SHOW OF THE WEEK: Taste of East Lansing

This Saturday, April 25th The East Lansing Community Relations Coalition (CRC) will be hosting their fourth annual Taste of East Lansing.

Do you ever find yourself curiously eyeing the customers outside East Lansing’s Espresso Royale as they enjoy a sweet Raspberry Mocha or a cup of Ginger Dragon tea? Have you passed by the patio of HopCat on a warm day as customers savor their Damn Good Fish Sandwich or Cowboy Burger along with a chilled glass of Soft Parade? Or maybe you’ve caught a whiff of spicy Indian food and glanced up at Swagath Indian Cuisine longingly, before returning home to another night of microwaved leftovers.

Whether you’ve already dined at East Lansing’s varied restaurants or not, this weekend will offer newbies and returning customers alike a chance to satisfy their cravings with a little taste of East Lansing that’s sure to keep you coming back for more.

Taste of East Lansing provides residents of the City and the surrounding area with a cost-effective way to sample cuisine from 15 different restaurants while donating to a good cause. Participants can also expect live music and various activities for the whole family.

Taste of East Lansing is the CRC’s primary fundraising event, and this years’ beneficiary is the nonprofit organization, The Capital Area Housing Partnership, which will use a portion of the proceeds to finance beautification efforts in East Lansing neighborhoods.

“Our main mission is to build relationships between permanent residents and students,” says CRC Board Member, Megan Clark, “it’s about people of all generations talking and eating, and building those connections”.

This year’s participating restaurants include HopCat East Lansing, Espresso Royale, Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac ‘n Cheez, The State Room, Jonna’s 2 Go, What Up Dawg?, Beggar’s Banquet, Noodles & Company, Buffalo Wild Wings, Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub, Swagath Indian Cuisine, Dublin Square Irish Pub, Black Cat Bistro, MSU Culinary Services and Spartan Signature Catering. These establishments share a common desire to reach out and get to know the residents of East Lansing, while affording them a chance to indulge in some delicious new treats.

“Anytime we can get out and share some noodle love with the community we like to do so,” says Ryan, manager of Noodles & Company. Like many participating vendors, Noodles & Company will be offering an assortment of various dishes from their menu, including a selection of noodle dishes and desserts.

The event will also host family activities including face painting and a photo booth. Food tickets can be purchased at the event for $2 each, in cash, and food samples can be redeemed for one or two tickets each.

The 4th Annual Taste of East Lansing will be held this Saturday, April 25 from 3-6 p.m. along the 200 block of Albert Avenue in downtown East Lansing. Parking will be available in various lots and parking garages near the event.