First Taste of La Quinta sells out of food tickets within two hours

The Desert Sun • March 21, 2010

The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce held its first Taste of La Quinta on Saturday on Main Street in Old Town La Quinta.

During the one-day event, attendees could purchase a block of tickets to sample food for $25. The tickets provided 15 food samples per person - and sold out two hours into the event, officials said.

The brainchild of Bruce Franklin, chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, the Taste of La Quinta attracted people from across the Coachella Valley.

Palm Desert residents Betty Thomas, 59, and her husband, Bob Thomas, 79, didn't mind spending $70 for the both of them.

"It seems (costly), but it's worth it because of the fine selection of food and wine," Bob Thomas said. "You could sample a bottle of $70 worth of wine. That's very nice."

Betty Thomas was impressed with the selection of food for sampling.

"Surf City had the best smoothie. Louise's had some great pulled pork barbecue ribs," she said, adding that she plans to return to Louise's Pantry, 47-150 Washington St., next time she's in La Quinta.

Franklin, 72, said this type of event - a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the chamber - had proven to be a great success when he lived in Michigan and helped his wife, raise funds for a local school district there.

"A couple of reasons (for the event): We wanted to help out the village area, and we wanted to help promote La Quinta restaurants," added David Archer, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer.

Food vendors were ready to go by 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The event went through the afternoon until 4 p.m.

By 2 p.m., the chamber sold more than 400 wine vouchers, which included a wine glass and five wine samplings, each an ounce pour.

Main Street was crowded with people walking around carrying plates of food and glasses of wine.

Also in attendance Saturday were La Quinta Mayor Don Adolph and his wife, Diane Adolph.

"We are very supportive of the chamber," he said.