Newport warms up Taste buds

June Casagrande

It’s been 15 years since Richard Luehrs and Bill Hamilton first

cooked up the idea for the Taste of Newport, 15 years of watching

this fledgling idea grow into a stunning success. And for Luehrs, now

is as good a time as any to stop and reflect.

“Every year our focus is so set on the immediate issues of the

Taste of Newport, this year, I really wanted to step back and take a

look at why it’s so successful,” said Luehrs, president of the

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, which will put on this year’s

Taste of Newport from Sept. 19 to 21.

In researching his article for the chamber newsletter, in which he

reviews the history of the now-famous event, a couple of things

jumped out at him.

“It’s perfect for taking advantage of the community’s strengths.

There’s a high number of fine dining opportunities here. And we have

a terrific venue,” Luehrs said of the Fashion Island location. “The

streets are wide, there are palm trees, gentle breezes -- all that

goes into making it a terrific venue.

“The third component here is a great volunteer base,” he said.

“They come out of the woodwork to help us do this thing and they’re

enthusiastic, they’re customer-service oriented, they provide a

terrific opportunity for us to coordinate and channel their energies

into a successful event.”

This year’s Taste of Newport should be another great one, Luehrs

said. More than 30 local restaurants will offer samples of their best

menu items; 15 wineries will offer their best; cocktails and a

selection of beers will also flow freely.

This year’s live entertainment lineup promises to outdo years

past. Chart-toppers Sugar Ray will headline on Saturday. The Beach

Boys will headline on Sunday. The Neil Diamond tribute band Super

Diamond will take the main stage Friday. And chamber officials say

that their yet-to-be-finalized Saturday act will be a show-stopper.

“It’s going to be a great event, as always,” Luehrs said.