Event highlights the many flavors of Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — The original Taste of Sandpoint presented by Dine Around Sandpoint officially kicks off the 2010 Winter Carnival on Thursday evening of January 14th with eighteen restaurants, caterers, breweries, and wineries. Showcasing their finest dishes ranging from appetizers to desserts, as well as an assortment of wines and brews, this is the premier event to wine and dine at “bite-sized prices.”

Savor flavors of the Northwest like the Seared Salmon with a petite parsley, shallot & caper salad on wild rice by Chimney Rock Grill at Schweitzer or Pend d’Oreille Winery’s Huckleberry Blush, or try family favorites like Bab’s Pizzeria, Italian cuisine from Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine and Ivano’s Ristorante, authentic tamales from Cruz Family Tamales, and Marinated Hob Nob Shrimp from Skeyes the Limit, or try a delicious box of baked goods from Pine Street Bakery.

“We have an assortment of cuisine from our area’s chefs,” said executive director Amy Little. “This year we have a few new vendors in our line-up, so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to sample the area’s finest epicurean delights.. . 

Participating businesses include 41 South Restaurant, Architects of Taste, Bab’s Pizzeria, The Bistro at the Inn at Sandcreek, Chimney Rock at Schweitzer, Cruz Family Tamales, Dish Home Cooking, Eichardt’s Pub Grill, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Ivano’s Ristorante, Laughing Dog Brewing, Liaison Catering, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine, Pine Street Bakery, Skeyes the Limit, Trinity at City Beach, and Winter Ridge Foods.

The event will be held from 5 to 8 pm on the first floor of the Sandpoint Business & Events Center, located on the corner of Pine and Euclid Street. Tickets will be sold at the door, and prices range from $3 to $7 per sample.

And new this year, the dining continues throughout the Winter Carnival festivities until January 18th with Dine Around Sandpoint. Fifteen restaurants around town will feature specialty menu selections at a low price each evening, and diners will be entered to win a year of monthly dinners out. There will be free items, special events, and more.

This year the Taste of Sandpoint is sponsored by 95.3 KPND and the Bonner County Daily Bee.

For more information, contact the chamber at (208) 263-2161 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com.

For more details on Winter Carnival, visit www.SandpointWinterCarnival.com or call the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association at (208) 255-1876, and visit www.DineAroundSandpoint.com for details on the new Dine Around Sandpoint.