{"id":244494,"date":"2026-04-24T09:27:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T09:27:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/244494\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T09:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T09:27:11","slug":"taste-of-baldwin-park-returns-april-30-with-70-vendors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/244494\/","title":{"rendered":"Taste of Baldwin Park returns April 30 with 70+ vendors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taste of Baldwin Park<\/a> creator David Merritt has been hustling in this part of town for decades, even before it was ranked among the city\u2019s most desirable addresses.<\/p>\n

Merritt published the Naval Training Center\u2019s newcomer guide from 1987 to 1997, among other publications, but as the media industry began to change, he saw a valuable pivot point.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d always done preview parties for all my magazines,\u201d he explains, \u201cand each time one would come out, we\u2019d have a nice party for all our advertisers, events of 200 to 300 people.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a result, Merritt had gotten good at throwing parties.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought, \u2018Why not do these food and wine events and create a great experience for restaurants to come and present tastings, and for people to come out and experience new restaurant and drink options, places to go to enjoy themselves \u2026 and it was a lot of fun doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regulars at the Taste of Baldwin Park, now a bi-annual event, would likely agree. From its first go-round in 2020 (40 vendors, about 700 attendees), it has ballooned. Last year\u2019s drew more than 90 vendors and 1,600 partygoers.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s, with more than 70 food, drink and sponsor vendors locked in already, will take place on April 30, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Guests pay one price for unlimited samples of food and drink plus live entertainment.<\/p>\n

\"Michelin-recommendedMichelin-recommended Chuan Fu was among Taste of Baldwin Park attendees in the past. They and myriad others will be on hand this year as visitors enjoy unlimited tastes and pours. (Courtesy Be Best Events, LLC)<\/p>\n

Early-bird pricing<\/a> ($69 for general admission, $99 for VIP) is available through April 27, after which prices go up $10. Buying on the day of the festival will see another price increase. Survey says: get yours early and save.<\/p>\n

Sponsors this year include Park Life<\/a> (their team will be pouring wine at the event), along with Mercedes-Benz of Orlando<\/a> and Porsche of Orlando<\/a>, whose beautiful rides serve as ritzy backdrops for event photo-ops.<\/p>\n

General admission includes unlimited tastes and sips from all vendors, live music on multiple stages, two 360 photo booths and attended luxury trailer restrooms. VIP gets all that, plus one-hour early access, four VIP-exclusive restaurants (including Coro<\/a> and The Drake) and two VIP-exclusive wine bars featuring full pours of Aubert Champagne, wines from Rombauer, Caymus-Suisun, Belle Glos, Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon during the first hour, or while supplies last, Full pours of other select wines throughout the entire evening, two pen premium bars sponsored by Tito\u2019s Handmade Vodka, private lakeside VIP area with limited seating and another standing section on Jake Street, and more.<\/p>\n

\"TasteTaste of Baldwin Park is a twice-yearly event. November’s festival featured holiday lights up and down New Broad Street. (Courtesy Be Best Events, LLC)<\/p>\n

Among the vendors are Parlor Kitchen (a newcomer), Yak & Yeti, Tabla Indian, Fogo de Chao, A Gourmet Chinese and many more.<\/p>\n

For Merritt, now a resident of Baldwin Park, the dream has come full circle, and the event has become popular enough for two parties a year (the second, a holiday edition, will return in November).<\/p>\n

\"DressDress to impress if you like for Taste of Baldwin Park, but this is a neighborhood event, so feel free to come casual and ready to stroll as you sip and savor. (Courtesy Be Best Events, LLC)<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to create experiences for people that leave them feeling good,\u201d he says. \u201cThe vendors really run the event. They put their heart and soul into it. They bring their amazing energy and delicious tastings\u2026. when people tell me, \u2018I had a good time tonight. My wife flirted with me. I met some new friends. I discovered great new restaurants. And it was good value.\u2019 That\u2019s really the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>, For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Taste of Baldwin Park<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event will feature more than 70 food, drink, and sponsor vendors and will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on April 30.Tickets and more info: eventbrite.com\/e\/taste-of-baldwin-park-food-wine-tickets-1985253140585<\/a><\/p>\n

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