A Flavorful Night in Orinda

There was a whole lot of sampling going on in Orinda on Tuesday evening.

The 2013 Orinda Restaurant Tour served up an assortment of cuisine on both the Village and the downtown side of town.

The event is sponsored by the Orinda Chamber of Commerce and serves as a fundraiser for the organization.

Candy Kattenburg, the chamber's executive director, said she expected 150 to 200 people to attend this year's event. That's down from previous year's attendance of 300.

Kattenburg said competing events in the region cut into this year's gathering. She said the smaller crowd may reduce the amount of money the chamber will be able to give to non-profit organizations.

Nonetheless, she said the restaurant tour is a great promotion for Orinda and its businesses.

Twenty-three restaurants on both sides of town participated. A trolley took people between the two destinations.

Each restaurant offered a free sample of one item from their menu as well as wine and other drinks.

One of the restauranteurs involved was Charles Monzer, the owner of La Piazza. He and his crew were serving smoked salmon with goat cheese on bread as well as a variety of wines.

Monzer has participated in all six of the annual restaurant tours. He said it's important to raise money for the chamber and the event is also a good way for businesses to showcase themselves.

"It's good exposure. It brings people from out of town," said Monzer.

Among those sampling were Rory and Lauren Davis. They moved from Oakland to Orinda a month ago and wanted to check out the local restaurants.

"We're new to the area, so this is a great way to get situated," said Rory Davis.

The couple wasn't sure which establishments they'd visit, but they got off to a quick start with the salmon at La Piazza and the margaritas served next door at Casa Orinda.

Also taking the tour were John Steinmetz and Barbara Riley. She's lived in Orinda for 28 years, but this was her first time at this event.

"It sounded like fun," she said.

"She was tired of cooking, too," joked Steinmetz.

They planned to hit Sushi Island, La Piazza and other favorites.