FOODIES TO GET BIGGEST TASTE OF NEWPORT, CA WITH 20TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL

09-12-2008

Over 30 Fine Restaurants, 15 World-Class Wineries, Plus Classic Rock and Reggae Superstars Third Eye Blind!, Styx and UB40 Highlight One of California's Foremost Food Happenings

 

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (Sept. 11, 2008) - - Cementing its reputation as a premier dining destination, the city of Newport Beach unleashes a wave of culinary delights and fine spirits with the 2008 "Taste of Newport." This popular event celebrates its 20th anniversary as one of California's foremost outdoor food and wine happenings with the biggest "taste" ever offered along Newport Center Drive at Fashion Island.  The festivities begin on Friday, Sept. 19 from 6pm - 11pm, Saturday, Sept. 20 from 4pm - 11pm and Sunday, Sept. 21 from 12 Noon to 8 pm.

 

Just announced as a first-time "Taste" participant and one of the newest restaurants in Newport Beach is Blanca, a coastal themed Spanish Italian fine dining establishment.  Located in Lido Marina Village on the waterfront overlooking Newport Harbor, Blanca debuted its inventive fusion cuisine in April 2008, specializing in crudo - Italian-style raw fish, that has had restaurant critics raving since its opening. Over 30 of Newport's finest eateries and 15 world-class wineries will showcase samplings of their unique cuisine and flavorful fare complete with live cooking demonstrations and special musical performances.

 

Recently added to the food demonstration line-up in the Chef's Cooking Pavilion is Chef Larry Flentie, leader of the culinary team from acclaimed southern California catering and event design firm New York Food Company and noted for bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. Chef Flentie will delight audiences as he presents unique approaches (and samples) to favorite

dishes: Friday, Sept. 19 - 6:30 pm Grilled Filet Mignon; 7:30 pm Chilean Sea Bass and Saturday, Sept. 20 - 5:00 pm Grilled Filet Mignon; 6:00 pm Chilean Sea Bass; 7:00 pm Seared Tenderloin of Veal and 8:00 pm Paper Wrapped Halibut.

 

Also just announced is the addition of the popular chart-topping group Third Eye Blind, who will kick off the festivities on Friday, September 19 with live performances of some of their late 90s hits like "Semi-Charmed Life"

and "How's It Going To Be."  Classic rock superstars Styx and Grammy Award nominated reggae band UB40 will perform live on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, respectively. 

 

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 "Taste of Newport" at www.TasteofNewport.com. Tickets are $22 online and $25 if purchased in- person at the event. VIP tickets and luxury suites are also available, which include valet parking. For more information on menu items and a list of participating restaurants, please visit www.TasteofNewport.com.

 

"Taste of Newport," presented annually by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo," attracts over 60,000 visitors each year and it's little wonder why. The culinary scene in Newport Beach is exemplary, helping to reinforce California's renown as the "Land of Wine and Food." With enough menus and offerings to satisfy the most discerning palette, locals and visitors alike are sure to be sated by the wide variety of delicacies.

 

About Newport Beach

Newport Beach, an opulent seaside community located on southern California's Orange County coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, epitomizes the quintessential southern California lifestyle.  Known for its picturesque views of the Pacific and one of the world's largest small yacht harbors, the city is acclaimed for its beaches, outdoor recreation, sophisticated atmosphere, international film festival, three annual epicurean festivals and the oldest holiday boat parade in the nation.  For additional travel information, please call (800) 94-COAST or visit us online at www.visitnewportbeach.com.

# # #

[Back to Press Releases Main]