Taste of East Sacramento 2016 (Guest Blog)

(UPDATED 5/13/2022)  Description and review of the Taste of East Sacramento 2016 by Guest Blogger Ann Murphy. 

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 8^th annual Taste of East Sacramento.  East Sacramento Improvement Association (ESIA) is one of the many sponsors of this event.  As I am a member of the ESIA Board, I have attended almost all of them.

Note Added:  The ESIA has a contemporary new name – the East Sacramento Community Association and a new website!  Check it out.

I was very interested to see the result of the change in venue and day the event was held.  In previous years, it was held at the Shepard Garden and Arts Center on a Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  This year it was held at the Turn Verein Hall on J Street from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Being able to walk to both of these venues is just one of the many benefits of living in this community.

This year the event was organized by the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber members were well-organized and marketed the event very well.  So well that the event sold out.  They took advantage of social media to advertise the event and used it during the event as well.

As you walked in and got your glass, you had an opportunity to get your picture taken with your glass.  You could even post a selfie with your glass on Facebook and tag it #WeLiveEastSac to be eligible to win one of two $50 gift cards from a Taste of East Sacramento restaurant.  Additionally, there was a raffle to win a double magnum of wine as you checked in at the door.  Once inside, there was also an opportunity to participate in a silent auction.

This year’s location offered more space and a stage for the band, which has been playing at this event for at least the last five years.  The Brian Daugherty Band is a great band that plays a wide variety of music.

The hall had plenty of space for all the vendors and attendees, and there were seldom lines at any one vendor.  The food was exceptional this year.  Everything was delicious, with my top favorites being:

• the lamb chops from Evan’s Kitchen;
• the wonton ceviche from Formoli’s; and,
• the chocolate dessert from Hawk’s.

The selection of wines and beers was also impressive.  My favorite wines of the evening were a red wine blend from Skinner Winery from the Fair Play region and a Syrah from St. Rey by wine maker Craig Haarmeyer.  There was also a separate beer tasting room which offered numerous different beers from local breweries.

It was a perfect neighborhood-style event, where you could walk around the room and see numerous different people you know – neighbors, local business owners, retired co-workers, and new friends you met from previous year’s events.  This is exactly what I love about East Sacramento.

See related blog posts: Taste of East Sacramento and Taste of East Sacramento 2017

Comments on Taste of East Sacramento?

Have you attended the annual Taste of East Sacramento event?  What comments would you add?

GUEST BLOGGER Ann Murphy works as a Forensic Scientist, loves kayaking and snow skiing, and is mother to a 108 year old yellow Labrador Retriever.

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