San Diego Mesa College will hold its annual Taste of Mesa culinary event Thursday to raise funds for its Culinary Arts and Management program.

The event will include freshly made food samples from local chefs and a silent auction featuring items such as cooking lessons from Fort Oak chef Mark Schmitt. Attending alumni and students will also have the chance to compete against each other in cooking and cake decorating competitions.

“Culinary and hospitality is a billion-dollar industry in San Diego and local businesses recognize the value that our students provide,” Mesa College President Pamela Luster said. “Taste of Mesa is a fantastic event where our students get to showcase the culinary skills they will use to enter that industry, and guests get to sample the cuisine and participate in a fantastic interactive experience.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the event, which will be held on the Mesa College campus. Tickets can be purchased at sdmesa.edu/tasteofmesa, starting at $10 for children, $25 for students with a valid Mesa College ID card and $50 for general admission.

Taste of Mesa is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Mesa College Commons, located at 7250 Mesa College Drive.

— City News Service

>> Subscribe to Times of San Diego’s free daily email newsletter! Click here