PARKSVILLE — Taste of Oceanside returns to Parksville in 2012 to delight the tastebuds of foodies and price-conscious diners alike.
A fundraising initiative of the Rotary Club of Parksville AM, Taste of Oceanside brings together a variety of local eating establishments, some new to the event and some perennial favorites, all promising an evening of exquisite taste experiences, delightful ambiance and affordable dining.
The gustatory fun begins on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. when 12 restaurants serve samples of specialty menu items to discriminating diners as they wander through food stations at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.
Now in its sixth year, admission to Taste of Oceanside remains at $15, with food and beverage coupons again priced at $1 apiece.
These coupons can then be exchanged for tastings from the various food stations throughout the evening. Each restaurant station will offer up to three items priced between one and three coupons each.
Refreshments will be available to enhance the tasting experience, which will include everything from crab cakes to ribs, bison sliders to prawns — and don’t forget to save room for those decadent desserts.
Introduced in 2007 as an enjoyable and affordable evening for local residents and tourists alike, Taste of Oceanside aims to promote the local Oceanside restaurant industry while at the same time raising funds for the charitable works of Rotary, locally and internationally.
This year, a silent auction will be introduced as part of this fundraising effort.
Current local charitable projects supported by the Rotary Club of Parksville AM include Coats for Kids, the ALS Walk, Parksville Mental Health Group, Society of Organized Services (programs for children), Building Learning Together, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Drug Awareness and Resistance Education, and scholarships for students attending Ballenas High School.
The club also supports major international humanitarian efforts, including fencing and latrines for a school in Ghana, mosquito nets for families in Ghana, a sewing school in Guyana, aid to victims of disasters worldwide through Disaster Aid Canada, and the eradication of polio through Polio Plus.
With attendance limited to 550 to 600 samplers, purchase of advance tickets is encouraged. These are available from Marlin Travel and Close To You in Parksville, Coast Realty and NR Insurance in Qualicum Beach, participating restaurants, or from any Member of the Parksville AM Rotary Club.