Sinking One’s Fangs into Solvang

If it’s March, it must be time for the now 17th annual Taste of Solvang, and, sure enough, the event is just around the calendar’s corner, March 20-22. This year, there’s even a separate first course, as eight area restaurants take up the national trend of holding restaurant weeks, or in this case, restaurant five days, March 15-19. Participating restaurants-including the River Grill at the Alisal and Mirabelle-will be offering special three-course dinner tasting menus for the price of $20.09 (excluding tax, tip, and beverages). Then for the actual taste, there’s A Dessert Reception-and who doesn’t want to be received by dessert?-on Friday, March 20, at the Bradley Ogden-advised Root 246 at Hotel Corque. On Saturday, March 21, during the day, the Walking Smorgasbord features 50 taste stops around the village (my guess is it’s best not to make every stop). That very evening those not completely full can enjoy the Wine Tasting Room Walk, offering more than a dozen vintners pouring wonderful wines. For details, or to purchase a passport for the whole weekend, call (800) 468-6765 or see SolvangUSA.com.

UPDATE: The Dessert Reception has been moved from the Hotel Corque to the Solvang Veterans Hall on Friday, March 20 from 7-9 p.m. Same sweet treats, just a new venue!