An Event in Good Taste

For last year’s inaugural Taste of Cardiff, Ki’s Restaurant staff expected only a couple hundred people to show up and sample dishes from local establishments. Instead, they got about 500 people and “were blown away,” says manager Lorraine Harland, who this year is preparing for up to double that number.

“It’s nice to have such a thriving restaurant community,” says Harland.

Ki’s—which will be serving mini versions of its ahi roll and smoothies—is one of 18 local eateries that will be participating in this year’s event on May 19. For the price of one ticket, attendees get an array of tastes from places ranging from Wine Steals to VG Donuts to last year’s winner of the Golden Fork for best food, Bull Taco. It’s a chance for locals to revisit favorite restaurants or try a new place; last year, enterprising attendees could be seen riding their bikes up and down Coast Highway 101 to reach all the restaurants.

For restaurateurs, it’s also a chance to highlight different aspects of their menu. Becky Sanchez, who owns Besta-Wan Pizza House with her husband, Julio, will offer something new in honor of the restaurant’s recent move to open every day at 9 a.m. for breakfast.

“Nothing says pizza house like homemade tamales,” she says with a laugh. The breakfast tamales—which are also offered later in the day as an appetizer and are an example of Besta-Wan’s wide-ranging menu—are made with homemade masa and a carnitas filling, and topped with a spicy ranchero sauce. The restaurant will also have a coffee cart on hand during the event.

Sanchez is bringing in 10 extra kitchen helpers to prep 1,000 tamales for the event, and says all of her 30 employees are welcome to pitch in that day. “Anytime we participate in anything with the community it’s out of gratitude for the people in Cardiff,” she says. “It’s like a family reunion. Everyone is welcome to come down; we’re celebrating Cardiff.”

Taste of Cardiff will take place 5 to 8 p.m. at various restaurants. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at Cardiff 101 Main Street, located at 124 Aberdeen Drive, or at tasteofcardiff.com. Tickets are $30 the day of the event, if available.

Still Hungry for Food News?

Bentley’s Steak & Chop House recently began serving weekend brunch. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, brunchgoers can feast on egg scrambles, omelets, French toast and other offerings, and wash them down with mimosas or Bloody Marys. Patio seating is available. Bentley's is located at 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. For more information, call 760-632-9333 or visit bentleyssteak.com.

Pet Friendly

Bring your pet to the interfaith Blessing of the Animals at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society on May 28. Don’t have a pet? Check out the adoption fair that same day. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 389 Requeza St. A $5 donation is suggested. For more information, call 760-753-6413 or visit rchumanesociety.org.