Food, music, fun and fundraising

The line at the Tony Roma’s table extended out 10 feet, hands down

the longest at Thursday night’s second annual Taste of Burbank.

And those hands would have been streaked with the barbecue sauce

from the chicken legs and ribs being served by restaurant employees.

Arleta resident Mike Shanto was among those who lined up for a

sampling of Roma’s fare.

“I love the food and I love the city and the music,” Shanto said.

San Fernando Boulevard between Orange Grove Avenue and Magnolia

Boulevard was closed down for the event. Entertainment for the

evening was provided by eight-piece band Cold Duck and Captain

Cardiac and the Coronaries.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Burbank Community YMCA

scholarship program.

The scholarships assist children to attend YMCA programs and

adults to get memberships, Executive Director Bryan Madden said.

Of the 30 restaurants and eateries taking part in the event, one

he was looking forward to was Kabuki for its Japanese food, Madden

said.

The trick to getting the most out of the Taste is eating only a

little from each food vendors, Madden said.

“If you get a full serving at every restaurant you’ll stop after

five,” Madden said.

The hundreds of people who turned out sampled prime rib from the

Black Angus Steakhouse, chips and guacamole from Chipotle, and

ravioli and eggless vanilla custard with strawberries from Pomodoro

Cucina Italiana.

Laura Soldris and Julie Edgcomb from Salinas, who were in town for

a health clinic conference, snacked on Thai pizza and bowtie pasta.

“Even with the smoke, it’s all delicious,” Edgcomb said, referring

to the smoke from a brush fire in the Verdugo Mountains.

After filling his children up with some hamburgers, fries and

pizza, David Lawrence was ready to take them exploring.

“The ice cream is our next stop,” Santa Clarita resident Debbie

Messman said. “We go from cookies to ice cream.”