Taste of Baldwin Park creator David Merritt has been active in this part of the city for decades, even before it ranked among the city’s most desirable addresses.
Merritt published publications such as Naval Training Center Rookie Guide from 1987 to 1997, but found a valuable turning point as the media industry began to change.
“I always had a preview party for every magazine, and every time a magazine came out, I would get all the advertisers together and have a nice party and have an event for 200 to 300 people,” he explains.
As a result, Merritt became good at throwing parties.
“I thought, ‘Why not have these food and wine events and create a great experience where restaurants can come and show off their tastings and where people can experience new restaurants and drink options and places to go to have fun? And we had a lot of fun doing it.”
Regulars at the now twice-yearly Taste of Baldwin Park probably agree. Since the first round in 2020 (40 exhibitors and approximately 700 participants), the scale has further expanded. Last year it attracted more than 90 vendors and 1,600 partygoers.
This year, more than 70 eateries and sponsored vendors have already participated, and the event will take place on April 30th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests pay one fee and enjoy unlimited food and beverage samples and live entertainment.
Early bird pricing ($69 general admission, $99 VIP) is available until April 27th, after which the price will increase by $10. The price goes up even more if you buy on the day of the festival. Buy early and save, according to our survey.
This year’s sponsors include Park Life (whose team will be pouring wine at the event), as well as Mercedes-Benz of Orlando and Porsche of Orlando, whose beautiful vehicles will serve as a gorgeous backdrop for event photo shoots.
General admission includes unlimited flavors and beverages from all vendors, live music on multiple stages, two 360-degree photo booths, and staffed restrooms in a luxury trailer. VIP includes all this, plus 1 hour early access, 4 VIP-only restaurants (including Coro and The Drake) and 2 VIP-only wine bars, full pours of Aubert Champagne, Rombauer, Keims Suissant, Belle Gros, and Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the first hour, or other select wines throughout the night while supplies last, and Tito’s Handmade Two Pen Premium bars are available, sponsored by. vodka, a private VIP area by the lake with limited seating, and a standing section on Jake Street.
Some of the vendors include Parlor Kitchen (newcomer), Yak & Yeti, Tabla Indian, Fogo de Chao, Gourmet Chinese, and more.
For Merritt, now a Baldwin Park resident, that dream has come full circle and the event has become so popular that there are two parties a year (the second will be back in November with a holiday version).
“I just want to create experiences that make people feel good,” he says. “The vendors really run this event. They put their heart and soul into it. They bring amazing energy and delicious tastings…People say to me, ‘I had fun tonight. My wife flirted with me. I met new friends. I discovered a great new restaurant. And we got great deals.’ That’s really what matters most.”
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, and for more foodie fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
Taste of Baldwin Park
This year’s event will feature more than 70 food, beverage and sponsored vendors and will be held on April 30th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets and more information: eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-baldwin-park-food-wine-tickets-1985253140585
