Local Fare Abounds At Annual Taste Of Fair Oaks

Restaurants and wineries will showcase their culinary creations Friday evening during the 18th Annual "A Taste of Fair Oaks".

In addition to serving up delicious food and drinks, the event raises money for charity and supports the work of Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce.

This year, approximately 500 people are expected to attend, said Jan Bass Otto, executive director of Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. The turnout is expected to be slightly larger than last year. The Chamber is hoping to match the $13,000 raised at the event last year, which serves as the Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser.

“That’s our goal but it is a poor economy,” Otto said.

Attendees will be treated to samples from 16 restaurants, 23 wineries and five breweries – a slightly better selection than last year. Luke’s Wild West Grill, Il Forno Classico, Fabian’s Italian Bistro, Taka Sushi, Frog’s Tooth Vineyards, Honey Run Winery and Hoppy Brewing Company are among the businesses participating in this year’s event.

Highlights include fine wine and a chocolate fountain, Otto said.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Bajan and the Trio. The easy listening band will play on the back patio overlooking the golf putting contest while Peggy Brown, owner of Harps Limited will play melodic harp music for guests indoors.

Artist Patricia Mills, who owns Studio Tupos in Fair Oaks will also provide entertainment in the form of artwork. Mills, who is the wife of Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills, will complete a painting during the course of the event. Her husband will also be present.

This year, a portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go to VIVA (Volunteers In Victim Assistance). The nonprofit is a full-service center for victims of violent trauma.

“We’re happy to support VIVA,” Otto said. “Most of our chamber events have a charity element.”

In addition to ticket sales, the Chamber plans to raise money with a raffle, silent auction and a hole-in-one putting contest. Participants in the putting contest will aim to make the shot from 50 feet away.

Silent auction prizes include two JetBlue tickets to any destination. The tickets are easily worth $1,000, Otto said. Also up for auction are VIP packages to El Dorado Casino, a limousine service and a golf package at Northridge Country Club. A gift certificate good for $300 worth of Botox is always a crowd pleaser, Otto said.

“People really want the Botox,” Otto said with a laugh.

A Taste of Fair Oaks will be held at Northridge Country Club for the fifth consecutive year. The event was held at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse for many years before it outgrew the venue.

Though it is now held at a fancier venue, the event remains low key. The dress code is business casual and the atmosphere is very relaxed, Otto said.

“We’ve really fine-tuned this over the years,” Otto said. “It’s really well run.”

A Taste of Fair Oaks will be held Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. at Northridge Country Club, located at 7600 Madison Avenue in Fair Oaks. Tickets are $40 at the door. For additional information, go to fairoakschamber.com or call 967-2903.