Lucy Zhang, 4, enjoyed roast beef and yorkshire pudding at last year’s event.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
ShareNibbles and Bites returns this weekend
Published: September 03, 2008 5:00 PMUpdated: September 04, 2008 1:53 PM
After last year’s event was marred by staffing shortages and underwhelming attendance, the organizers of Nibbles and Bites went back to the drawing board to make the event better than ever.
This year’s Nibbles hosts over a dozen restaurants, mixing chains like Boston Pizza and Milestone’s alongside smaller, independent eateries like Steveston’s Damien’s Waffles and the Tasté Grinds Cafe.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of foods and styles, with everything from Jamaican patties to miniature burgers available in bite size forms.
Lisa Kowan, the restaurant co-ordinator for this year’s event said recruiting restaurants is always difficult.
“It’s actually quite hard,” she said. “We hit up 100 restaurants for participation this year and we’re coming out with 13.”
Kowan said the major issue with involvement is staffing issues. Many smaller eateries would have to shut down for the weekend of the festival just to have staff to attend.
Organizers decided against including the traditional volleyball portion of the festival and instead focused on getting the best entertainment.
With performances from children’s entertainers Bobs and Lolo, reigning RichCity Idol Christine Bacani, and a variety of other bands, there is plenty to see.
One other addition this year that has everyone excited is the participation of Amato Gelato. After years of hearing attendees asking for ice cream, Kowan is happy to have an icy treat available at the end-of-summer festival.
Kowan said it’s important to give the people what they want, because the event was created and designed for them.
“This event is about community. Reaching out and letting them know we’re there and letting them know about the mom-and-pop shops they may not know are there,” she said.
Nibbles and Bites takes place at Thompson Community Centre this weekend.
Food will be available for $1 a bite from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Food tickets can be purchased with cash only at the on-site ticket booth.
