Taste of Arcadia

Very nice event with lots of food. Yes it can be a little pricey but hey this is good food. Come early yes food will run out. But this year 2015 was better.

It was my first time to this event. I had As wonderful time. There was a bunch of food vendors, lots of free gifts, free drinks including red and white wines, water, and coconut water. Live band and dancing as well. I got to try a lot of different food and my favorite food was from Nikki C from Arcadia. The taco was so delicious. Make sure you dress and wear comfortable. There will be a lot of standing around. I made a mistake of wearing heels. I will definitely come back next year! I got my tickets from Livingsocial 2 tickets for $ 79. Tickets at the door was $ 60.

This was my first year at Taste of Arcadia and it was great! I had read from previous reviewers to get there early so we were there when it opened — there was already a line but it moved forward quickly. The food was amazing, especially Nikki C’s. There were so many options, food and booze, that we hit maybe half the booths and got so full that we had to just sit and take a breather. By the time our stomachs felt ready to take on a few more tastes, some of the booths had started to run out of food. I would say I was disappointed but I’m honestly not sure I could have eaten any of it even if it had been available. We left beyond stuffed and more than satisfied. We have already discussed plans to return next year with people who we know would enjoy it as well. Loved it!

Thanks Katie B. for bringing my attention to this awesome event! I didn’t think to review it until I started craving some AU 79 boba.
I arrived around 4:30PM and there were already 30+ people ahead of me. Soon after I stepped in line, maybe another 100 people showed up within 20 minutes. Like some reviewers already mentioned, there were a lot of elderly folks here. Maybe they are all retired and had time to stand in line? Wait, so what’s my excuse? I get out of work at 4PM! WOO HOO!
I met a nice person in line and ended up sitting with her for the majority of the night. Her husband later joined us at the most awesome table at the event. The moment I walked through the gates, I was handed a AAA tote bag with my reusable plate. It was a really neat looking thing that holds my drink, utensils, and it even had a thumb hole to help my grip. I made my way through a number of tents as the vendors generously piled on the food and drinks. I was so amazed at the choices. After my first round, I quickly sat down in a shady spot right by the band. Turns out I sat at the same table as one of the band members’ wife along with a few other Taste of Arcadia veterans. :) It was nice talking to these people and it definitely made my time there more enjoyable. I was alone, but didn’t feel lonely at all!
As for the food, I was STUFFED! What I didn’t like though was that there were a lot of chain restaurants like D&B, CPK, etc. repping the event. I would have liked to try more mom and pop restaurants or cafes. Maybe next year? Anyway, there was hardly a line at any of the tents even though there were a lot of atendees. I did notice that some booths ran out of food early on like this one dessert place, but others kept serving up the food until at least 7:30PM/8PM. AMAZING! I was in HEAVEN!
Also, there were these really hot dancers who came out around 8PM and got the crowd going. I didn’t join in, but still had fun watching them show off their moves on the dance floor.
Parking was free and since I got there early, I didn’t have to take a shuttle from across the street. So basically, GET THERE EARLY if you want to score a nice table, good parking spot, and get first dibs on all the food.

SO MUCH GOOD FOOD.
This was fun. We kidnapped our friend and brought her here for her birthday and she loved it.
I loved the handy plate they give you. It has holes for your utensils and a hole for your cup/​wine.
I would come again but earlier. Only thing I didn’t like is that the vendors started running out of food 2 hrs after the event started? I wish the Chamber of Arcadia said something about this on the website. When the event starts at 5:30 and they start running out of food when you get there at 7… it kinda sucks, especially when you paid just as much money ($ 45 btw!) as everybody else, but you’re not retired like everybody else and you expected the event to run from 5:30 to 9, as the website stated.
Also, there were too many desserts and not enough savory foods. Maybe plan it out with vendors what they’re bringing?

Thank you Katie B for your invite!!! I had the most amazing time! The place! The band! The food! Magical! People dancing under the stars on a Monday… Ahhhh! Can’t beat it! I missed sweet and savory… I dont think they were there… What a shame!!! It would have been great promoting! Dave and busters pasta rocked!!! The retirement community chefs! Are you kidding me? I Want to move into one of those! Coming back next year for sure!