This time of year, we get to splurge on food. We can enjoy a dish of linguine with wine sauce, seafood gumbo, a spicy burrito and perhaps a decadent chocolate cake without much guilt. At least, not as far as the wallet is concerned.
It’s the season of annual “taste of” food festivals where restaurants bring their specialties to the masses. Food samples generally range from 50 cents to a few dollars each.
Most festivals include live music and arts and crafts, in addition to children's activities.
Economic woes nixed the “Taste of Sandy Springs” this year; however, event sponsors promise the event’s return on May 11, 2011.
Below are highlights for four upcoming “taste of” events.
Taste of West Cobb
On the menu: Bison mini-burgers with American cheese, onion rings with horseradish sauce for dipping from Ted's Montana Grill; and sopapillas, a lightly fried flour tortilla with honey whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate syrup, topped with a cherry, by La Parilla Mexican restaurant.
Restaurants: More than 30 eateries, including Maggiano's Little Italy and Aspens Signature Steaks.
Other festivities: The event benefits Hillgrove High School music education programs. Performances by Hillgrove High Jazz band, Hillgrove Marching Band and Kemp Elementary choir.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 17
Where: Avenue at West Cobb, 3625 Dallas Highway S.W., Marietta
Cost: Free admission. Food samples, $1-$4.
Info: 404-814-1330, www.tasteofwestcobb.org
Taste of Marietta
On the menu: Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob with Tarragon Infused Butter from Hottie Hawg's Smokin BBQ. Homemade crab cake stuffed in a tomato crown, served with a remoulade sauce by Canvas Personal Chef Services. And Krispy Kreme donut bread pudding from Ethyl's diner.
Restaurants: 78 eateries, including Emma's Bistro and Grill and Ji Bou Te Cajun Seafood Café.
New this year: Celebrity chefs Johnnie Gabriel, Sam Huff and Ginny McCormick will offer cooking demonstrations throughout the day on the Scana Energy Cooking stage. The demonstrations will be emceed by Donna Rodriguez, host of the "Dishing With Donna" food and restaurant radio show.
Other festivities: A motorcycle show by Earl Small Harley-Davidson and classic cars from the High Museum exhibit "The Allure of the Automobile." Also live music with a finale by Banks and Shane; and children's activities.
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 25
Where: Glover Park, Marietta Square
Cost: Free admission. Food samples, 50 cents to $4. Cash only.
Info: 770-429-1115, www.tasteofmarietta.com
Taste of East Cobb
On the menu: Crab rangoon, spicy crispy beef and sesame chicken from Chin Chin Chinese restaurant; stuffed mushrooms and lobster and shrimp ravioli from Bella Italia.
Restaurants: 24 eateries, including AJ's Seafood and Po Boy and La Madeleine.
New this year: The event has moved to Parkaire Landing Shopping Center from its previous location at Merchant's Walk.
Other festivities: Cooking demonstrations and prizes for Best Taste, Best Value, Best Booth, Most Likely to Visit and other categories. Also, fine arts and crafts will be available.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1
Where: Parkaire Landing Shopping Center, 4880 Lower Roswell Road at Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta
Cost: Free admission. Food samples, $1-$5.
Info: 770-973-8698, www.tasteofeastcobb.com
Taste of Alpharetta
On the menu: Stir-fried rice noodles, egg, tofu, bean sprouts, ground peanut with shrimp and tamarind sauce from Nahm Thai Cuisine. Also, frozen chocolate bananas, chocolate-covered strawberries and fruit kebabs dipped in a chocolate fountain from Schakolad Chocolate Factory.
Restaurants: More than 50, including Sip Wine and Tapas, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Papouli's Mediterranean Café & Market.
Other festivities: Rock alternative bands Sun Domingo and State of Man; children's play area with a petting zoo, rock climbing wall and inflatables. Food demonstrations and awards for Best Booth, Best Fine Dining, Best Fast Casual, Best Dessert, People's Choice and more.
When: 5-10 p.m. May 13
Where: Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park
Cost: Free admission. Food samples, 50 cents-$3.
Info: 678-297-6000, www.alpharetta.ga.us
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