Did You Know....?

 
The Taste in San Pedro’s predecessor was a fund raiser known as the “Pig-a-Thon.” Approximately twenty-five people would travel from restaurant to restaurant throughout San Pedro, sampling goodies at each. Based on the number of restaurants each one visited (usually about twenty), they collected on pledges obtained from friends, family, and anyone they could cajole.

While the participants had a great time, organizers realized that the event was a lot of work for a fairly modest return. At the time, the San Pedro Community Revitalization Corporation (SPRC) was thinking about an event to promote downtown restaurants. The Chamber reasoned that all San Pedro restaurants should be included, and the Taste was born with the guidance of a committee of only four people.

 
The event was set up beside the tennis courts at the Doubletree Hotel. There was a simple stage with local amateur performers. With participating restaurants emphasizing “Old San Pedro” cuisine (Slavic, Italian and Mexican) the event was originally called the International Taste of San Pedro.

Unsure of the number to expect the first year, organizers were exhilarated to witness people lined up four and five deep, all the way to Via Cabrillo Marina, before the event opened that Sunday. Within minutes of opening the gates, the venue was crowded with 1,000 people. Attendance for the inaugural was an astounding 4,000 in one afternoon. Food vendors raced to and from their restaurants, replenishing food items that sold as quickly as they were offered.

In 1995, the Taste moved to Fort MacArthur, to take advantage of the open space of the parade grounds. Those who had spent the past six years swooning from the August heat of the Doubletree’s tennis courts appreciated the grass surface. The following year, the event was expanded to two days, and the name changed to the Taste in San Pedro, encouraging restaurants throughout the South Bay to participate in the crowd-pleasing weekend.

In 1998, the highly popular event moved to Point Fermin Park. With its magnificent shade trees, ocean breezes, postcard views of Catalina, and historic lighthouse, the venue is the perfect setting for San Pedro’s biggest block party.

View Past “Tastes”

Taste in San Pedro - 2007
Taste in San Pedro - 2006
Taste in San Pedro - 2005