Delicious, unique food and lively music will take the spotlight this weekend as the 3rd annual Latin Food Fest makes its way to Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego.
The three-day event, which showcases Latin food, wine and spirits, runs Friday through Sunday, and is expected to draw a crowd of more than 20,000 attendees who will enjoy different events throughout the days, including culinary demonstrations and tastings.
The fest kicks off Friday night with an invitation-only “Spirit of the Americas” cocktail party set to include a variety of pours such as mezcal, pisco, rum and tequila. Here, patrons will learn about the history of each spirit, trends and appropriate tasting techniques.
On Saturday, the 21+ “Grande Tasting” will include scrumptious samples of Latin food, wine and spirits from a long lineup of local restaurants that’ll transport foodies to far-off places like the Caribbean, Central and South America, Portugal, Spain and Mexico.
Organizers say participating restaurants at the Grande Tasting include: Agave Del Mar; HUMO; Cafe Sevilla; Cafe Secret; Fogo de Chao; Tacos Kokopeli; Aqui es Texcoco; Sirena Seafood; Cien Anos; Uptown Tavern; Indigo Grill; Don Chido; The Hopping Pig; Peohe’s; José Bossuet Martínez Lozhka Bistrot; Mario Medina; Puesto; Tacos Perla; West Coast Tavern; Tequila Bar & Grille; La Diferencia; La Casa del Mole; Riviera Pasteleria, and more.
The event – held from noon to 3 p.m. at 1000 N. Harbor Dr. – will also feature cooking demonstrations, appearances by chefs, live music, a “Best of Fest” awards ceremony and a silent auction that will benefit YMCA San Diego. Grande Tasting general admission tickets cost $50 per person and are available here.
On Sunday, the Latin Food Fest will wrap with an all-ages “Family Fiesta” from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Broadway Pier. Family day includes live music, an educational food garden, chef workshops and an interactive “Kids Kitchen” where little foodies can get their hands messy while learning healthy cooking skills.
NBC 7’s The Goods is currently offering $10 general admission tickets to Family Fiesta day (instead of the regular $20 cost), or a $45 Family Fiesta Day Pack (a $75 value) that includes admission for up to six attendees.
