Stephanie Amaya
Staff Writer
The 24th annual Taste of La Verne hosted by La Verne Chamber of Commerce featured a variety of food and drinks, designed to highlight the city’s best.
This year’s event was Oct. 16 at a Pomona warehouse on Metropolitan Drive.
Over 100 people got a complimentary wine glass with their $45 entry fee and wristband before they entered the venue with tables that represented more than the usual local restaurants, wine bars and breweries.
This year’s event included other local businesses, including La Verne’s Pet Depot, which gave out bags filled with dog or cat food and treats.
“Along with people’s food, sampling our dog and cat food just … seemed right,” said Pet Depot owner Shay de Zara.
Zara said she wants the community to know that the Pet Depot is there for the community.
Live entertainment was provided by a Rupture Band, which played ’80s music throughout the event.
“Not a lot of people here knew about us, and so many people who have come here to our stand, realized how close we are, and didn’t know we existed,” said Crystal Lagunes, who works for Dave and Maggie’s Café on Palomares Avenue.
Lagunes added that Dave and Maggie’s Café supports the foster youth system, by hiring foster youth, even those with no job experiences, to give them a break in the work world.
Dave and Maggie’s gave guests turkey bacon deli sandwiches and fresh baked cookies.
“We hope to give the community and students of La Verne more selection to late night options of food,” said Luz Bautista, owner of Tacos La Villa on D Street. “We are another affordable option for students who love Mexican style food. We are new to the area (and) we can’t wait for students to come and try out our food.”
Guests who happened by the event seemed glad they did.
“I was bored at home and so I figured I’d come and stop by,” said Desiree Roman, a Pomona server and resident. “I didn’t pay that much as far as what I have received, so I liked that a lot.”
For more information, visit tasteoflaverne.com.
Stephanie Amaya can be reached at stephanie.amaya@laverne.edu.
Stephanie Amaya is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. She has previously served as a staff writer.
