Community event organized to support all businesses along Uptown corridor

By Margie M. Palmer | SDUN Reporter

With more than 20 restaurants, coffee houses and pubs from Kensington to Normal Heights signed up to participate in this year’s Taste of Adams Avenue, organizers said visitors will be able to enjoy a “fantastic array” of international cuisine.

On Sunday, June 24, the Adams Avenue Business Association hosts the culinary event, now in its 12th year. Judy Elliott, executive director of the business association, said the event has evolved from its inception and now includes a greater selection of food.

“We’ve had many new restaurants come [into the area] since we first began,” Elliott said. “We have Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, some French and even the Kensington Grill, which offers a lot of fresh California cuisine.”

Those who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth will not be disappointed, either.

“Incredible Cheesecake Company, Viva Pops and Señor Mangos will also be participating,” Elliott said. “Viva Pops makes their own popsicles, often from locally grown fruit, and Señor Mangos makes excellent smoothies. You can even get Acai- or wheat-grass shots if you’re looking to be healthy. The coffee houses also have very good home baked goods.”

District Three Councilmember Todd Gloria, whose district includes the communities of Kensington and Normal Heights, said the annual event allows the area’s growing number of restaurants to be spotlighted.

“Like similar events in other communities in District Three, the Taste encourages locals and visitors to walk through the neighborhood and discover eateries and other businesses to enjoy and patronize again and again,” he said.

Although many patrons enjoy walking the event from end to end, free trolley service will be available along Adams Avenue for those who wish to rest their feet. The trolley will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Locations for the event, which is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., include spots from the Farm House Cafe at 2121 Adams Ave. to the Kensington Café at 4141 Adams Ave.

“[Taste] will span a little over two miles and the trolleys will run the full length of the event. We will start them in three different areas: one at 30th Street, one at 35th Street and the third will start in Kensington,” Elliot said. “This will give people a chance to finish up eating and still get that trolley if they’re full and can’t stand to walk any farther.”

Participants choosing to take advantage of the service will also have the opportunity to learn of the area’s history. A local expert will be riding one of the trolleys, revealing stories and history of the community.

Elliot said she is hoping this year’s Taste will bring in even larger crowds than they have seen in years past.

“We want people to come see what Adams Avenue has to offer. We want people to enjoy the day and have a good time,” she said. “It is great exposure for the businesses and it helps show people what they can find on Adams Avenue when they visit and shop.”

Advance tickets can be purchased for $25 online at tasteofadamsavenue.com as well as at participating restaurants. Tickets can also be purchased in person on the day of the event for $30, available in the parking lot at the corner of 34thStreet and Adams Avenue.

“We hope people will come out to see the different types of restaurants,” Elliott said.  “They will be able to enjoy the quality and variety of food and can get a glimpse of the neighborhood.”