OC Tastefest

OC Tastefest
OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
http://www.octastefest.com

Dr. P and I went to the first ever OC Tastefest. Regular ticket was $12/person, and it came with 10 tasting tickets. We got our tickets on one of those daily deal website for the same price of $12/person, but it comes with 20 tasting tickets.



The tasting event was held at OC Fair Ground. We imagined it would be a big event, but it was really tiny. We went on Saturday, and some of the participating restaurants that we wanted to try wasn't there. They were there on Friday instead. Also we thought 20 tasting tickets means you get 20 tastings. But actually every taste cost different amount of tickets. Some cost up to the entire 20 tickets. You can buy more tasting tickets for $0.50/each.




Vitorrio's Italian Restaurant - Meatball Sliders (6 Tickets ~ $3.00)

We decided to go with where the lines were. If people are willing to wait, then food must be good, right? Well, not really. Vittorio's Italian Restaurant had a really long line. But we then realized the line was caused by super slow staff. Their food portion was big. But most people in front of us commented that it wasn't worth the wait. We agreed. Their meatball sliders was just alright. Subway's version is just as good.






Slater's 50/50 - Slider (4 tickets ~ $2.00) / Vampire Dip (2 tickets ~ $1.00)

Next we went to the long line at Slater's 50/50. We've been to the restaurant, liked their burgers, but remember it was heavy. And it still was. The tiny little slider was so heavy that we were having trouble finishing it by two of us. The patty was super meaty and salty because of the bacon. The Vampire Dip was made with garlic and cheese, which was also very heavy. After this tasting, we decided we don't like Slater's 50/50 anymore.




The Chubby Taco - Tacos (3 tickets/each ~ $1.50/each)

Now The Chubby Taco's line was worth waiting. This was our favorite item of the night, freshly made carne asada and chicken tacos. The Chubby Taco can be found in farmer's markets. Hopefully we'll find them one day.




Port Restaurant & Bar - Yellow Chicken Curry with Saffron Basmati Rice (12 tickets ~ $6.00)

Yellow Chicken Curry from Port Restaurant was pretty good. But it just tasted like any chicken curry from any Indian restaurant, and Port isn't even an Indian restaurant so why are they serving Indian food? I don't know. It was good, but kind of expensive for $6 for a few bites.




Lola's Ice Cream & Deli - Sample Scoop (5 tickets ~ $2.50)

Lola's ice cream was DELICIOUS! We got half strawberry and half chocolate. Yum!




Villa Nova - Pasta (4 tickets ~ $2.00)

So we had 5 tickets left, and just saw Villa Nova had pasta for 4 tickets and decided to use up our tickets there. Well, it was a waste. We should've got another ice cream instead with that 5 tickets!

That was it! Overall, this wasn't a good event. Too little vendors, and food was kinda pricey. I rather they charge people more money to get in, but then all tasting is included. But since this is the first year of OC Tastefest, I'm hoping they will do a better job next year. Nevertheless, I still had a great time hanging out with Dr. P. :-)