By Isiah REYES

It was a hungry crowd that gathered in the parking lot of the Ralphs Market Place shopping center on Dec. 10 ready to enjoy good food, see classic cars and dance to live music, provided by the CV High School jazz band, during the annual Taste of the Foothills event.

Normally held in November, Taste of the Foothills was moved to December because of remodeling work at Ralphs and Rite Aid in the 2600 block of Foothill Boulevard. But that didn’t stop folks from showing up.

“I think this event is a great opportunity for the community to come out and partner with the local businesses, sample the food that’s available, see programs that are going on at schools here in the Crescenta Valley and have a good time,” said David Black, engineering and manufacturing instructor and director of the Robotics Program at Clark Magnet High School.

The Clark Magnet High School robotics team was on hand to show off robots they built. They were selling energy-efficient LED light bulbs, shirts and sodas as well.

Robin Seifert, the owner of Etc… Gourmet Kitchen, the newly opened bakery, café and marketplace in Montrose, had chicken salad at their booth. She said she always comes to this event because she really enjoys it.

“I think its tremendous exposure for us,” Seifert said. “Everybody’s been wonderful and really receptive and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Cold Stone Creamery was out handing out coupons and ice cream to visitors. Some of the flavors they offered included cheesecake ice cream, chocolate, sweet cream and Oreo cream filing.

“It’s always been a great event for the chamber and the local schools,” said John Giblin, a volunteer with the CV Chamber of Commerce. “Every year it seems to be a success. People always thank us and say they had a good time and that the food was great. We get a lot of return guests each year.”

The Crescenta Valley High School jazz band performed some songs to liven things up. Ticketholders, who each paid $20 to sample the fare, enjoyed Christmas songs and holiday, swing and big band music from the ’40s and ’50s. The band even performed a Beach Boys song.

Taste of the Foothills is a way for eateries to connect with old and new customers. It’s also a chance for smaller restaurants in town to come out and show off their wares.

“There are kids dancing, music, antique cars … what more could you want from a community event?” said John Black, a first time visitor to Taste of the Foothills.

Seventeen restaurants participated in the annual event including El Charro, Gelsinger’s Amber Road, Goodie Girls, Orchard Flats Cold Pressed Juicery and Gio’s Baguettes & More.

  Isiah REYES