The gut-stuffing Taste of Hillcrest is coming back, and it’ll be bigger than ever as 42 restaurants swing open their doors to foragers from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 16. The event, designed to promote the Hillcrest district, gives participants a chance to indulge in everything from upscale cuisine and ethnic specialties to burgers, noodles, wine and desserts.

According to Stacie Huckeba of McFarlane Promotions, which has facilitated the event since 2001, “This is also an opportunity for the restaurants to shine and bring in a lot of potential and return customers. Many of them excel and go far beyond your wildest imagination in what they serve.”

For $20, ticket holders are entitled to one visit at each of the participating eateries plus a few wine bars that include The Wine Lover and Wine Steals. “It’s a lot of food,” adds Huckeba. “If someone finishes all 42 restaurants, congratulations.”

She adds that the restaurants incur their own costs for the food and that “it’s up to them each year what they want to serve.” Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Hillcrest Association.

The event is limited to 1,000 attendees and last year sold out. This weekend’s event marks the largest number of restaurants taking part, from The Abbey Café on the west boundary of Hillcrest to Baja Betty’s in the east section of the neighborhood – and everything in between.

Though meant as a self-guided walking tour, a fleet of six shuttle buses will run continually throughout the afternoon from several designated locations to give participants faster access to the restaurants. But Huckeba recommends hoofing it to fully soak up the atmosphere. “A lot of retailers will also have their doors open and offer sales on baubles and other wares It’s a great way to discover the entire neighborhood.”

This year’s restaurants and eateries include St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro, Bambu Bistro, Region, Kemo Sabe, Daphne’s Greek Café, Hamburger Mary’s, Martinis Above Fourth, Crush, Sushi Itto, Terra, Whole Foods Market, Starbucks Coffee, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Jamba Juice and more.

For tickets and information, contact McFarlane Promotions at (619) 233-5008 or link to the Hillcrest Association’s website via this article at www.gaylesbiantimes.com. Tickets can also be purchased at numerous restaurants throughout Hillcrest.