Behind the Scenes - Taste of Muskegon
On June 23 and 24, Muskegon Main Street is teaming up with Racquet’s Downtown Grill to present the inaugural Taste of Muskegon. This two day street festival will feature some of the best festival food and drink of the summer, from Muskegon’s iconic restaurants and watering holes. We caught up with Allen Serio, chair of the event, to get the scoop.
MS: Since the event has been announced what has been the community reaction?
AS: GREAT! We have had an overwhelming positive response from the community. I hear more often that this event is a natural fit for Muskegon. As we get closer to the event date more and more people tell me how excited they are to be at the event. As event promoters we can’t wait to showcase Muskegon as one of the premier destinations for great food and great fun.
MS: What restaurants and food items are confirmed?
AS: Tipsy Toad Tavern: Kabobs, Ribs, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Wings
Racquets: Gourmet Sandwiches, Hand cut French Fries
Hobo’s Tavern: Burgers, Brats, and Dogs
Donnie’s BBQ: Pork BBQ Sandwich, Smoked Chicken, Coleslaw, Potato Salad
The Hearthstone: Ham & Cheese Crepes, Cheddar Ale Soup
BernieO’s Pizza: Fresh Hot Pizza, “The Twist”, Wings Pizza”, “El Loco”
Tony’s Bistro: Mediterranean Pasta, Leg of Lamb W/Orzo, Greek Salad, Hummus
Coastline Deli: Redskin Potato Salad, ½ sandwiches, Cowboy Cookies
Famous India: Chicken Samdsa, Chicken Curry, Tandori Chicken
Carino’s Italian Grill: Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Italian Chocolate Cake, Canoli
Grand Traverse Pie Company: Fresh Cut Pie, Cookies and Treats
Ruth Ann’s Ice Cream: Ice Cream & Sorbets, Frozen Bananas
The Sardine Room: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Pork Osso Bucco, Coleslaw
Old Boys Brew House: Hand Crafted Sodas, Cookies, Rice Crispy Treats, Bloody Mary Mix and Margarita Mix.
And if that wasn’t enough we still have more restaurants still to come including Pints and Quarts, CF Prime, City Café, Dockers and more.
MS: What other entertainment can people expect to find when they come down?
AS: We will feature live music both days starting mid day and continuing throughout the night. We will have Star108 and 98.3 doing live broadcasts and giveaways. There will be a children’s area with a moon jump and other activities. Starting Saturday morning the 5th Annual Muskegon Main Street Car Show will be held on Western Avenue, featuring some of the Best Hot Rods from the west Michigan area. We will also feature a “Tailgate” like party for the Muskegon Thunder before Saturday’s game; we like to think of it as “Muskegon’s Largest Tailgate Party”.
MS: Is there any help festival organizers still need?
AS: Volunteers, Are at this point one of the most important things we are still looking for, we can always use good people. We are also looking for and local business that would like to be a part of the event as well, through sponsorship or as one of our strategic partnerships.
MS: Thanks for checking in as you prepare for the big weekend.
AS: Thank you and we can’t wait to see all of you out there June 23rd and 24th!
Check it out on the web
Taste of Muskegon website