9 th Annual Taste of Vista Attracts New Faces
By Matt Simpson
Foodies and beer lovers alike flocked from across North County to Vista’s Historic Main Street on Wednesday night to experience an outdoor festival unlike any other. The 9 th Annual Taste of Vista festival, sponsored by the Vista Village Business Association, delivered a multitude of local tastes that impressed it’s attendees.
This year’s event was the largest yet, extending its footprint from Main Street to include the Vista Village Shopping Center. The expansion came as a result of an increase in restaurant participation as compared to previous years.
26 restaurants and 13 breweries were in attendance at this year’s event as compared to 17 restaurants and 7 breweries a year ago.
Wineries also joined in alongside Vista’s most prominent breweries this year. Two Plank Vineyards, Schlossadler International Wines, and Brooking Vineyards became the first of what hopes to be many wineries to participate.
Another difference from previous years that did not go unnoticed by the hungry fans was the significantly more efficient check-in process. Those in attendance were thrilled to go from parking to eating in a matter of minutes. Debbie Medrano, the event planner for the past two years, says “We changed our process so that everyone can enjoy the full event.” Shorter check-in times resulted in shorter lines for food, which is a change that everyone in attendance was grateful for.
Many of Vista’s veteran restaurants were in attendance of course, and included the likes of Vista Village Pub, Vista Way Café, Ciao, The Yellow Deli, Lamppost Pizza and Oggi’s to name a few. A handful of new faces, though, treated curious guests to a glimpse of their menu. Some of the rookies in attendance included Connie’s Café, Narvalo Ice Cream & Gelato, Cravory Cookies and 508 Tavern.
“We’ve been getting a lot of support from the community and this is our first venture out to say that we’re here,” said owner of 508 Tavern Hector Estrada. “ Vista is a great place to be right now.”
With the community at the heart of the evening’s festivities, all eyes remained fixed on the prestigious Golden Fork Award. Voted on by the attendees, the award is given to the participant whose fare is deemed most delicious. At last year’s event, When Pigs Fly was awarded the first ever Golden Fork. This year’s winner is yet to be announced.
Over the years, Vista has become a prominent landmark for San Diego’s craft beer and food scene. With help from events like the Taste of Vista, San Diegans will know where to look when craving a craft brew and some good eats. With the proceeds of the event going right back to local Vista business by way of the Vista Village Business Association, these local eateries and breweries will continue to thrive.
