Downtown Burbank was bustling with activity on Thursday, September 27th from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm. An estimated 1,500 patrons had gathered on San Fernando Valley between Magnolia & Orange Grove to taste the best of downtown Burbank.
30 restaurants and eateries offered a tasting of their lip-smacking food that was accompanied by foot-tapping live music from Lao Tizer and Stompy Jones.
Tasting the best of downtown Burbank
It was a gala outdoor affair that catered to all ages and palates, all on one street. The restaurant chefs were serving at a feverish pitch and foodies lined up for their favorite burger, pizza, dessert, ribs, Sushi among a host of other dishes from all over the world.
It was also a wonderful way to give back to the community while feasting on great food because the proceeds of the event went to the Burbank Community YMCA scholarship fund.
This makes the Y’s programs affordable to the whole community. What better way to please your palate and your soul This is a win win situation. It benefits all parties the community, the city, the vendors, YMCA and it showcases the best of downtown Burbank, said Susan Sebastian, Senior Marketing Director at the YMCA.
The performances
The evening started off with live performance from National Smooth Jazz Award’s Best New Artist of the Year," Lao Tizer. Attendees sipped on top class wines or a chilled glass of beer at the Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by Gordon Biersch and Market City Cafe, while listening to the super smooth sounds of contemporary jazz keyboardist, Lao Tizer. Talk about a perfect way to relax after a long day.
The food
One of the busiest booths was that of Smokin’ Jack’s. The secret to their smokin? good ribs is that they smoke in their gigantic smokehouse for 15 long hours, says Che Baker, their Manager. Little wonder, over a 1,000 meals were dished out by the end of the evening. That included a whopping total of 650 pork baby back ribs that were finger-licking good!
Fuddruckers is all about being BIG, whether it?s big numbers or big burgers. They more than lived up to their reputation. They had unbelievably long lines for their super stacker cheese or ham burgers with a side of French fries and cookies.
According to Fuddruckers Assistant Manager, Jim Tworek, they served up 700 burgers,5 cases of fries and 500 cookies, all in one evening! Burger anyone?
Meat lovers paradise, Picanha Churrascaria wasn’t too far behind. They rounded up with 100 skewers of flame roasted meat, Brazilian style. From the grill to the table they use 18 different skewers. That explains the robust flavor of the Garlic Picanha which screamed big flavor!
Those hankering for Asian flavors lined up at Mandarin Temptation for spicy Kung Pao Chicken, crispy Egg Rolls with a choice of three oriental sauces and steamed vegetables. While others sampled delicious Sushi rolls at Kabuk and authentic Japanese fair at the Octopus Japanese booth.
Poquito Mas attracted a lot of foodies too for a favorful Mexican feast. Their signature dish was Chicken Sopito, beans, chicken, greens and Parmesan Cheese sitting on a light hand made corn Tortilla. While good old Chipotle had Mexican tidbits made with shredded pork, sour cream, Green Tomatilla Salsa and cilantro on crispy taco. Que delicioso!
Across the street California Pizza Kitchen and NYPD Pizza served little pizza bites or slices while Pomodoro Cucina Italiana offered a taste of Italy with savory Penne Pesto Pasta soaked in fresh olive oil. Mama mia!
To wash down this scrumptious food, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf served refreshing ice blended pecan praline along with other hot beverages. While Maui Wowi whipped up fresh fruit smoothies and gourmet Kona coffees for a taste of Hawaii. Talk about variety.
Those with a sweet tooth rushed to Porto’s Bakery, where the desserts were to die for and the servings were generous. Mango Mousse, Triple Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brulee and Fruit Tart were among the sinful line up of sweet tooth satisfiers. Chocolate lovers headed straight to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to bite into luscious desserts made with white chocolate, peanut butter, rice crispies, marshmallows and chocolate chips.
For those looking for something different, Domino’s Pizza offered pizza with a twist, with their new Oreo Dessert, available at the store for only $3.99.
Stompy Jones, the six piece band capped off the evening with a fun jump n jive performance. Couples flocked to the open dance floor and danced the night away. There couldn’t have been a better ending to such a festive evening. The Taste of Downtown Burbank was a phenomenal success, for the fourth consecutive year. And it keeps getting better!?
Other eateries included:
Ben & Jerrys
BJ;s Restaurant Brewery
Burbank Bar and Grill
Chadaka Thai
Elephant Bar
Haagen Dazs
Islands Fine Burgers
Juice It Up
Macaroni Grill
Noah’s Bagels
Romancing the Bean
Starbucks and many more…
The Taste of Downtown Burbank was sponsored in part by The Burbank Collection and KOST 103.5 FM.
