Erick Ramirez just wanted to show off the new face of his old neighborhood last year and share some of his favorite food with friends.
But his inaugural State Street Taco Tour, featuring stops at six east Columbus Mexican restaurants along a one-mile strip, was so filling, physically and emotionally, that the ethnic, progressive dinner of sorts has progressed to its second year, with expectations spilling over more than even the messiest taco.
More than 1,500 people on Facebook have expressed an interest.
The event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. June 8. La Guanajuato Grocery and Restaurant, 2710 State St., will again serve as the headquarters.
“People loved the fact that they got to try all these restaurants in one big swoop,” Ramirez said, referring to the fact that one $15 ticket gets a customer/attendee a taco at each stop and a total of two beverages on the night, plus a souvenir. “And the restaurant owners loved the idea of the promotion.”
About 150 people followed the complete tour. And more than 500 people showed up for at least a portion, eating as they wished while aware that the participating eateries were offering special deals spicier than anything they could throw on the grill.
To make things even better, consider this: Who better to conduct a taco tour than a Mexican native who loves nothing better than a seasoned-just-right taco al pastor?
“It’s my favorite by far,” Ramirez said of the grilled meat specialty.
He mentioned that most diners did the tour on foot last year so they could better enjoy the State Street improvements and beautification. And this year’s event will feature the added bonus of Ballet Folklorico de Columbus kicking up its heels to a salsa beat at two of the taquerias.
Columbus resident Chris Scott, a friend of Ramirez’s who attended last year, sees the concept of taco togetherness as a wonderful one. Everyone so wrapped up in sharing good food and fellowship that the warmth is almost as palpable as what’s on the dinner plate.
“I love that its a night when we can all rally around something we’re for — tacos — rather than things we’re against,” Scott said. “There’s enough of that going on in our culture right now.
“It’s also great to say to these small business, ‘We’re really glad you’re here and you add value to this community.’ I hope that’s what they feel as new business comes their way during and after the event.”
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What: State Street Taco Tour.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. June 8.
Where: At six Mexican restaurants along a one-mile strip of State Street in east Columbus.
Tickets: $15, which include a taco at each stop, two beverages for the night, and a souvenir. Available at https://tinyurl.com/y3mg6eby.
Participating restaurants:
- Sabor De La Vida, 1625 State St.
- Taqueria J&C, 1741 State St.
- Panaderia y Taqueria La Espiga, 2232 Illinois Ave.
- Taqueria El Mexicano, 251 Center St.
- Taquiera SalvaMex, 2241 State St.
- La Guanajuato, 2710 State St.
Information: Facebook page for State St Taco Tour.
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