Thursday, March 28, 2024

New Restaurants and Old Favorites Offer Tasty Treats at 10th Annual Taste of Coronado

The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club celebrated A Taste of Coronado’s 10th anniversary by showcasing new restaurants, offering delicious bites and delightful cocktails from local chefs, and supporting a great cause on Thursday, Oct. 10. A widely popular event, Taste of Coronado sold out this year as it tempted patrons with tastes from Coronado’s newest restaurants such as Little Frenchie, The Henry, Clayton’s Bakery, and The Del’s Serea, as well as old favorites.

The Hotel del Coronado participated for the first time with its newest restaurant, Serea, offering local octopus salad with roasted pepper and summer corn escabeche.

A Taste of Coronado is an annual tradition for many local Coronado residents who enjoy the offerings of both old and new restaurants and spending time with their neighbors. Tourists also enjoyed the event by taking advantage of the great discounts and packages from Crown City Inn & Bistro and the Glorietta Bay Inn that offered “taste and stay” promotions.

Check-in for the event was offered at Rotary Circle or the Ferry Landing. There you could find a map of the restaurants and later turn in your vote for your favorite taste.

It had been a couple years since I enjoyed the Taste of Coronado event and was very much looking forward to enjoying the festivities with my son Sean, who loves eating out in Coronado. He commented on how cool it was to be able to get a little taste from so many different restaurants and was pleasantly stuffed by the end of the evening. “The Taste of Coronado was great,” said Sean, “my favorite was the Brigantine fish tacos and Serea’s Octopus and Miguel’s Empanada, though McP’s stew was really good too!” We chose to walk the entire length of the restaurants making a loop from Rotary Plaza toward the Del and then down to the Ferry Landing and back rather than using the complimentary shuttle. Walking helped us take a break before continuing the feast. I would say that Little Frenchie’s Onion Soup and Cava combination, Clayton’s Mexican Takeout Carne Asada Taco and Leroy’s Chicken Bahn Mi toast paired with Green Flash Brewing’s tropical IPA were my favorites. Though what really topped off the night for me was the Neck and Shoulder Massage at Coronado Bliss by Merlot Bryans. The lavender oils and relaxing atmosphere was a wonderful break.

Taste of Coronado Guide marked off after some of the tastings.
Image: Leanne McDowell

Many took to social media to share photos and thoughts on the event, including Leanne McDowell who joined a group of friends and shared photos and favorites saying, “I think our top 3 were: Clayton’s Mexican Chicken Chipotle Street Tacos, Clayton’s Bakery and Bistro and The Henry. Nicky Rottens was also good and Gelato Paradiso got our favorite vote among desserts.”

Nicky Rottens Bacavo Slider was a hit, though sadly when my son and I arrived at 730 they had already run out. Photo courtesy of Rachel Parr.

Rachel Parr shared photos of evening and said, “Enjoyed the Taste of Coronado with some friends this evening! A little sweet, a little savory and a little tipsy (just kidding)! there were 30 places total and we made it to most… we all left with very full bellies!”

According to Taste of Coronado’s website, proceeds from this year’s event will support “Camp Able, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of the disabled community through an increased appreciation and awareness of ABILITIES in an incredibly fun and safe aquatic environment. Camp Able provides services that help contribute to the vitality of its campers while fostering compassion and respect for all.”

Rachel Parr’s favorite of the evening – The Henry’s Ahi Tuna over Green Curry Rice. Photo courtesy of Rachel Parr.

Participating restaurants & businesses in A Taste of Coronado 2019:

Peohe’s
Sharp Coronado’s Mindful Cafe
Miss Match
Nicky Rottens
Saiko Sushi
Celtic Corner
Gelato Paradiso
Wine-A-Bit
Coronado Bliss
Primavera
Taste of Oils
Amalo Brew Coffee
Little Frenchies
Stake
Tavern
Miguel’s
Brigantine
Lobster West
McP’s Irish Pub
The Henry
Mootime Creamery
Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge
Poke 123
Clayton’s Mexican Takeout
Clayton’s on Tenth
Clayton’s Coffee Shop
High Tide
Coronado Fitness Center
Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro
Serea Coastal Cuisine



Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie is a retired Naval Aviator and Public Affairs Officer whose post-Navy career includes freelance writing, PR Consulting and a two year stint as the San Diego Padres Military Affairs Advisor. Having been stationed in various parts of the country including Washington D.C., Florida and Hawaii, Jeannie appreciates how amazing the Coronado community is and loves the experience her children have had growing up here. Jeannie earned her BS in Marine Biology from Auburn University, her MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and her MA in Communication and Media Relations at San Diego State University. A life-long learner and avid traveler Jeannie enjoys writing travel pieces, Navy stories and anything else that will broaden her perspective. When she is not working you will find her watching her boys play sports, walking Odin at dog beach, hiking, playing beach volleyball or spending time with the family.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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