Taste of El Paso

I don't think it was as great but it's pretty interesting and you get to sample the specialties from some of the best restaurants of El Paso. The atmosphere was nice, there was a jazz group playing nice music and all the stands were put up pretty nicely and everything was clean. I'd recommend to check it out!

The General Admission tables were large enough to seat eight; were draped with white table cloths; decorated with elaborate centerpieces; had water glasses with beautifully folded napkins in each; and pitchers of water and tea available at each table. The tables in the VIP area were not pre-reserved as stated on the ad. The bistro-sized table with 4 chairs; had a black over-sized table cloth; a bud vase with 1 purple carnation; NO napkins; NO water glasses; NO water or tea; and NO SERVERS. Diners began complaining to the staff and then started helping themselves to glasses, napkins, tea and water from the GA tables. Eventually, servers were pulled from the other area but the service was so slow since they were doing one table at a time. We ended up helping ourselves. The food was not exceptional and some of the food temperatures were very questionable. We only used 6 of the drink tickets because our server was not old enough to serve alcohol and the line was too long. This event was an overpriced, unsatisfactory, second-rate and definitely not a VIP experience. We will not be back. The entire VIP section deserves a refund for the price difference.

It was our first time attending this event and we really enjoyed it. It was an exceptional culinary experience! The food was delicious and the presentation of the venue was beautiful.

I liked it overall. I would do it again next year. Was worth the money and the food was great. The only thing I did not like it that some places ran out of food. Bella Sucre ran out very early. Each vendor should take enough food for the amount of tickets sold and some extra. The even did not even sell out and they were out of food.

Taste of El Paso was really well done this year. Although there were still some lines, others were smooth sailing. I brought along my sister in law was in town. Everything tasted good, but the next day she and I were both ill. Of course no one thing could be pinpointed, but we did no visit two of the restaurants. Ruined what should have been a great time out with family.

Awesome idea! Newcomers to this great city will enjoy the exquisite taste of this area. Really enjoyed the LIVE BAND! WONDERFUL dance exhibition!

The lines for each vendor were very long. It took too much time in each one. I never really got a chance to sit down and socialize. It was very overpriced for the tiny little portions you are given. I will not attend next yr. :(

There was more pork options than I thought. The book that they give you with the menu options was not the same for a few restaurants. One restaurant did not show up. The only one that didn't wow me was a bbq place. It was really nice and I got to try some of the restaurants I didn't know was around here. Got full and there where drinks in tiny cups to give you a taste the price to purchase a drink was 8 dollars and for a beer was 6.

Great food! Would definitely attend this event again.

Overall most of the restaurants involved had great dishes. There were a few restaurants that ran out of food within the first hour. How does this happen?! Some restaurants were not prepared and people had to wait for the food. I will go again next year, but if the restaurants are not prepared it will be the last time I attend this event. Plus side of Taste of El Paso compared to other eating events I have attended is that the portions are much bigger and you will leave the event STUFFED!

Several vendors ran out of food and had to prepare more food which caused very long lines. One of the food vendors served peppers that weren't properly cooked it was still raw. The wine was very well paired with the food, and the variety of food dishes was also good. Great music and entertainment. I would go again an would recommend the events to friends.

Great food when available and a great way to meet local foodies. Billy Towns and company played awesome jazz.

Would not attend this event again. The lines were very long and some vendors ran out of food.

A bit disappointed. The evening started out with an extremely smoky venue. My hair and clothes smelled like smoke for the rest of the evening. The lines were extremely long and the wait time for the cooks to prepare the food was also too long. Some of the restaurants ran out of food. I'm just thankful that this was not my first time at Taste of El Paso or I would have been turned off for future Taste of El Paso.

The most impressive participating business was Bella Sucre. Belle Sucre was the most generous and well prepared for the event. While standing in line I noticed they had plenty of covered carts ready. Belle Sucre understood what the event was all about, which all translated into a relaxed and happy staff. When you walked up to the attendants they shared what you had to choose from many times over to those in line. I was delightfully surprised when I was told we could choose 2 macaroons and if I wanted one of every other desert they had to offer (at least 5 other items). Crave was also very generous with their delicious cucumber lemonade. I saw them giving out samples well into the evening. Delicious item. Got my attention. I didn't know until later but I loved the fact we were allowed to take home whatever item(s) we could not finish. The event program boasts "there's enough for everyone, take your time, enjoy" perhaps an hour into the event I walked up to at least three high-end restaurant stands who ran out of food. Mind you, everyone who paid for a ticket had a book to be stamped. It wasn't a matter of people taking too much from any one place. The alcohol samples need to either be covered or put into a more manageable "cup" because it was cumbersome when it was either filled to the top or you had carry the drink sample, your plate of food and utensils. Take note of how Hillside Coffe & Donut served their (very good) iced coffee. I appreciate the well-dressed ladies at the event, but would have appreciated more "professional" attire. At times, it did not make for a comfortable introduction to any one booth or during cocktail time. We already bought our tickets, no more convincing needed...took away from the abmience. At one booth there was a nicely dressed but obviously cranky server. Not necessary. I recommend cocktail tables scattered throughout the event because at times you didn't want to have to walk all the way back to your table (in fear another place would run out). I loved the jazz band, dance presentations, free Starbucks coffee, glass of champagne, mini-cookies at the entryway. The static BMW displays were really nice. There was painting and a mixology class one could partake in if you finished early enough. Corral the crowd better at the entry because so we can understand or hear (even with a mic) the hosts amongst the crowd who wanted to keep talking above the hosts. This is not the time to rush what you want to share with a crowd, this is the opportunity to "wow" people with what you've got to offer at your establishment. People had instant reactions to your food. Love what you're making and you'll see this event turn into regular patrons at your establishment. Some booths cut corners or didn't taste their offering's (too salty). Won't be visiting those places in the future. Overall, I think this is definitely an event to check out at least every one or two years, not so much every year. I think they've caught on and whatever they were doing right before unfortunately is changing. One night vs. two days to keep the lines down.

Perfect! Get there on time some places ran out of food.

I hate to complain because I'm normally a problem solver. There was plenty to solve at this years event. Seating was OK except there wasn't much of it. I suppose the organizers were aware the diners would be standing in lines waiting for a "taste" the entire time. Which brings me to complaint #1 - standing in lines for extended periods of time only to find out the restaurant was out of the menu item listed in the "food passport" and had substituted an item that was far inferior. It happened at Malolam and a few others, others just closed up altogether before the event was over. I was able to visit only 4-6 of the available booths during the allotted time, we arrived at 6:20 and left at 9:30. I should have been able to sample all of the foods had the event been organized correctly. The restaurants all used attractive women to showcase their restaurants, it would have been a better event if the food was more of an attraction than the booth babe's!

The food was delicious and the cooking and mixology classes were great. I can't wait to attend the next one.

The food and drinks were simply amazing. I was very impressed with the band. The band played some incredible music all night long.

Taste of El Paso is a great way to taste the best of what El Paso's restaurants have to offer. The event was well organized and every restaurant had enough samples for all the guests.

As we entered we received a big bag with a couple pamphlets inside, including name tags and a guide/stamp book for the meals we were about to enjoy. The seating arrangement was a bit strange; there were many empty, reserved tables speckled throughout and the first few people we asked for help seemed rather confused as well. But we found a table with some nice couple and we went to town on the first food. This is were it got good. The samples were of considerable size, most were at the correct temp, you got to pick what you wanted in what order you wanted, and the alcohol pairings were great. The only complaint I have was that some of the alcohol pairings were miserable. Oh and also, please don't bring soup as a sample entree, that is more of a side or an appetizer. Overall, it was a fun night and I left happy and with a full belly.

Fabulous. Will definitely be back in the future. Nice showcase of food with beer and wine pairings. I loved the little presentations going on... It gave your system a break from eating... If you attend this event, pace yourself! It is hard to taste all the courses. By the end I was just having one or two bites per plate. I had a great time though. This event exceeded my expectations. Tickets seem a bit pricey but it is a good value for all you get. Many restaurants serve steak or salmon, servers clear your plate immediately, and there was even free tequila and vodka tasting all with live jazz playing in the background. Awesome time!

What a night full of culinary delights. We enjoyed the music and the beautiful tables set up for our enjoyment. We loved the food and wine / beer parings. All the food was prepared perfectly and all so delicious. I am truly amazed at how each restaurant was able to serve such high quality food to so many people using temporary kitchens. The event people really did a lovely job on decor and crowd control. I was worried at first but soon realized we were in the hands of some experts. There was never but a few people waiting for the course before us and the libe moved so quickly even at that. The tequila tasting was fun and the cooking demonstrations were fun too. We could not eat all the offerings because we were so full, we managed to get desserts though. We sat at a large table and managed to make new friends between bites of yummy foods. Fun night, new restaurants to try!!!

Taste of El Paso is a great way to find the best local Resturants. The food is always amazing and you'll never leave hungry. There are lots of fun drink tasting also, defiantly going next year.

First time attending and was very surprised at the amount of food you end up getting from the "samples". We were stuffed and actually couldn't finish the entire array. We will definitely be visiting several of the restaurants. Highly recommend and will be going next year too!

It was a really nice experience! We were able to try many booths 13 out of 15. Perfect amount of people. Not too crowded and no long lines. The ONLY downfall was we were sooo full we had to wobble our way out. We thought samples wouldn't fill you but after the first 6, you really begin to feel it! Can't wait for next year!

Had never gone to anything like it. Was very tasty and a lot of fun. would recommend to anyone who wants a different but pleasant and fun experience.

Very expesive ticket and not worth it for weekday nights.

Enjoyed the evening, met new people, ate plenty of delicious food, drank variety of wines and beer, had yummy desserts and listened to great music. Would definetly recommend to anyone who enjoys food because it allows you to try different restaurants' food in one place matched with a beer or wine that enhances the flavor. Enjoyed the live music too. Make sure you go hungry because you'll leave there extremely stuffed.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Our only complaint was that there wasn't palette cleansers offered between tastings. This would have allowed a better tasting experience overall, especially with going between spicy, mild, and sweet foods and wine and beer.

I love the whole idea of sampling so many good restaurants, however I thought it missed more entertainment, maybe kitchen novelties for sale, a silent auction, a raffle , etc., something to make it more entertaining. I don't know if I would attend again.

Plenty of food. Lots of beer/wine samples as well.

This year I think it was much more organized and the set up was great. I really enjoyed the fact that they included the beverage pairings with each sample. Really enjoyed the event as a whole and will be returning next year for sure.