It tastes good

Walking out through the gates of the Taste of Newport, usually one

thought dominates: food.

This year, however, another thought pushed its way to the

forefront: crowds. With record pre-sales, the draw of hometown band

Sugar Ray and the word-of-mouth of past Taste of Newport success, the

mass of people was thicker than Clayton Shurley’s barbecue sauce and

the air hotter than the sausages from Sabatino’s.

During its weekend run, the Taste of Newport is now the place to

be in town. And whether you’re itching for some roast beef from the

Five Crowns, clam chowder from Bluewater Grill, sushi from Koto or

couscous from Marrakesh, you’ll find your fill (because that’s just

the tip of the gourmet iceberg).

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has done a terrific job of

making each Taste of Newport a little more delicious than the year

before. How it will top this year’s menu will be a sight to ... eat.