Chamber Chomp “” also known by its adult name, the Taste of Shelter Island “” returns April 17.
The event has grown from its humble beginnings to include 13 popular dining establishments around Point Loma and Shelter Island, and it attracts hundreds of participants annually.
“The restaurants put on a wonderful event,” said Tracy Anderson, second vice president of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. “You get absolutely stuffed, and it really gives a taste of what the neighborhood has to offer.”
Participating restaurants include Kona Kai, Bali Hai, Blue Wave Bar and Grill, The Brigantine, Point Break Café, The Living Room, Giacalone’s, Old Venice, Red Sails Inn, Gus’ Subs and Pizza, Humphrey’s by the Bay, Stars and Stripes Mart, and Bay Club Bar and Grill.
Anderson said that last year was the biggest yet, with nearly 400 diners attending. The Chamber Chomp is one of the organization’s main fund-raising events.
According to Anderson, money collected from the restaurant walk goes toward the annual village fair in August, Fourth of July fireworks, chamber member information luncheons and various chamber mixers throughout the year.
The event also helps promote local business.
“We have been doing the Chamber Chomp from the beginning,” Red Sails Inn owner Bill Dargitz said. “I have a ball doing it and love to meet and joke with all the people. Most of them are our regular customers, and they are supporting the community. So are we.”
The Red Sails Inn will serve appetizers on the patio overlooking the harbor and is one of a few eateries that have participated since the event’s inception, including The Brigantine and Bali Hai, Anderson said.
Event check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Brigantine parking lot, 2910 Shelter Island Drive. Tasting runs until 9 p.m., and complimentary buses will run throughout the evening to shuttle participants between restaurants.
Tickets are $15 and are available at Matt Kalla Insurance, 4148 Voltaire St.; Carefree Vacations, 2927 Canon St., A; Union Bank of California, 1175 Rosecrans St.; Stars and Stripes Mart, 2907 Shelter Island Drive, 111; Union 76, 1076 Rosecrans St.
Day-of tickets will be available at The Brigantine until 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to pre-purchase.
For more information, call (619) 225-6665 or visit www.peninsulachamber.com.