Taste of Arlington will mark 30th year Tuesday evening with plethora of new restaurants

By: Pam Webb, YMCA release

Taste of Arlington is celebrating its 30 year anniversary. This delicious endeavor unites restaurants, specialty beverages, and gourmet food stores under one roof from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, Tuesday, October 23, at the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way.

This all-you-can-eat party welcomes nearly 60 restaurants and vendors including five that that have been around since the beginning: Black-Eyed Pea, Spring Creek Barbecue, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Coors Distributing and Andrew’s (Miller) Distributing.

Restaurants new to the table this year include Black Dog Pizza, Blue Mesa Grill, Crawdaddy’s Shack, DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, Eddie Deen Crossroads, Schlotsky’s and Sweet Crumbs Bakery.

Guest have an opportunity to taste small bites and specialty drinks created by some of the best chefs and restaurants in Arlington and the surrounding area.  The foods presented range from Texas barbecue to French to Cajun.

New this year is a VIP Wine Tasting sponsored by WineStyles in Mansfield. Included as part of the special VIP ticket, the wine tasting begins at 5 pm.

“We are thrilled to have a chance to celebrate 30 years Taste,” says Kay Nash, co-chair, along with Kim Lawson, of Taste of Arlington. “It is really a fun time for everyone. Guests get to sample delicious food and beverages, party with friends and family, and at the same time donate to a worthwhile cause.”

The evening includes live music by The Jet Poets and dancing.  Besides delicious cuisine, guests can snag one of the great Big Board Auction or silent auction items such as two Southwest Airlines tickets, a Texas Ranger Suite for one of the games in 2013 or a Happy Hour for 10 at Boomerjacks in Arlington. Plus many more items.

Tickets are $40 in advance or $35 in advance with a Press Pass at Theatre Arlington, 316 West Main Street or at any YMCA of Arlington branch. Tickets are also available online at www.tasteofarlington.info. Tickets are $45 at the door with VIP tickets $65.

Parking is free, and a shuttle service will be provided from the parking lot. No strollers will be allowed.

Taste of Arlington is a charitable event that for the last 30 years has been helping thousands of children in the community; kids who need fun, educational arts programs and a safe place to stay after school; kids who need positive role models and a chance to learn and try new things; and those who look forward to meeting new friends at summer camp—whether it’s camp at the YMCA or theater camp.

Sponsors include the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Walmart, Coors, Albertsons, Texas Power, Texas Trust, Marquez Bakery and Tortilla Factory, Andrews, Piccolo Mondo, Smile Magic and Westlake Ace Hardware.

For more information call 817-275-7661. For a list of other sponsors and a list of restaurants, visit: http://www.tasteofarlington.info.