Between all the restaurantes, taquerias, carnicerias, and mercados in Santa Maria, Mexican is by far the most popular type of food in town, with more than 50 establishments to choose from.
For the last nine years, the folks at People For Leisure And Youth, Inc. (P.L.A.Y.) have selected their favorite Mexican restaurants and caterers in Santa Maria and have invited them to participate in the local nonprofit’s annual Tastes of Mexico fundraising fiesta.
P.L.A.Y. supports innovative recreation, parks services, and programs offered in the Santa Maria Valley.
This year’s Tastes of Mexico is Friday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Veterans’ Building. It is a casual evening of food, drinks, and music celebrating all things Mexican.
This year’s participating restaurants and caterers include El Palenque, La Picosita, La Perla Market and Deli, La Real Michoacana, La Coqueta, Super Carniceria La Chiquita, Cielito Lindo, Maya Mexican Restaurant, Mariscos Ensenada, and VTC Enterprises, all of which are located in Santa Maria.
Tastes of Mexico is a good opportunity for the restaurants to win over some new future customers.
“It really showcases what a great variety we have right here in town,” event organizer Dennis Smitherman said. “I know we found our favorite Mexican restaurant through this event.”
Each restaurant decorates a food booth, sets up at the Vets’ Hall, and dishes out a favorite entrée and side dish to the 300 expected attendees.
“We get quite a variety of different styles and recipes, so even if you were to get two restaurants that were to provide the same food, it’s so different from place to place,” Smitherman said.
Last year, Super Carniceria La Chiquita won the people’s choice award for the best dish, and Linda Michoacana Paleteria won for best decorated booth.
The price of the ticket includes all the food you can eat, Mexican beer, margarita tasting, and musical entertainment.
Those in attendance will experience a variety of authentic Mexican specialties such as pozole, tacos, carnitas, carne asada, desserts, and so much more.
“If you go home hungry, then there’s something wrong! Because really, you can go back as many times as you want. It’s all included, your beverages are included, your margarita and beer,” he said.
There will also be soda and other non-alcoholic beverage choices.
The night’s entertainment includes the Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico dancers. A mariachi quartet will also perform traditional Mexican music throughout the evening.
Attendees can walk from booth to booth, trying food samples, or fill their plate and sit down and enjoy the music with their meal.
“If you’re looking for a great night, it’s really a blast,” Smitherman added enthusiastically.
It is a “feel good” event for everyone involved, including the participating restaurants.
“It’s a great marketing opportunity for them; to be exposed to an audience that may not otherwise visit their restaurant. They provide all the food for free for all the guests and all the staff time to prepare the food and serve the food,” Smitherman said. “It’s an amazing partnership and they’re aware that the proceeds will benefit P.L.A.Y.”
This is P.L.A.Y.’s only fundraiser. Over the course of nine years, the organization raised more than $200,000 with Tastes of Mexico alone.
Much of the money goes toward scholarships for youth and families to take part in activities offered by the city’s recreation and parks department, such as summer camps, swimming lessons, pottery classes, and youth and adult sports.
Tastes of Mexico tickets are $30 each or $25 each if you buy four or more tickets.
Get your tickets early because they usually sell out. Only 300 tickets will be sold, with just a few available at the door.
“We usually sell out a week before the event,” Smitherman said.
Tickets are now on sale and available at the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, located at 615 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, or by calling 925-0951, Ext. 260.
For more information about Tastes of Mexico or P.L.A.Y., Smitherman encourages you to check out P.L.A.Y.’s Facebook page. There he will post the number of tickets still available as the event approaches.
Sun food and wine writer Wendy Thies Sell wants to hear about your favorite Mexican restaurant. Contact her with story suggestions at wthies@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 23-30, 2012.