All Things University City: The Many Tastes of EdUCate!

One thing you can count on at an EdUCate event is that there will always be plenty of food and drink. Your taste buds will start salivating at the mere thought of attending EdUCate’s three main fundraising events: Taste of the Triangle, Oktoberfest, and Food Truck Nights.

One of my most favorite UC culinary events is going to sample the rotating Food Trucks in front of Spreckels Elementary every Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:30. I’ve had crabcake sliders, savory crepes, lobster grilled cheese sandwiches, watermelon salad, chocolate fudge cupcakes, just to name one week! Also an EdUCate fundraiser, the Food Trucks donate a portion of their proceeds to EdUCate, which then translates into more funds donated to our five UC public schools. The weekly event is quickly becoming a premier San Diego edible event. Bring picnic blankets, chairs, tables, candles, red plastic cups…and if you park in the Spreckels lot, it’s almost like having a tailgating party.

Saturday, October 5, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, EdUCate will be hosting the 5th Annual University City Oktoberfest celebration at Standley Park. If you like to taste local beers, you won’t want to miss this lip-smacking event. Participating breweries include: AleSmith, Gordon Biersch, Mission Brewery, Monkey Paw, Rock Bottom, Coronado, Stone and Ballast Point. Besides the beer, you can taste brats, hot dogs, apple strudel, and non-alcoholic beverages. There’s also a Home Brew contest, local entertainment (including the school principal’s challenge), and lots of games for the kids. UC School Alumni who wear any school spirit gear will get one free game ticket or free pour (adults). And if you really like to taste your beer, donate $180 to the Dollar A Day campaign and get the VIP treatment and unlimited beverage pours -- don’t worry, the Old Town Trolley will be running service up and down Governor Drive and can take you within walking distance of your home.

And the granddaddy tasting event -- why the Taste of the Triangle of course! Another milestone year, the event scheduled for Friday, May 2 (save the date) at the UCSD Faculty Club marks the 20th such Taste. Everything is still in the planning stages, but count on over 20 tasting restaurants, VIP reception, entertainment, and the silent auction - you know, where you have to stalk the bid sheet until closing so you win that weekend to Catalina. And be certain that many of those silent auction items will center around restaurants and catered parties.

Hope you enjoyed the All Things UC Blog for LaJolla Patch. Feel free to send me anything UC related at jemmasamala@gmail.com.