Kai Oliver-Kurtin | Downtown News

The seventh annual Taste of Little Italy on June 18 will give participants a taste of nearly 30 restaurants in the cultural neighborhood known for its thriving dining corridor. Over 1,100 people are expected to attend, with tickets available for north or south routes — each with more than a dozen restaurants — or an all-inclusive option that includes both routes.

Participating restaurants will offer a sample consisting of an appetizer, entree, dessert or drink. Although it’s a family-friendly event, some restaurants include alcohol with their tasting for those with proper ID.

Mimmo’s Italian Village has participated in every Taste of Little Italy event, and will be serving their most popular dish, homemade cavatappi sausage. Manager Tanya Myers said they will also offer penne al pesto as a vegetarian/vegan option.

“We want to appeal to as large of an audience as possible,” she said. “Our hope is that people will taste the food and then come back as longtime customers.”

Italian is not the only type of cuisine that’s served during the Taste of Little Italy. Craft & Commerce will be offering bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed dates and apples.

“It’s a nice little taster and easy to eat,” said General Manager Brianna Gillin. “We like to serve something that’s on the menu so that guests can try it and come back and have it again.”

According to Gillin, the event is a chance for people who live in the neighborhood — or spend a lot of time there — to see everything in one shot.

Each ticket, or “taste passport,” includes a map and a list identifying each restaurant’s menu offerings. Participants then walk to restaurants at their leisure, having their taste passport stamped at each stop. Tickets cost $29 for a single route or $45 for full access.

Proceeds for the Taste of Little Italy benefit the Little Italy Association and will fund ongoing enhancement projects throughout the neighborhood.

The event will be held June 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit littleitalysd.com.v