Wining, Dining and Dancing in the Rain

The rain and cold were no match for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of San Clemente on Friday night at the Talega Golf Club. 

Despite showers throughout the day and into the night, the party soldiered on with gourmet foods and music from a cover band, Fock of ‘80s.

The annual event featured foods from more than 20 local restaurants and wine from 16 California wineries. Unlimited tastes of microbrews and mixed drinks were also offered, as well as free pictures in a photo booth or by a professional photographer.

From shrimp egg rolls served by BeachFire Grill to cannolis dished up by Enne Cucina Italiana to white Russian cocktails poured by Red Fox Lounge, guests had a variety of options.

Luis Valladares, a chef at Nick’s, cooked his restaurant’s signature cowboy hickory burgers. “I love seeing the piles of people all waiting for a burger and smiling,” Valladares said.

This year’s dinner had the highest ticket sales in years, selling around 200 tickets at $75 each, said Lynn Wood, president/CEO of San Clemente’s Chamber of Commerce.

Tarps and tents were set up to shield the outdoor dance floor and guests from the rain. The weather "made planning today a little bit of a struggle, but I think that it makes the night just a little more exciting,” Wood said.

San Clemente resident Beth Apodaca was surprised at how many people turned out despite the rain. “It's crowded, but that's a good sign. It's a great event,” Apodaca said.