PORT TOWNSEND — Downtown became a culinary paradise Thursday night as more than 200 people shuttled between 14 locations for samples of local restaurants’ menus.
Mari Mullen, Port Townsend Main Street Program executive director, said she had hoped more people would show up to match last year’s attendance of 300 but felt the event drew a healthy turnout.
“It’s a really good way to meet people and get acquainted with some of the places that you might not have visited,” Mullen said.
“This is a fun night on the town.”
Tickets were $30 for the food event, $20 for those 12 and younger. An additional $10 paid admission to wine- and cider-tasting at Manresa Castle.
The proceeds from both events benefit Main Street, which supports and promotes downtown businesses.
Part of the reason for the evening’s success was the weather, which hovered in the mid-50s, Mullen noted.
“The weather is perfect, and it’s so nice to walk around and enjoy the cool breeze,” Mullen said.
Sherry Kack was exploring some of the town’s new options, such as the newly opened Upstage Downtown Deli.
“This is a good way to get out on a nice night and see what the town has to offer,” Kack said.
Liz Owsley and Shirlee Beck, both of Quilcene, eat out regularly in Port Townsend but quickly found some new choices.
“I had never eaten at the [Muskan] Indian Restaurant,” Owsley said.
“It was great, and I am definitely going back there.”
The Taste of Port Townsend was established in 1991.
Wine- and cider-tasting was offered at Manresa Castle for the second year.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
