A Taste of Santa Monica on the Pier

By Mark McGuigan
Staff Writer

September 16 -- Mouths are set to water on the Pier this Sunday as 37 of the City’s finest restaurants offer a scintillating array of gourmet dishes between noon and 5 p.m. as part of the second annual Taste of Santa Monica food fare.

Served fresh by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, this limited ticket event is seasoned with entertainment, sautéed in fun and presented on a beautiful slice of Pacific Ocean on a first come, first served basis.

With only 1,000 of the original 2,500 tickets remaining, tickets are going fast and patrons are advised to book now or go hungry.

“We won’t sell more than 2,500,” said Kathryn Dodson, the chamber's president and CEO. “The restaurants are only making so much food, and we want there to be plenty for everybody.”

Offering a range of gourmet dishes to choose from -- including Duck Confit, Shrimp and Papaya Salad, Hawaiian Style BBQ Ribs, Korean Fire Chicken and Caramelized Banana Tart -- this is more than mere cooking, this is art.

“If you want to taste the best of Santa Monica, you have to be there,” said Dodson.

Throughout the day, demonstrations by professional culinary art instructors, such as Chef Hailey Nghyen, will teach patrons how to slice-and-dice with the best of them and provide the tips, tricks and techniques to recreate the same menu at home.

“We have some tantalizing presentations and charismatic chefs slated for the Demo Stage,” said Dodson. “I advise all home-chefs to bring their notepads and cameras.”

As well as food for the body, the Taste of Santa Monica offers food for the soul, with the music of Os Bohemos and the inspiring voices of the New Directions choir providing a perfect accompaniment to any dish.

Bon appetit.