Taste of Gaslamp offers new foods, cultural tours

Feeling hungry and eager to explore some of the best restaurants that San Diego has to offer? Get ready to expand your culinary and cultural horizons at the 22nd annual Taste of Gaslamp, returning on Sunday, June 26 at 1 p.m. This year’s event is bigger than ever, giving ticket-holders a complete experience of the entire Gaslamp Quarter.

Let’s start with the main priority of the fest: the food. There are over 30 different participating eateries and restaurants at the event. Taste bites from 1919, Allure, barleymash, Rustic Root, Ramen Yamadaya, Ocean Room, Nobu Restaurant, Henry’s Pub, Florent, Cafe Sevilla, Brian’s 24, Don Chido, Sushi Lounge, Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill and Bar, The Commons Bar, Quad Ale House and many more.

The day of great grub will also offer live entertainment provided by House of Blues and The American Comedy Club. Shop around while you groove to tunes with retail pop-ups provided by local vendors Blue Jeans and Bikinis, Bubbles Boutique, Bait, Eyes on Fifth, Dolcetti Boutique and Eden Boutique.

Enjoy the historic aspects of the Gaslamp? Take a tour of four different galleries with special receptions, tours of the museums and visit historic hotels in the area. The cultural tours aim to celebrate the rich history of downtown that is still going strong today. Check out the history behind the Hard Rock Hotel, Horton Grand Hotel, Residence Inn Marriott Gaslamp Quarter and The Keating Hotel after you’ve had your fill of foods and drinks.

Ticket holders will be given an official Taste of Gaslamp passport to get stamped along the way at each stop.

General admission tickets are $30 in advance; $40 day of event and offers attendees access to samples of all the participating restaurants. VIP passes are $75 in advance; $85 day of event and include a longer tasting time, exclusive receptions, wine and beer pairings, VIP travel tote, raffle tickets, gifts from Gaslamp merchants and special events. Tickets can be purchased online at gaslamp.org

Guests can check-in and pick-up their passport at Pocket Park, located at 410 Island Ave. The event is self-guided so you can go at your own pace.

For more information about Taste of the Gaslamp, visit gaslamp.org

Source: DiscoverSD