Popular Taste of Downtown coming Saturday night

More than 20 restaurants will be included in this year's Taste of Downtown, a popular fund-raiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

"This is one of the most fun nights in Carson City," said Advocates director Lisa Lee. "If you love good food and love music, this is the spot for you on Saturday night."

The tasting event will span 14 city blocks this year - from Heath Bar mochas at the Real Scoop ice cream shop on the south end to Peking spare ribs at East Ocean Chinese Restaurant on the north.

Participants will enjoy food from Costco, which had a shrimp-and-crab salad with diced Serrano peppers, cilantro, cucumber and red onions last year. June Joplin of Comma Coffee served a warm three-cheese artichoke dip with toasted bagel chips and creme brulee Italian milkshakes while next door at Devincenzi's, Rick and Lisa Miller served huge sausage ravioli - a recipe handed down in Lisa's family for three generations.

Several streets will be closed to vehicles during the event, creating a walking-mall feel in the capital city. Some of the hotspots are Curry Street behind the St. Charles Hotel, the parking lot of Red's Old 395 Grill, the grass of the Legislative Lawn and Telegraph Street in front of Java Joe's coffee shop.

The charity event raised nearly $30,000 for the Advocates last year, allowing the group to continue operating a woman's shelter, crisis call line and volunteer sexual assault response advocates.

"It gets better and better every year," Lee said.

The first "Taste," held in 1995, featured only seven restaurants and one band.

Last year's winner of the "Best Overall" category was Molly's Gourmet Catering. The 1,500 people who bought tickets voted Crazy Burrito the winner of the "Best Taste" category while National Best Sellers won the title of "Best Atmosphere."

This year's event will run from 5:30 until 9 p.m.

Tickets, at $30, are available at Sugar Pine Cove Gift Shop 1087 S. Carson St.

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

For more details call Sugar Pine Cove 884-4603 or the Advocates' office at 883-7654.

IF YOU GO

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

What: Tastes from 23 restaurants

When: Saturday, tasting is 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Downtown

Cost: $30 per ticket

Call: 883-7654