Blondie is among good ‘Taste’ fare

Jimmy Stroup

The 16th annual Taste of Newport will offer exactly what it’s offered

15 times before -- the high-quality food and entertainment that

Newport Beach represents.

Berlin, Blondie and Kool and the Gang are this year’s musical

highlights for the three-day September event.

“We continue every year to expand the entertainment power of the

event, and this year is certainly no exception,” Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce Vice President Jeff Parker said. “We’re expecting

record crowds.”

With 30 restaurants participating this year, the food has reached

an apex in terms of quality and choice. Chili, seafood, burgers,

authentic Italian cuisine and even Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are

among this year’s delectable choices.

Hoss Esmaeili, 27, owns and operates the Philadelphia Grill, a

salad and sandwich shop across the street from Fashion Island. He’s

been at the Taste of Newport three years running, though his

restaurant’s only been open for two.

“We actually participated in the Taste before we were open,” he

said.

Among his offerings this year are steak and chicken Philly

sandwiches and grilled salads, an item he says is particularly

popular with “low-carb” people.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Esmaeili said. “Everybody goes out and has a

real good time -- even people working there.”

The Bluewater Grill, a Newport Beach staple for seafood, is

another veteran participant this year, and managing partner Robert

Sylvia shares Esmaeili’s view of the entire celebration.

“It think it’s a fantastic event,” he said. “It brings a lot of

people in. And for all the people that are there, I think it’s a

great entertainment value.”

Not to be outdone by the food and entertainment, the wine

offerings this year feature vintners from near and far. Among the

wines available are Stimson Lane, based in Washington; Geyser Peak of

Sonoma County; Beringer, whose vineyards are in Napa Valley; and

Allied Domecq and Diageo, two beverage distributors that handle more

than 20 wine labels from across the world.

The Taste of Newport takes place Sept. 10 to 12 at Fashion Island

in Newport Beach. Tickets and information are available at

https://www.tasteofnewport.com or by calling (949) 729-4400.

* JIMMY STROUP is a Daily Pilot intern.