The Huntington Beach Sports Complex was the place to be for anyone and everyone who considers themselves a “foodie” on April 30th, 2017. For that was the day of the annual Taste of Huntington Beach! Not only was it a great day to eat, drink and be merry but the proceeds benefited the Children’s Department of the Huntington Beach Library. “Since 2002, the friends of the Children’s Library and the HB Restaurant Association have helped the Taste raise over $500,000 for the HB Children’s Library!” (source: TasteHB.com) There were almost 50 restaurants represented, plus 30 different wineries and breweries. We definitely had our “fill” of fun and food, but only a few restaurants really stood out in my book that particular day…
Here are my favorites for that day (in order):
FOOD
1. BLK
First off, this is by far one of my favorite places in Huntington Beach. So much so, I struggle to even say this because I don’t want it to become too popular and crowded. The private feel it always has it one of its greatest appeals. Despite the numerous times we’ve been there already, I had not tried their Lobster Mac n Cheese! And at the Taste it was topped with a slice Kobe Beef – amazing! I have my fair share of lobster mac n cheese from very high-end steakhouses, but BLK now has my vote for the best! BLK HB
2. Sea Legs Wine Bar
They served a delicious sample of their “Baseball Meatball” with a tzatziki like cream sauce and fresh cucumber. (At least I think that was what it was because I was too busy eating it to really pay attention to what they said) Oops. Although, I have yet to sit down for a real meal at any of the Sea Legs establishments that also includes Sea Legs at the Beach and Sea Salt but I definitely will be there soon! Plus the summer opening of Sea Legs at the Beach was May 5th! www.sealegswinebar.com
3. Duke’s
For such a warm day the light and fresh Hawaiian Onaga was a welcome treat. I must admit, I was skeptical at first to try such a plate on a day like that, but I have enjoyed Dukes on several occasions so I knew they would not disappoint. The fish was fresh and perfectly seasoned. Duke’s Huntington Beach
A few more…
Other notable restaurants who just missed my favorites of the day were Ola serving Chips N Ceviche, Old World German Village with their German Apple Pancakes and Rubio’s (Yes, Rubio’s) with their yummy shrimp tacos.
Winners – There were several different winners throughout the day in various categories with celebrity judge, Simon Majumdar from CutThroat Kitchen on the judges panel. You can see all the winners by going here: Taste of HB 2017 Winners. One of the notable winners that day was Saint Marc at Pacific City who took first place in the “Best of the Best.” I have to say I did not taste any of their foods that day because we had a beyond terrible experience during our first visit there and am simply not a fan. It was that bad and I won’t go back. That story may have to be at another time. On to the sweet stuff…
DESSERT
Simply Layered
There were disappointingly not many desserts but out of those that were there, the Hawaiian inspired creations provided by Simply Layered were by far our favorites. From their Coconut Key Lime Pie to their basic sugar cookies, we definitely had one of everything. A random surprise was the large chocolate covered strawberries the team at PK Real Estate provided with champagne. Finally, someone who understood my simple tastes.
DRINKS
Small Town Brewery
This was a tough category for me as I (nor my husband) are not fans of craft beers which is still so trendy right now, and the wines were nothing I’d seek out to purchase again. (I can’t wait for this trend to end, but we may be waiting a long time) Although, I will have to say the most enjoyable beverages were those from Small Town Brewery and their “Not Your Mother’s” Root Beer, Iced Tea Lemonade, Apple Pie and more country inspired flavors. Oh and the wine pong was such a clever and fun game that I can’t wait to try at home! It was one of those “why didn’t I think of that” ideas.
All in all, the day was fantastic and a lot of money was raised for the Children’s Library. I even got caught trying to take pictures of some of the silent auction items and ended being interviewed about them. (Safe to say it was probably a good thing it didn’t make the cut during the final video production) But you can watch the full video recap of the Taste by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce here: Taste of HB
CHEERS until next years Taste!
