It’s time for a Taste of Newport

Noaki Schwartz

FASHION ISLAND -- With the recent closure of the Cannery Restaurant

and Windows on the Bay, outsiders might think that the community is

losing its appreciation for fine dining.

But this weekend’s 11th annual Taste of Newport, a gourmet’s

extravaganza, shows no signs of disappearing.

“Since [1988] it’s grown dramatically,” said Richard Luehrs, president

of the Newport Chamber of Commerce. “Over the years there’s been an

increase in both ticket sales and sales of food items.”

Ironically, it was the Cannery’s owner, Bill Hamilton, who first

introduced the Taste of Newport idea to the chamber. He had lived in

Illinois for eight years and “one of the biggest things going back there

was the Taste of Chicago.”

“The first couple of years I was chairman of the [Taste of Newport]

committee,” he said. “It’s been going every since.”

This year 350 restaurants are participating, and Luehrs is expecting

about 70,000 people to attend. Gastronomic tidbits will be available for

$1 to $5 from such restaurants as Aysia 101, Five Crowns Restaurant, Koto

Restaurant and Ristante Mamma Gina. An extensive selection of beer and

wine also will be on hand to compliment any dish.

And so will various 1980s bands, including on Friday, Men at Work, who

recorded such hits as “Down Under” and “Who Can It Be Now,” and Missing

Persons, who recorded “Words” and “Destination Unknown.”

On Saturday, The Pointer Sisters will perform their hits “Jump (for my

love)” and “I’m So Excited.”

Finally, REO Speedwagon will close the festival with their classic

rock hits “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight this Feeling.”

Unfortunately for Cannery fans, this will be the first time in a

decade that Bill Hamilton will not participate. With all of the

responsibilities involved in closing the restaurant, he said, it was

simply too difficult to manage.

“I will be over there on Saturday -- helping out where I can, meeting

a lot of friends and maybe crying over a glass of beer,” Hamilton said

with a chuckle.

WHAT: Taste of Newport

WHERE: Newport Center Drive at Fashion Island, just off Pacific Coast

Highway and Jamboree

WHEN: Friday from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Sunday

from 12 to 8 p.m.

COST: admission includes entertainment and is $10. Children under 12 are

free on Saturday and Sunday. Taste of Newport passports are also

available.

VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers will receive free admission and a T-shirt. Call

Karin Graves at (949) 729-4414