Taste of Edina Showcases Local Cuisine, Beverages at Centennial Lakes

The annual Taste of Edina is coming up next week, bringing with it the promise of "great specials and unique menu items."

Lori Syverson, president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce, said organizers are expecting around 23 local restaurants to participate in this year's festivities, including Edina favorites like the Eden Avenue Grill, Mozza Mia and Pinstripes.

It's slated to run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Hughes Pavilion of Centennial Lakes Park. The event started as a way to showcase the first-ring suburb's finest cuisine, growing over time to feature a wide array of wine and beer both from local brewers and available at the city's three municipal liquor stores.

The 2013 iteration will play host to five different wine and three different craft beer vendors, with Edina Liquor providing oversight of any alcohol related activities.

"We're very excited," Syverson said. "We actually have a couple of additional participants this year."

Syverson said she expects between 350 and 400 attendees at this year's Taste of Edina, provided Minnesota weather cooperates with the event. If rain happens to hit Edina that night, the park's outdoor terrace will be tented and heated.

Proceeds from the event go into the Chamber of Commerce's operating revenue for programming throughout the year, particularly including an educational services group called Competitive Edge. Competitive Edge aims to help owners of small- to medium-sized businesses develop additional skills for operating their businesses.

"People can come out and enjoy some of the great food our restaurants have to offer," Syverson said. "We'll have some great specials and unique menu items."

Tickets cost $30 in advance, while the price will jump to $35 at the door. The event is open to the entire community and the admission price includes all food and beverage at the event.

Tickets can be purchased at any of the city's three municipal liquor stores, by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 952-806-9060 or at www.EdinaChamber.com.

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