EATING OUT

TACO ABOUT A CELEBRATION

SHARE OUR SELVES WILD & CRAZY TACO NIGHT IS BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER

Share Our Selves (SOS) will host the return of the Wild & Crazy Taco Night on Thursday, May 19 at a new venue, the Plaza Pacifica at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Beloved chefs from the Orange County region will offer up their culinary talents to raise money for this worthy cause. It’s the 29th year for the fundraiser.

Over the years, chefs used their imaginations to create original and elevated taco recipes that are a fiesta of flavors on the palate. Each chef will compete for the coveted “Best Taco of the Event” as voted by the 600-plus attendees. This event has become a popular fundraiser consisting of unique tacos, distinctive craft beer and thirstquenching margaritas.

To give an idea of the clever types of tacos served, in 2021 the YELP People’s Choice Taco Winner was Descanso Chef Fonzy De Zuniga and his Hakuna Matata Taco featuring confit wild boar al pastor, guajillo salsa, pineapple chamoy, bacon bits and jicama on cricket-infused hand-made corn tortillas. A couple other stand-outs were a Sweet ‘n Smokey Watermelon Taco with citrus slaw and pico de gallo topped with mango haberno salsa served on a blue corn tortilla from Capo Sunset Grill, and a baked braised greens, caramelized onions, potato and sweet pea enchilada from Farmhouse’s chef Richard Mead.

Don’t miss this foodie favorite and support your local community. All proceeds benefit SOS, an organization that has provided care and assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Orange County since 1970. Services include medical, dental and behavioral health services, pharmaceutical dispensation, case management, emergency financial relief, and a food pantry that helps feed over 275 families every day.

Event tickets include all-you-can-eat tacos and beverages, including CaliFino Tequila margaritas, beer and hard seltzer from Deschutes Brewery and New Belgium Brewing, wine and nonalcoholic beverages.

For an extra entry fee, you can attend the pre-event VIP Party where guests will enjoy early admission and get to meet the chefs and sample their tacos before the general event begins.

shareourselves.org/events or 949.270.2137

BARKS AND BREWS FESTIVAL

Calling all dog and beer lovers! Join the paw-ty on Saturday, May 14 for Barks & Brews Fest, featuring a day filled with craft beer tastings, great food, furry friends and the vibrant surroundings of the San Diego Bay. Dog contests include most talented and best dressed.

The event will benefit The Barking Lot and will feature local vendors, breweries and some of San Diego’s best eats. Dogs can run free in designated unleashed areas, compete in pet friendly contests, relax in one of the lounges or experience one of the unique activations. Enjoy the day while eating awesome food, sipping on a tasty beverage or shopping local boutique vendors. Soak up the sunshine while listening to tunes by local artists all day long with bayside views.

The Barking Lot is a nonprofit dog rescue organization in San Diego dedicated to dog adoption and finding foster homes for dogs in need. They rescue our furry friends from area shelters, humane societies and Mexico that are at risk of being euthanized or abandoned, and find them amazing forever homes perfectly suited to their needs for many yappy endings.

barksandbrewfest.com

GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK

Now more than ever, supporting local businesses means so much, and this epicurean extravaganza is the perfect opportunity to savor the start of summer — every poolside bite, every chilled cocktail, every sunset dinner with a view — while showing the restaurant community some love.

Restaurant Week will return Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June12 offering 10 days of exquisite dining experiences. Whether you’re eager to try out a few new eateries, support local restaurants or simply enjoy more of your long-time favorites, you’ll find something for every palate, with participating places offering special lunch and dinner menus at set prices.

But that’s not all. This year, the annual Summer Eats Pass will begin the day after the conclusion of Restaurant Week, featuring more ways for food lovers to savor summer with restaurant offers and even weekly prize drawings.

visitpalmsprings.com/events/greater-palmsprings-restaurant-week