Taste for the Space

Parkway Plaza, El Cajon’s premier shopping destination, hosts the first-ever Taste for the Space, taking place Oct. 15 from noon to 3 p.m. Twelve selected businesses will compete in a food festival-style event, providing samples of their signature cuisine.

One winner will be chosen by a combination of votes from the community and a panel of tastemaker judges who will help decide the winner based on taste as well as overall fit for the center. They are competing for a prize package valued at over $50,000, which includes a $20,000 business investment and three months of free rent.

The following San Diego companies will compete: La Flamme Française, Rollin Roots, Chef Budda Blasain Soul Food, Vwayaj Ayiti LLC, Mia Sorella Chimney Cakes, Baghdad Gourmet, Blendees LLC, Tuggamomma Smokehouse, Chef Diors Creations LLC, Raya’s Sweet Treats, Chef Char Seafood & Soul and Eleazar Catering.

The lineup of judges includes, Chef Phillip Esteban (Open Gym, White RIce and Weapon Ramen), Christina Ng (local culinary personality and Foundation Cultivator for Berry Good Food Food), Mayor Bill Wells (City of El Cajon), Sabrina Medora (freelance writer and novelist) and a board member from Kitchens for Good. Community members are welcome to participate in the tasting and cast their vote by purchasing a ticket on Parkway Plaza’s website (prices range from $4 to $8; children under 8 are free).

Attendees can not only try delicious food but also enjoy fun activities for everyone. For adults 21 and over, local brewery, Societe Brewing Company, will be onsite with a beer garden selling beer and offering a range of tastings and Blue Chair Bay Rum will offer craft cocktails. For kids, the city of El Cajon Parks & Rec is sponsoring the Kids Zone which will feature face painting, games and so much more. All proceeds from ticket sales and beer sales will be donated to Kitchen’s for Good.

For more information on Taste for the Space or to buy tickets, visit visitparkwayplaza.com.