One of the incentives of living, or visiting, a small town is getting to experience unique community events. Each year, Los Gatos hosts “Taste of Los Gatos,” where it closes off the main downtown strip of North Santa Cruz Avenue for several blocks, for people to walk through freely and enjoy themselves to wine offered in retail locations. This attraction helps build brand recognition for local businesses, made possible by the Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, companies have the chance to sponsor the event to show solidarity and support for the community where they’re based.
Chamber supporting local commerce
Taking place on Sept. 6, from noon until 5pm, the Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Taste of Los Gatos with participating sponsors. These names include Good Samaritan Hospital, Netflix, El Camino Health, Christie’s International Real Estate, Roxy Realty, Sysco, De Mattei Construction, Lynx Community Events, West Valley College, VKG Real Estate Group, Star One Credit Union, Porsche Service Center of Los Gatos, Seniors Helping Seniors and PG&E.
The ability for the Chamber to draw in such big names to help put on the event is a testament to the town’s perseverance in helping businesses. During this special day they get to show their support for the economic health of Los Gatos. With a list of 27 participating restaurants, ranging from Breaking Dawn/First Born to Chez Philippe, people will be able to reap the benefits of being connected to a place with such amazing commercial dining experiences. The infrastructure of the event acts as a perfect marriage of two worlds: attendees getting a moment of relaxation, paired with businesses being able to show themselves off a bit.
Twenty local wineries are taking part in the event, ranging from the historic Testarossa Winery to Muns Vineyard, as well as Gali Vineyards. It promises to be the perfect venue for the participants to show off their expertise. In addition to wine tasting and shopping, there will be live music at the main stage at the intersection of Bean Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue. Musicians on the bill include Sam Marshall, Phil and Rob, Identity Problem and Chain of Fools. Though there is no fee to come to the event that takes over several blocks, in order to participate in special features, the Chamber sells wristbands in two categories: one for $95, which allows access to food and drink; and a cheaper option for $75, for just food. Craft beer can be purchased independently at the Tap Truck, while there will be a family fun zone with carnival games as well as the 30 foot tall outdoor rock climbing wall that was bought into the event last year as well.
A word from Oren’s Hummus
It’s always validating when local officials pull-together an event to help Los Gatos businesses, in an effort to encourage the community to flourish. Co-owner of restaurant Chez Philippe, Deena Leroy, says Taste of Los Gatos is a great opportunity to come together as a community and showcase what our town has to offer.
“It’s a celebration of our town’s identity” she said, noting there will be various types of international cuisines—from local farm-to-table choices, in addition to more traditional retail options.
Businessowners say the event helps them to strengthen their brand recognition and build bonds with customers
At the head of North Santa Cruz Avenue is Oren’s Hummus, where manager Dante Lonardo tells people coming to the Taste of Los Gatos to “Please come stop by our booth; we plan to explain the cuisine that we offer such as freshly marinated skewers, handmade falafels, and smoked eggplants and sides!”
He says they are offering a house-made Sangria Sababa which uses wine imported from Israel.
*The number of businesses involved has been updated, as has the fact the climbing wall was not part of the event last year.
