There are 3 events in Hillcrest that I look forward to every year, Taste of Hillcrest, CityFest and Pride.  This year, Taste of Hillcrest definitely did not disappoint.  With a variety of signature eats for every taste palette, music and drinks, many of the restaurants really made an effort to provide a great experience.  A few even deferred their regular hours, to cater to all of the participants.  

It was hard to make it to every participating business on the list, as the event was quite widespread.  I also wish that the website had better information on each business, to feature their specialties and so that we could have have had a better idea about the genre of food, ahead of time.

Of the places I did get to make it to, here are some of my highlights from Taste of Hillcrest

Tajima 
Really embodied the spirit of the event.  They were one of the few that deferred their business hours, so that people could sit down, try a variety of bites and get a well rounded experience of the restaurant.  Everyone got a generous bowl of ramen with pork belly and an appetizer sampling which included Takoyaki, a potsticker and a piece of chicken karaage.

Juice Crafters
The people here were so friendly, and the smoothie they served up was tasty and refreshing, especially on that warm summer day.  I also love the decor of the juice bar and the abundant menu selection.

Tandoori Hut
They served fresh baked naan bread with savory curry over rice.  The owners and workers made conversation with everyone and it was awesome that they had $1.49 beer specials.

Buffalo Public House
The line for this place was constantly out the door. They had this unassuming fried chicken ball, that was surprising in flavor and came with chimichurri and spicy sauces, that I wanted to take home to spoon onto everything! We ordered a couple of my favorite drinks and I'll be writing more about them in another blog, but this place really has a great brunch and bar menu.  Oh and make sure you say hi to baby Henry (he has so much personality and I can't get enough of his smiling face)

Mo's
The wings were tasty but honestly, I just love this place because they really know how to throw a party.  They're always one of my favorites to stop by during Hillcrest events, because the people are fun, the music is awesome and we always have a good time.

Fiesta Cantina
After getting our dance on with the bar tender at Mo's, we headed to Fiesta Cantina to continue the party by toasting with margaritas.  They're also one of the few places in Hillcrest that show pay per view fights, and don't charge a cover.

Empire House
The delightful fresh surprise. The salad with apple and pecans was just what was needed.

This neighborhood is so electric, exciting and special in so many ways and it's truly the unique businesses and the culture of the community that makes it all come together.

Upcoming this year, SD pride July 18-19 and CityFest August 10