LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette's strolling community dinner party coming soon


Ticket holders mingle before the tasting starts in earnest, enjoying drinks and appetizers at last year's Taste Pavilion. Photo provided

Now in its 16th year, Lafayette's annual restaurant walk is coming up on Tuesday, May 15. The once-a-year chance to sip, stroll and socialize at Taste of Lafayette is a perfect opportunity to get together with friends and try out many of the city's world-class restaurants in one night.

The evening kicks off in the Taste Pavilion in downtown Lafayette at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Lafayette Circle near the Bank of the West where 'tasters' enjoy a selection of appetizers, wine and beer at a hosted reception with live musical entertainment from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be on sale to benefit the Lafayette Community Foundation and the programs and services of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

The strolling part of the evening begins from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as ticketholders make their way at their own pace along restaurant row, sampling tastes of dishes from more than 25 restaurants.

This year Lafayette's latest eatery will be taking part - Batch & Brine, scheduled to open at the beginning of May, next to Pizz Antica, where the old Swaad Indian restaurant was located.

Other restaurants include Locanda Positano, Cooperage, Reve, Postino and many more.

From 8 p.m. onward diners make their way back to the Taste Pavilion for coffee, dessert and the raffle drawing.

Hopefully the evening will be warm but, as last year's chilly event proved, it isn't necessary for a delightful evening in the Lafayette community.

The event has sold out in previous years so those interested in attending shouldn't delay in getting their tickets.

Tickets for the May 15 event are $55 and can be purchased on the Chamber website at www.lafayettechamber.org/events/taste-of-lafayette.