Taste & Art Stroll in Del Mar Village

The true splendor of the fall season can largely be attributed to the warm fuzzy feelings of delicious tastes and innovative artwork in the San Diego region. The Del Mar Village Association is putting on the annual Taste & Art Stroll on Saturday, October 2nd in Downtown Del Mar along Camino Del Mar and 15th Street, and at Del Mar Plaza. 

The impressive start to the occasion begins with an Art Stroll from 10am to 5pm, where viewers can indulge in the juried original artwork by over 65 talented, local and regional artists. As you ease your way through the Village, just blocks away from Del Mar Beach, you’re bound to interact with fellow art lovers and the artists themselves. Along the streets of Del Mar Village, you’ll catch a glimpse of the creations by artists such as Christopher Decaro, Laurenn Barker, Mary Helmreich, Jane Tipton, and David Villa. 

All that art-consumption will guarantee a hefty appetite for some fresh California cuisine, so satiate your palate with a ticket to the Taste of Del Mar, offering various bites and sips from 1pm-4pm. With the purchase of a $30 ticket, you’ll be able to test and try some of Del Mar’s most exquisite foods, including such glorious eateries as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Stratford Court Café, Board & Brew, Jimmy O’s, PrepKitchen, Bully’s, Americana Restaurant, Zel’s Del Mar and more. Delectable culinary creations, winery and brewery selections, and featured savory tastes will take over the Del Mar Village as live musical entertainment supplies the cultural backdrop. 

You’ll savor a wide selection of culinary styles, from seafood to whole food. If the list of Del Mar restaurants is too much to take in, we’ve got the lead to set you in the right direction with three top spots to check out. 

Discover our top three recommended restaurants in Del Mar.

KITCHEN 1540 at L’Auberge Del Mar Resort: The modern and comfortable atmosphere of KITCHEN 1540 makes for one of the most inviting stops in Del Mar. With a seasonally-driven menu from Chef Paul McCabe in its chic and diverse setting, the restaurant uses season-driven menus to keep customers continually coming back for more. James Beard Chef Paul McCabe has been recognized as one of Southern California’s best chefs and introduces a new farm-to-plate culinary concept to San Diego, only at KITCHEN 1540. The elegant design of KITCHEN 1540 was innovated by renowned New York architect Andre Kikoski and offers guests a contemporary take on a classic coastal cool; with white vaulted ceilings; an open presentation kitchen; a private dining room wrapped in wine-encased glass walls; and an outside dining and lounge area. The al fresco experience offers private cabanas for intimate dining, a water wall, a fire pit to gather around and hanging lanterns to set just the right mood.

Jake’s Del Mar: With waves crashing against the restaurant’s windows, Jake’s Del Mar brings the ocean into the dining experience. A picturesque, romantic, and yet still casual dining experience gives Jake’s a unique name in the Del Mar community. For nearly twenty-five years, Jakes has been serving up prime people-watching and scrumptious seafood, and its friendly servers and lively ambiance keep locals and visitors alike passing through the doors. California coastal cuisine is the name of the game, and it mostly applies to mouth-wateringly fresh fish and diverse flavors. The Pecan Crusted Sea Bass, served with roasted red pepper butter, is a delicious mélange of nuttiness, sweet and spice; while the Seared Scallops are served atop mushroom, corn, and asparagus risotto, with tasty truffle honey. Get details here.

Sbicca American Bistro: Locals love Sbicca for the intimate dining atmosphere nestled just off the beach in coastal Del Mar. With various dining rooms and patios to choose from, Sbicca keeps the experience as fresh as the menu of award-winning cuisine. Starters include Louisiana Blue Crab Cakes with chive chipotle remoulade; as well as Sesame Seared Ahi with ruby-wasabi sauce and cucumber Serrano salsa. Amongst their most scrumptious entrees is the classic Seafood Paella with shrimp, clams, scallops, fresh seafood, pancetta, tomato saffron sauce; and the Prosciutto-Wrapped Sea Scallops wild mushroom ragout, wilted rainbow chard, truffle aioli. Get details here.

Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll even offers the kids a chance to participate in the magic of the day, with interactive art exhibits from such participants as the La Jolla Birch Aquarium, the Del Mar Library, and the Del Mar Art Center Gallery. Bring the pooch for a featured pet stroll as well, where you and your pup can saunter through the endless art and sweets all afternoon.

The 2010 Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll infuses all that encompasses the best of fall in San Diego with one ticket in one great day. Pre-sale tickets $30 and $40 on the day of the event. From the culinary masterpieces to the imaginative artwork to the music, people, and flavor of the city, you don’t want to miss this year’s stroll through the Village. Get more details and tickets online at delmarmainstreet.com.

Discover more local entertainment ideas in our San Diego events calendar.