by McAllen Chamber of Commerce

More than 600 foodies attended Taste McAllen Wednesday evening at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park.

After a three-year festival hiatus, a total of 24 local vendors including local chefs, top rated food trucks, independent and chain restaurants unique to our region offered sample dishes.

Taste McAllen’s mission is to support and highlight the restaurant community by showcasing the diverse culinary talents of the region. The event was organized by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.

Mixology in Motion bars were available throughout the venue which featured mixed drinks with Jarritos flavored soda and MiJente Tequila. Entertainment included local artists such as musicians David Gutierrez and Johnny Walker band, RGV aerial and fire dancers.

The patrons who purchased VIP badges were treated to a “Fire & Feast” experience by award-winning restaurateur Chef Larry Delgado from House, Wine & Bistro, SALT-New American Table and Salomé on Main who served premium cuts of ribeye’s, ribs and New York strips by 2F Akaushi Beef and used charcoal by Valley Grocers.

Local artist Alexis Ramos crafted instagramable installations including a seven-foot tomahawk steak and six-foot apron made with acrylic on plywood. Talented caricaturist artist Ernesto Gomez was on site, capturing the essence of attendees through fun and quirky drawings.

The restaurant lineup included: La Jaiba, Macaroni Grill, Joelen’s, Bonhomia, Mula, 5A Ronda, Ronin Ramen Noodle Bar, Curry Box, University Draft House, Mori, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Cowboy Chicken, Taco Palenque, Fazoli’s, Pollo Palenque, Palenque Grill, Casa Palenque, Bella Mia, Costa Mesa, Castlehill Bistro, Rosmani, Bubba’s, Q’in It Up BBQ and Elbow’s Mac N’ Cheese.

Special thank you to our sponsors: City of McAllen, McAllen International Airport, L&F Distributors, Ruby Red Hospitality, Clark Chevrolet, Lone Star National Bank, Whataburger.

Supporters: Chef Larry Delgado, Explore McAllen, KRGV Channel 5 News, Socialife, 2F Akaushi Beef and Valley Grocers.