Taste of Downtown features 26 restaurants, 11 bands and karaoke

"This is one of the most fun nights in Carson City," said Lisa Lee, organizer of Saturday night's Taste of Downtown. "A warm, balmy night, just strolling along, music and food at every corner, cold beer at every stop -- what more could the people of Carson City want?"

From Heath Bar mochas at the Carson Mall's Real Scoop ice cream shop to sesame shrimp and Peking spare ribs at East Ocean Chinese Restaurant, this year's event will span 14 city blocks.

With 11 musical groups, including violin duets, rock, country and a 17-piece jazz band, there will be plenty of aural stimulation as well.

"If you love good food and love music, this is the spot for you on Saturday night," Lee said.

Several new restaurants will show off their fare.

Devincenzi's is the Italian eatery coming together on the first floor of the St. Charles Hotel.

"They'll serve authentic Italian raviolis that are 2 inches by 2 inches," Lee said of the restaurant. Ticket buyers can try the pasta treats even before the restaurant opens.

"There will be quite a few restaurants that nobody has tried before," Lee said.

Other new restaurants include the Winchester Club at the Ormsby House and Flying Pig Pizza in downtown.

Trolleys will ferry folks around town with stops at Real Scoop, Cactus Jacks, the Purple Avocado and East Ocean, although much of the action will be within walking distance. Bands will play on Third Street between the St. Charles Hotel and Mom & Pop's Diner on Telegraph Street and at Daddy Dick's and Red's.

For the first time, karaoke will be offered. Head to the "Comma Courtyard" between Comma Coffee and the St. Charles to try singing to a crowded Main Street.

Across the pavement, the Mile High Jazz Band will perform on the Legislative Building lawn.

"We had to place them where there was enough room for people to dance," said Lee.

The last band, Groove Fact'ry, is scheduled to play until midnight on the Third Street stage.

The Taste of Downtown is the biggest fund-raiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence, which Lee directs. Event proceeds allow advocates to continue operating a woman's shelter.

"Without the Taste, we couldn't keep the shelter open," Lee said.

Lee said about 4,000 people are expected -- even though only 1,500 tickets are available -- so parking will be tight.

"I recommend people wear comfortable walking shoes because there's going to be dancing and walking," she said. "There's just a tremendous amount to do between those 14 blocks."

Tickets are at Sugar Pine Cove, the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Classy Seconds.

"Sugar Pine Cove just ran out so we're running some more tickets over there," Lee said Wednesday.

If you don't get a ticket before the event, look for them at the booth on the legislative grounds. When you buy a ticket, you get a envelope with a bracelet, map and background on the advocates.

IF YOU GO

What: Taste of Downtown fund-raiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence

What: tastes from 26 restaurants and music from 11 bands

When: Saturday, tasting is 5:30-9 p.m., trolleys stop at 10 p.m., music until midnight

Where: Downtown Carson City

Cost: $30 per ticket

Call: 883-7654