Taste of West Seattle update: Almost 30 restaurants!

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2 months ago, West Seattle Helpline put out the call for local restaurants to make this year’s Taste of West Seattle (co-sponsored by WSB) bigger than ever – and as of this morning, 29 have answered that call. They’re all listed here, and organizers say they “still have a couple of restaurant openings” – call Helpline’s Anna Fern, 206-932-2746, if you’re interested. The Taste is 6-8:30 pm May 20th at The Hall at Fauntleroy; you can buy tickets online, or at Hotwire Coffee and Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsors) as well as at Husky Deli and CAPERS.

bridgetosomewhere April 14, 2010 (10:26 am)

it’s kind of hard to tell just what “taste of west seattle” is from the website alone. i take it you pay $35 and you can sample foods from all those restaurants?

JBL April 14, 2010 (10:46 am)

I see the Wing Dome on the list. When are they opening up shop?

WSB April 14, 2010 (10:58 am)

JBL, I am overdue in checking on that – will pursue an update today. They didn’t want to speculate when last we spoke, but that’s been almost seven weeks.
https://westseattleblog.com/2010/02/west-seattle-restaurant-news-wing-dome-says-its-official

CA April 14, 2010 (1:01 pm)

I agree with bridgestosomewhere, it is just sampling food?? The website is pretty generic.

HelperMonkey April 14, 2010 (1:37 pm)

What’s not to understand? It seems pretty basic. Pay money, eat food (small plates, most likely) from participating restaurants. Just like Bite of Seattle. Shame it’s not outside, though, like the Bite of Seattle.

bridgetosomewhere April 14, 2010 (1:53 pm)

thanks helpermonkey; i will say that your description isn’t anywhere on the website or the blog post, which is why i asked.
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in any event, if it’s like “bite of seattle,” that’s cool. i wonder if you get anything to drink for that $35 too?

HelperMonkey April 14, 2010 (2:00 pm)

that’s just what I inferred from the website. And I think there will be drink, since Beveridge Place Pub and Bin 41 are participating.

Sue April 14, 2010 (2:20 pm)

bridgetosomewhere, I always wondered that too, but finally went last year to check it out for the first time. They have tables set up by all the different restaurants, and each one has a food offering. You can get a sample of food from each and every place and you can also go back for more. Last year one of the restaurants was also giving out glasses of MaiTais, another gave away german beer, and then they were sampling wine. Everything was included in the cost, which is entirely donated to charity (West Seattle Helpline, I think). You can come away absolutely stuffed with food, from appetizers, main-course type foods, drinks and desserts. I was sorry I hadn’t gone to it sooner, but I agree that it’s because the advertising just assumes that you know what it is.
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FYI, It’s very crowded in there, and very limited space to sit. So you’ll mostly be standing up to eat, around some small tables.

bridge to somewhere April 14, 2010 (3:25 pm)

thanks sue, that was truly helpful!

WSB April 14, 2010 (3:36 pm)

Hey all, the Helpline is making its first efforts this year to REALLY promote and expand this … we had noticed while covering it the past year or two that it seemed to have a whole lot more potential, and the Helpline’s relatively new management (like most nonprofits, they run on a shoestring) is really making an effort, starting with, as mentioned above, the original call for restaurants – I don’t remember them making such an open call before. Maybe it can grow into something more. If anyone has ideas to help, even this year (and believe me, as a writer trying to find promotional info online, this is more than they EVER have had before!), you can probably use the same contact info and offer your ideas/assistance. Helpline assists local families in crisis situations, such things as emergency rent money, a clothing bank, etc. Since it’s being held over the course of a few hours, I would imagine they can accommodate at least several hundred people – we will find out more about planned logistics soon and can share more details, hopefully, next time we publish a reminder – TR

bridge to somewhere April 14, 2010 (3:44 pm)

i think if they simply took sue’s description and put it on the “taste of west seattle” website under “what is the taste of west seattle” that’d meet all needs (and maybe add a photo from last year!)

bridge to somewhere April 14, 2010 (3:44 pm)

oh, and p.s. i will send them that message via email.

voodoo April 14, 2010 (5:32 pm)

I’ll second the thanks to Sue. I had no idea what it was, either, and did not feel safe assuming that my guess was correct. I did not want to plunk down $35 for a ticket to an event without understanding what it is.
Correction, make a donation so I can attend an event…

finicky donor April 14, 2010 (6:08 pm)

Too crowded and everyone runs out of treats and samples.

I think it should be held outside and participants should DOUBLE the amount of treats that are donated.

Sue April 16, 2010 (1:53 pm)

Glad I could help – I’m just disappointed that I can’t even go this year as I won’t be in town then. :(
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As for finicky donor’s comment above, it wasn’t my experience that they ran out of samples, but I was there in the first hour of the event. I think we should be grateful to the restaurants that donate both their food and time, and that those who go can afford to give $35 to charity. It’s not often that I give a charitable contribution that I get something tangible in return, so I’m thankful for what is available.

Brooks April 19, 2010 (9:09 am)

Thanks TR! The Taste of West Seattle is organized by the West Seattle Helpline and showcases restaurants, caterers and pubs in our neighborhood. It is an opportunity to sample “bites” and beverages from participating vendors at a set cost of $35 per ticket. We have expanded the event this year to include 30+ vendors and live music on two stages encompassing all available banquet space at the Hall at Fauntleroy. We hope to have nice weather so that some vendors can setup in the courtyard outside. TR is correct in indicating that we operate this on a “shoestring” budget. Proceeds are used to pay for the space, limited advertising and the remainder is used to benefit our neighbors in desperate times of need. The WS Helpline is a neighborhood-based volunteer driven organization and we are working hard at making the Taste an event not to be missed.