For the price of a ticket guests were able to fill their stomachs with delectable items from microbrews, wines, gourmet cheeses, sweets, and a variety of Mexican, Italian, and American cuisine at the recent 10th Annual Taste of Oakdale.

The Bianchi Community Center had people filing in and out between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the well-attended local event, as they made their rounds through a variety of local businesses such as Nutty Gourmet, Rodin Farms, Last Call Brewing Company, Café Bliss, Javi’s Mexican Restaurant, Firenze Restaurant, Raley’s, Save Mart, ConAgra Foods, and many more.

According to Oakdale Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Guardiola there were 300 people in attendance which gives all those businesses great exposure. The Chamber has been hosting the event for the past 10 years to promote food and beverages from local businesses. They also had cooking demonstrations and a raffle.

Guests were asked to vote on the best food, beverage, dessert and best overall. Café Bliss was voted Best Food, Best Beverage went to Last Call Brewing Company, Oakdale Golf and Country Club won Best Dessert and Best Overall.

“We did have more participation from local businesses than in recent years, 25 booths this year,” stated Guardiola. “Main comment this year from those that had participated before is the food was the best ever.”

Guardiola added that half of those attending were not from Oakdale, providing even more outside exposure for those local businesses featured at the event.

Attendees often could be seen making return trips to their favorite booths for a variety of items like the banana cupcakes, fruit cups, nuts, pasta, beans, rice, tacos and more, all washed down with a refreshing beverage.