What to know about Taste of Gaslamp 

I’m a sucker for neighborhood “Taste Of” events. They’re like scavenger-hunt buffets with microdoses of exercise packed into the menu. 

Get ready for the 29th annual Taste of Gaslamp, coming Sept. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. There’ll be more than two dozen participating restaurants, as well as VIP eateries, a preparty and an after-party with awards and giveaways.

This is a popular downtown feeding frenzy. Gaslamp Quarter Association spokesperson Alma Ascencio said more than 900 tickets were sold last year and sales will be capped at 1,000 this year.

Two news notes:
1. The bollards used to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to walk on Fifth Avenue will not be in place.
2. The despised surge pricing at parking meters will not be in effect (the Padres play out of town that day).

My culinary advice: If you’re like me and can’t eat at 27 restaurants in three hours, do save room for visits to Prince Street Pizza and Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream (both are on Market Street near Fifth Avenue).

VIP offerings include Water Grill, Lou & Mickey’s and Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood, where you get both a bite and a bit of booze.

Pop a Rolaids and head to the pool deck of the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego for the Taste of Gaslamp after-party. Find out which participating restaurants won voter’s choice awards and digest some Jimmy Buffett classic tunes.

Tickets: $55 in advance or $65 for day-of sales. VIP: $80-$90. For more information, go to Taste of Gaslamp.