Taste of the Island turns 21 this month. The outdoor food and drink tasting returns to Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve at 1937 Wilton Drive on Monday, November 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., with more than two dozen restaurants, bakeries, brewers and drink makers from across greater Wilton Manors already signed on to pour and plate samples.

The event is run by Taste of the Island, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the organizers say the 21st edition will keep the usual format of an evening spent walking between tasting tables, with some added extras planned to mark the anniversary. The event website and the city's calendar both list the November date, and the organizers note that the last several editions sold out.

What is on the tables

The participating vendor list on the event website is updated weekly, and the current lineup spans a wide range of cuisines. Red Sea Eritrean and Ethiopian Cuisine from Oakland Park plans to bring dishes from its menu, and ethos Greek Bistro lists baklava, mini keftes, hummus, tzatziki and pita chips. Santorini by Georgios is bringing lamb gyros with carved lamb and tzatziki, and Le Patio is preparing beet-marinated quail eggs with roasted garlic and cracked pepper on whole wheat crackers.

Caribbean cooking has a strong showing too: Kingston Delight lists jerk chicken, jerk pork, oxtail, beef patties and rice and peas, and Heart A Love Creation is bringing Jamaican dishes, pastries and drinks. Courtyard Cafe plans meatballs, chicken and eggplant parmesan and pasta, Dolce Salato is serving fresh pasta and gelato, and Jet's Pizza is bringing Detroit-style pies. Bolay, Huey Magoo's, PDQ, Texas Roadhouse, Marco's Pizza and Prospect Pizzeria are on the list as well, along with a booth from Holy Angels National Catholic Church.

Dessert tables include sample-size cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, ice cream from Jazzberry Creamery, and cookies from Beans and Dough Cookie Company. JP's Delights, a maker of more than 150 preserves, honeys, chutneys, mustards and finishing salts, will also be offering samples, and Aunt Jenn's Tea and Spice Shop is offering iced tea and scones.

What to drink

On the beverage side, Gulf Stream Brewing is bringing craft beer, PRP Wine International is pouring wine, Captiva Spirits is sampling its key lime honey vodka, and Tito's Handmade Vodka is mixing cocktails. Hunters Nightclub in Wilton Manors plans a selection of its own cocktails. For anyone skipping alcohol, Press and Grind Cafe is serving cold brew and fresh-pressed juice, Polar Seltzer has a range of flavored seltzers, and Starbucks is bringing coffee and pastries.

The organizers have also expanded the covered seating area around the grounds this year, so guests have a place to sit between tastings.

Tickets and VIP entry

Tickets are sold online through the event's ticketing page. The early bird and October presale prices have passed. General admission is currently listed at $75 and VIP at $140, and tickets bought on the day of the event are listed at $85 for general admission and $150 for VIP. VIP ticket holders get in early at 5:30 p.m., have access to an air-conditioned seating area, and receive three drinks at a private VIP bar.

The admission gate closes at 8 p.m., an hour before the event ends. The event runs rain or shine, and tickets are not refundable. Organizers note that guests should expect bag checks and metal detectors at the entrance.

Also this weekend at Richardson Park

Anyone who wants an early look at the park can stop by this weekend. The Equality Garden Club's Tropical Plant Fair takes over Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with orchids, palms, succulents and other tropical plants from local growers and specialty vendors. Admission is $7 per person each day, according to the city's calendar.

How to go

What: 21st annual Taste of the Island
When: Monday, November 16, 6 to 9 p.m. (VIP entry at 5:30 p.m.; the gate closes at 8 p.m.)
Where: Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Tickets: $75 general admission and $140 VIP online; $85 and $150 on the day
Parking: The City Hall and Hagen Park lot at 2020 Wilton Drive. Parking charges apply and are not included in the ticket.
Contact: [email protected]

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