A New & Improved Taste of Tacoma?

​The countdown ticker to the 2013 Taste of Tacoma is at 7 days… and counting…

When we read the City of Tacoma’s event post urging “foodies unite,” we thought “foodies” might be a bit strong for the experience of the Taste. “Foodies” implies some sort of either (depending on where you stand) snobbery or discernment about the quality and creativity of food. And while the crowds at the Taste of Tacoma might be a lot of things, at least in recent years, “foodies” might not be the first word that springs to mind. The Taste, like so many summer fairs, has always been a great place to indulge in a day of overeating and people watching amongst the masses. 

This year, however, it looks like the Taste is taking a cue from the fresh and local trend, with a few offerings designed to attract foodies and locavores. 

According to the Taste Facebook page, a new feature called The Taste Cooks! will be a live cooking demonstration stage featuring demos from “some of Tacoma’s best chefs, sommeliers and food bloggers showin’ off their stuff.” NorthwestMilitary.com has more details on the new event, listing some of the local talent that will be showcased: chefs Dustin Joseph of Art House Café; Gil Turturici of Boathouse 19; Kris Blondin of STINK Cheese & Meat; Geoffrey Yahn of Dirty Oscar’s; Hudson Slater, executive chef of Maxwell’s; Aura Mae, known locally as the Kitchen Beautician; and others. NWM explains the demos as a way to get smaller (more local) restaurants involved in the Taste.

For many busy chefs, having a booth at the event is not feasible, but the Taste Cooks! allows them to get involved and bring awareness to their local restaurants.

We also see this hopeful note for those who might not have the stomach capacity for the heaping servings usually found at the Taste: “Each restaurant booth will feature a healthy option, as well as a smaller-portioned, lower cost item.” Prices should be between $3.75 for a “taste” and $8 at the high end.

Exit133 writer Tommy Stone was a Taste of Tacoma virgin last year, and he found it a little disappointing. Tommy thought it tasted more like Seattle than Tacoma. He wasn’t alone, and it looks like The Taste organizers have been listening to dissatisfied customers, and making some changes. So, will you be visiting the Taste this year?