By Ken Williams | Editor

Taste of Adams Avenue returns for 15th anniversary

San Diegans love to eat out, and that’s one reason foodie events are popular attractions in our local communities. Next up is the Taste of Adams Avenue, which will be celebrating its 15th anniversary on the last Sunday in June.

“The Taste of Adams Avenue is definitely growing,” said Kat Carney, associate director of the Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA), the event’s sponsor. “We have six new places on our list. Two of those aren’t open yet, so it’s a sneak peek of those businesses.”

Chi Extraordinary Kitchen and Vida’s Juice House will be opening soon along Adams Avenue, and Carney said they are eager to introduce themselves to foodies ahead of time.

The other four newcomers to the foodie trail are Backyard Café, Burnside, Moosie’s Ice Cream and the Rabbit Hole.

Lather on sunscreen and put on a pair of comfortable shoes because the Taste of Adams Avenue sprawls for 2 miles along Adams Avenue from Circa restaurant between Alabama and Mississippi streets in University Heights to the Kensington Café at Marlborough Drive in Kensington. Those who go full circle will walk 4 miles and burn off some serious calories. A complimentary trolley will also be circulating the route, and organizers are also encouraging people to use their bicycles for transportation.

Last year, the Taste of Adams Avenue drew about 1,100 visitors, Carney said, noting that this is “a small event compared to Adams Avenue Street Fair and Adams Avenue Unplugged.”

“There is no alcohol involved,” Carney said. “This sets us apart from other similar events. We’re a family-friendly event, and kids are welcome to come along.”

Other participants this year, subject to change, are: Blind Lady Ale House, Café 21, Café Cabaret, Chris’ Ono Grinds Island Grill, Clem’s Tap House (21 and older), Daofu, DiMille’s Italian Restaurant, El Zarape Mexican Restaurant & Tequileria, Hanna’s Gourmet, The Haven Pizzeria, Incredible Cheesecake Company, Jyoti Bihanga, Lestat’s Coffee House, Liquid Eden, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Sabuku Sushi, Senor Mangos Juice House, Soda & Swine, Subway Sandwiches, Tam’s Thailand Food, Twiggs on Adams, Village Vino and Viva Pops.

“The whole idea is that the restaurants give away a sample of their signature dish,” Carney said. “Blind Lady, for example, usually gives away a slice of pizza. I’m sure Moosie’s will provide a sampling of their ice cream.”

Some restaurants have been along for the ride for all 15 years, and Carney cited DiMille’s Italian Restaurant and Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant as two of the original participants. Both restaurants are longtime fixtures in the Adams Avenue corridor.

Mike DiAnna, owner/operator of DiMille’s, said he enjoys the opportunity provided by the Taste of Adams Avenue.

“We have always been active in with all aspects of the community, special events, fundraisers, schools, etc. I believe over the last 37 years DiMille’s has participated in every event presented by the AABA to show support,” DiAnna said.

DiMille’s participation in the event isn’t necessarily motivated by the desire to attract new customers, he said.

“I am not really sure how you would measure the return of new business from our participation,” DiAnna said. “I just feel if we stick to our initial intentions of supporting the community and our incredible business district, serve some awesome Italian food, then everything else will work itself out.”

—Ken Williams is editor of Uptown News and Mission Valley News and can be reached at [email protected] or at 619-961-1952.