Restaurant scene on display at Taste of Kalamazoo

A few numbers: 30. 25. 5.

Translation? There will be 30 local restaurants at the 25th annual Taste of Kalamazoo. Admission is $5 unless you arrive before 4 p.m. Then it's free. The three-day event is July 22 through July 24.

Live music will provide the atmosphere for munching or devouring food from Africa, China, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond.

Food, drinks, beer, and wine are available by the purchase of tickets. Each costs 50 cents. Food and drink typically run from three to five tickets per entry.

Longtime Kalamazoo businessman Wayne Deering organizes the event and has a group of restaurants he asks to return each year as well as new ones he invites to show off samples of their food to the community.

"It's a perfect opportunity to get an idea of what Kalamazoo has when it comes to restaurants and culinary offerings," says Vicky Kettner, of Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated. "It's a true taste of Kalamazoo."

The event, a fundraiser for Kalamazoo Jaycees Junior Chamber, typically draws an average of 10,000 people a day to the downtown Arcadia Creek Festival site or more than 30,000 over the weekend.

Besides the food -- ethnic, family favorites and local specialties -- there is plenty to drink for those seeking either an alcoholic beverage or something softer.

Information booths and family-oriented activities are available for the entire family from 11 a.m. on.

Throughout the day the music, from local talent to well-known regional and national headliners, will keep the beats rolling. At dusk, the music amps up. Jamaican dub, reggae and dancehall master Yellowman performs on Friday, July 23, 10 p.m;. and Kalamazoo's contribution to American Idol, Matt Giraud, performs Saturday, July 24 at 10 p.m.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Vicky Kettner, DKI