RESTAURANT REVIEW:

I understand that the role of the Taste of Newport is not about the food. It is primarily a social function, and the food is an accouterment to the mingling and musical acts.

It is my wish, however, that the focus be placed back on the food, living up to the name of the event.

When I arrived at the event this year, there didn’t seem to be the buzz or excitement I was anticipating. It was a bit surprising to me.

At the top of Fashion Island, the parking was free and close. That was a big plus.

The admission price, though, is $25, and that is just to get you into the door. If you aren’t staying for the music, then it’s a pretty hefty cover charge.

I got there before the music, and there weren’t many people. It was nice in a way, because I figured I could spend more time visiting with managers and chefs at the booths.

A lot of the restaurants had upper management or chefs at the booths, and they were more than willing to chat with customers.

I had a great conversation with one restaurant owner, who told me about his menu and what he was trying to achieve with it.

Another chef actually showed me a dish he was making and how he prepared it. I thought that was very nice of him and actually learned more than I knew about this popular restaurant.

Unfortunately, some of the restaurants that were there had volunteers working the booth that weren’t even affiliated with the facility.

Tanned women in short skirts and cleavage-revealing tops might get men to come over to the booth, but not anyone who might want to visit the restaurant at a later date.

Other booths had people working who were just sitting there, not interacting with customers; one person was even reading a book.

While getting Styx, UB40 and Third Eye Blind adds to the ambience, could that money be better spent elsewhere? Do those bands really attract people? If people want to see bands whose better days are behind them, can’t they get that at the Orange County Fair?

This event should be about the food. There are many quality restaurants in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, and that should be the showcase.

I still believe the event can be a success and raise money for charity. The Taste of Huntington Beach focuses on food while still donating a sizable amount of money to charity. The organizers do several things right that the Taste of Newport should copy.

The first change should be to make the price all-inclusive. I have heard numerous complaints about having to pay $25 and then having to pay between $4 and $7 for a taste of food.

The day can easily be $100 per person with tastes and beverages. Make the price $25 or $50 per person, and include tastes of both food and wine.

Secondly, get rid of the “big name” entertainment. Music should be an appetizer or a side dish, not the main course. Bring in quality local musicians and bands and have them perform throughout the day. Or if you want to have the known bands, charge a separate admission price.

Thirdly, get more restaurants and wineries to participate. That will happen, I believe, if the first two suggestions are implemented. Also, have more cooking demonstrations. You could have wine seminars as well.

Lastly, if you want to add more restaurant participation, hold a raffle and/or silent auction. I believe even if a restaurant doesn’t want to come for the three-day event, it would offer gift certificates for free dinners or other items. That also allows other businesses to donate items people would be interested in winning.

The Newport Beach area is overflowing with quality and unique restaurants. Let’s see more of them at next year’s event.

JOHN REGER is the Pilot’s restaurant critic. His reviews run Thursdays.