A Flavorful Celebration: 2023 Taste of Fair Oaks Recap
The 2023 Taste of Fair Oaks was an unforgettable celebration of food, drink, and community that perfectly captured the spirit of this charming town. Hosted by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce and the Taste of Fair Oaks Committee, the event was powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Roselyn Barbray, Kimberley Patillo, Mary Howard, Mary Proctor, Doug Proctor, John Oldman, Mysti Shaw, and Karyn Barthmoore. Their hard work and passion set the stage for a night filled with delicious bites, local wines, and shared experiences that deepened our sense of togetherness.
A Journey Through Flavors
Held at the Northridge Country Club, this year’s Taste of Fair Oaks showcased the diverse and vibrant culinary scene that makes our town unique. Local restaurants, wineries, and breweries lined up with their best offerings, giving attendees an authentic taste of Fair Oaks’ gourmet side.
Delectable Delights
Some of Fair Oaks’ finest establishments wowed the crowd with their signature dishes. Bad Fish Coffee & Tea, Martins Famous Street Tacos, Bennett’s American Cooking, The Paisley Cafe, Brahma Bar and Grill, and The Salsa Chick were just a few of the standout exhibitors. While everything was delicious, the BBQ ribs from Pancho Villa BBQ and Martins Famous Street Tacos were absolute crowd favorites. Each bite was a testament to the creativity and quality of Fair Oaks’ culinary talent.
Sipping and Savoring the Best
Local wineries added a special touch to the evening, offering a range of wines that delighted casual sippers and connoisseurs alike. Andis Wines, McConnell Estates, Mount Saint Joseph’s Wines, and many others ensured attendees never had an empty glass in hand. ? Their offerings added depth and richness to the tasting journey, and it was clear why Fair Oaks’ wine culture is one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
For beer lovers, Fair Oaks Brew Pub, Palm Tree Brewing, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company ensured that craft beer enthusiasts had plenty to explore. Each brewery brought its unique twist, and even Strad Meadery joined in with its sweet, intriguing mead.
Community Spirit in Every Bite
The event wasn’t just about indulging—it was about giving back. Proceeds from the silent auction supported the local Chamber of Commerce and the Orangevale Fair Oaks Food Bank, making the night as much about community as it was about culinary delights.
A Night of Fun and Games
Attendees also had plenty of chances to win big. There was no shortage of excitement from the putting competition (with a shot at $5,000!) to the Mystery Wine Wall. Even if golf wasn’t your thing, the fun of picking a bottle or grabbing a gift card guaranteed every guest a little extra thrill.
A Few Bumps in the Road
While the event was a resounding success, a few attendees did mention that more seating or tables would have made it easier to enjoy their food and drinks. Juggling a wine glass and a plate simultaneously is no easy feat! However, these small challenges did little to take away from the overall experience.
Hats Off to the Taste of Fair Oaks Team
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Taste of Fair Oaks Committee and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a hit. Their attention to detail and commitment to showcasing the best of Fair Oaks made the night one to remember.
Looking Forward
As we look back on the 2023 Taste of Fair Oaks, it’s clear this event is more than just a food and wine gathering—it’s a celebration of the unity, culture, and flavor that make Fair Oaks so special. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year. If 2023 was anything to go by, the 2024 event will surely be another can’t-miss night!
An Array of Delectable Delights
The exhibitors that graced the event with their presence and incredible cuisine included Bad Fish Coffee & Tea, Martins Famous Street Tacos, Bennett’s American Cooking, The Paisley Cafe, The Salsa Chick, Brahma Bar and Grill, Pancho Villa BBQ, California Fish Grill, Raley’s, Cattlemen’s, Safeway, Chocolate Fountains, Smokey Oaks Tavern, Cookie Plug, Somewhat Suburban, Dad’s Kitchen, Spaghetti Factory, Divided Sky Tavern, Texas Roadhouse, Dos Coyotes, Trader Joe’s, and the Fair Oaks Farmers Market.
A Toast to Local Wineries
An essential component of the Taste of Fair Oaks experience was the inclusion of local wineries. Each offered attendees a chance to sip, swirl, and savor various wines, adding a layer of richness to the tasting journey. This year, we were privileged to have an impressive line-up of wineries that included Andis Wines, McConnell Estates, Bella Grace Vineyards, Maderios Family Wines, Chateau d’Estienne, Mount Saint Joseph’s Wines, Cooper Vineyards, Nello Olivo, Dobra Zemija Winery, Oak Ridge Winery, Driven Cellars, Oakstone Winery, Drytown Cellars, Quillen Wines, Element 79 Vineyards, Sierra Vista Winery, Harney Lane Winery, Vino Noceto, Ironstone/Quintessential, Willamette Wineworks, and Lava Cap Winery.
Beer Bliss: Local Breweries Showcase Their Best at the Taste of Fair Oaks
A collection of local and regional breweries showcased their unique craft at the event, offering a refreshing break from the wine and food. Participating breweries included the much-loved local Fair Oaks Brew Pub, known for its diverse beer menu and cozy setting. Palm Tree Brewing, Full Circle Brewing, and New Glory Craft Brewery also made a splash, each bringing their signature brews for attendees to sample. In addition, the iconic Sierra Nevada Brewing Company also graced the event with its renowned craft beer. Finally, Strad Meadery, specializing in the ancient art of mead-making, offered a sweet and intriguing change of pace. With various craft beverages to explore, beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike enjoyed a truly satisfying tasting experience.
Whether you are a resident of Fair Oaks or a visitor, the Taste of Fair Oaks promises a delightful evening that will leave you with a satisfied palate and a treasure trove of memories. So, mark your calendars, bring your appetites, and get ready to be delighted at every turn. See you at the Taste of Fair Oaks 2024!
I used some photos from last year as they hadn’t been posted yet, and I couldn’t take them this year.
