The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual food related event that was retooled and renamed several years ago to the “Taste of San Diego – East” was a night to remember.
Diets were not allowed on Monday, July 18 as guests feverishly waited to enter the Pacific Ballroom at the Town and Country Hotel for their opportunity to “eat their hearts out” and sample delectable items prepared by the chefs and their staff for this special evening.
This annual food-related event entertains more than 450 people and this year hosts again were able to entertain people in the 13,000 square foot ballroom. The delight of the attendees was obvious, as they grazed from table to table sampling the signature dishes prepared with perfection by the chefs and their staff.
Once the doors opened at 5 p.m. the crowd rushed into the ballroom to the aroma of freshly grilled meats, fresh pulled pork, platters of freshly carved meats and cheeses, braised chicken, freshly baked pies, grilled mushrooms, lasagna, pasta salads, seasoned chicken with an array of sauces, delectable mini desserts and chocolate covered fruits and more. As the song says, “Oh, What a Night!”
Many of the crowd took a break before continuing their feasting journey and talked with friends and visited the silent auction tables, took part in the Opportunity Drawing, or just hung out before beginning round two or three of samplings. The pandemic has taken a toll on the restaurant and food industry, and we are grateful to those food providers who could join us during these trying times.
A huge thank you to Dream Dinners, Edible Arrangements, Hooleys Public House, Little Roma, Marie Callender’s, Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano, Outback Steakhouse – Mission Valley, Pick Up Stix, The III Tier Macaron Ice Cream, and West Coast Smoke & Tap House who prepared their items with love and attention to satisfy this year’s crowd.
The Chamber is grateful to EDCO, the presenting sponsor that supports this annual event. They were joined by: Supporting sponsor: American Medical Response, Parking sponsor: Kirk Paving, Inc., Crème De La Crème sponsors: Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, Focuscom, Inc. Local Umbrella Media, Gourmet sponsor: Cabrillo Credit Union, Bon Appetite sponsors: Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm, AT&T, California Coast Credit Union, La Mesa Courier, Lily’s Manufactured Homes, McGee Mechanical, Nightwalker Caverns Escape Room Adventures, North Island Credit Union, Reventia Sterling Designs, San Diego Eye Professionals, San Diego Living Real Estate, Spa Piel, the Kitzman Family and Union Bank. They were joined by Social media sponsor: Focuscom, Inc., Logistical sponsor: Town and Country Hotel, Printing sponsor: AAA Imaging, and Graphic designer: Kostedt Design & Marketing. The vendor water sponsor was Sycuan Casino Resort who was joined by evening photographers CeCePhoto.com and Eviezphotography.com, with lighting to enhance the evening provided by Fady Events of San Diego, and Decorations provided by event artistic designer: La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe.
Photo credit: cecephoto.com
