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Hello, Downtown!
The annual Taste of Little Italy is popular enough to celebrate twice. The dine-around event is happening Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. both evenings.
A word to the wise: Last year, Taste of Little Italy sold out a combined 1,500 tickets for both nights. As Italians well know, “He who sleeps catches no fish.” You snooze, you lose. Wait till the last minute and you’re an idiota.
I’m a big fan of Taste Of events all over downtown San Diego. They bring a sense of community. You meet the restaurant staff as well as other urban neighbors. Sincere Kumbaya moments are not uncommon.
But you’re mainly out walking 48 blocks of Little Italy for the bites of food. More than 20 restaurants will be giving out food and drink each night. Most eateries are only participating one or the other day. Check the listings.
For example, Busalacchi family restaurants Nonna and Lala are part of Tuesday’s lineup; Barbusa is in the mix Wednesday.
Underbelly’s ramen samples will be out on Tuesday. Waterfront Bar & Grill, a longish but worthwhile walk from the epicenter of Taste of Little Italy, has burger samples in play on Wednesday.
The check-in area on both days is Piazza della Famiglia (523 West Date St.). Ticketholders will pick up a Taste Passport to keep track of the day’s restos.
One last word to the wise: choose carefully. You’ll never make it to all 20 places on your Passport. Taste Ofs are like far-flung buffets. Plan your route ahead of time. Try to grab a variety of appetizers and entrees before rolling up on a dessert stop.
To purchase tickets (rapido gente!) go to: Taste of Little Italy.
Ron Donoho
Downtown News newsletter host
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