San Diegans Experience Fine Cuisines, Wine and Art—La Jolla Style

About 1,000 people came out to La Jolla on Thursday night to sip wine, admire beautiful works of art and experience mini tastings from restaurants throughout downtown La Jolla. In its seventh year, the La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste allowed residents from all over the county to experience 12 different restaurants and 12 different galleries in a self-guided tour.

Cost was $35 per person to attend. All proceeds from this event support the La Jolla Business Improvement District, a nonprofit community association dedicated to bettering the physical, economic and social environment of La Jolla's businesses.

Each art gallery featured different types of wine to sip on while restaurants featured their special cuisines. Many attendees experienced this event for the first time, including South Bay resident Elias Campos, who came on the recommendation of a friend. His first restaurant stop was at Barfly La Jolla where hummus, chicken pesto and mini desserts were offered. Campos said the food was good and already decided that he would come back next year.

For Jami Erickson and her two friends, Melissa Lowell and Elda Rodriguez, it was a girl's night out and a good opportunity to try different foods in the area that they might not otherwise experience. It was also their first time attending this event.

"I'm not familiar with the area so this helps me to get a feel for what's here," says Lowell.

Not all attendees were first-timers. For La Jolla residents, Clark and his wife, Suzy Straw, this was their third year attending this event. After visiting several restaurants, both agreed their favorite cuisine was from Little Korea, where they sampled bulgogi and bibimbap, a dish they have not had before. They also liked the lobster macaroni and cheese from Aquamoreé.

For Clark Straw, the event setting came with an additional benefit. 

"It's a nice way to walk off calories while you eat," he chuckled as he prepared to leave Little Korea and visit the next restaurant.

At Prepkitchen, attendees were served by the owner, Arturo Kassel. He is also owner of Whisknladle, another restaurant participating in the wine walk and taste. 

Kassel says these types of events are a great way for local businesses to give back.

"We've been fortunate in this economy and we want to give back," Kassel said. "You can't call yourself a neighborhood restaurant and not give back. We try to get involved in the community with good causes as much as possible."