And there we were, two thousand or so, enjoying the calm Cali weather, joined by our love of the South Park community and our ambitious appetites as we stood just outside a parking lot on 11th and Grand.
If the serine surroundings of South Park’s curated community weren’t enough to bind us, the aroma from an a-list of food vendors coming from the open lot surely would.
The line had formed for over an hour before Marty Goldberg, founder of the South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA), had volunteers fling open the gates, and several hours later, guests who had bought tickets days in advance began trickling, with many reluctant to leave until the event was over just before sunset.
They called it Taste of South Park, and we all got exactly what we expected, and then some. Not only did visitors get a chance to line up for tasters from local favorites like Capital Grille, Pine & Crane, and mini cup pours provided by Good Clean Fun, Taste of South Park gave the people of downtown a chance to get to know South Park leadership in a whole new way.
With SPNA and South Park BID booths leading the way, other booths showcased local businesses, pet services, political candidates, local media outlets, and interactive fitness displays to test our strength.
Like time does, when you’re having fun, the community event flew by, leaving the town to anticipate the next one, but we’d have to wait an entire year until SPNA would finally make the formal announcement…
It’s baaaaack.
The 5th Annual A Taste of South Park, showcasing food and drinks from 16 South Park restaurants, will be held on Saturday, September 28th, at the lot on 11th and Grand from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, along with food booths, live music, incredible raffles, vendor displays, and delightful socializing with our neighbors.
This year, 16 participating restaurants and 14 bars will be offering food samples and pouring nine drinks while live bands perform for a seated crowd.
Attendees receive one food sample from each of the 14 food vendors and up to four drink pours. This year’s vendors include the return of Capital Grille, Pine & Crane, Caña Rum Bar, The Craft by Smoke and Fire, and Sakana Sushi Lounge DTLA, the Art Room, Audio Graph Beer Co., Dreads Caribbean Cuisine/Hygge Bakery, Duchess, El Cholo, First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, Good Clean Fun, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, The Palm – LA Downtow, Prank Bar, and Sonoritas Prime Tacos.
Pick up the latest copy of the DT Weekly, which joins an a-list of sponsorship partners that includes AEG, Luma, Ten50, the Belasco, Dignity Health-California Hospital Medical Center, Throw Clay LA, and many others who help make this family-oriented community event a success.
“Taste of South Park is all about highlighting what an amazing place South Park DTLA is to live in. Neighbors meeting neighbors, new friendships forming, and meeting the courageous business owners that chose to invest in all of us,” said Marty Goldberg.
Tickets are limited, for more information, www.spna-DTLA.org
