LAMORINDA WEEKLY | It's Time to Dine in Orinda


Educational Foundation of Orinda (EFO) Volunteers cheer guests' donations at 2008 Orinda Restaurant Tour Photo provided by the Thompson Group

Lamorinda food lovers should save their appetites for the second annual Orinda Restaurant Tour to be held on Tuesday, September 29th from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Over 15 eateries from across the city will be providing tour goers with a sampling of their delectable wares. "We are excited to have four restaurants from the Orinda Village side of the city-Village Pizza, La Cocina, Siam Orchid, and Cafe Teatro-participating in the Tour this year," states Orinda Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Candy Kattenburg. "We will have a trolley car available to transport diners to and from the two sides of the city."

The evening starts in Theater Square where Shelby's Restaurant and Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill will provide appetizers from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Over the subsequent two hours, diners are invited to stroll through the city and hop the trolley car to sample foods specially prepared for the Tour by each of the participating restaurants. Desserts will be offered from 8:00 to 8:30.

The Tour features a broad array of dining choices and variety of ethnic options from the all-American hotdog to German-styled comfort food along with Mexican, Thai, and Japanese fare. Participating restaurants not previously mentioned include Casa Orinda, Europa HofBrau, Kasper's Hot Dogs, Loard's Ice Cream, Petra Cafe, Peet's Coffee, Pizzeria Amoroma, Susan Foord Catering, and Yu Sushi. Tickets may be purchased in advance ($30) through the Chamber of Commerce website or on the evening of the event at Theater Square ($35). The Education Foundation of Orinda will receive $10 from every ticket sold.

The Orinda Restaurant Tour is an extension of the Chamber's Shop Orinda Campaign and will be supported with manpower from Council Members Amy Worth, Tom McCormick, Steve Glazer, and Victoria Smith, Mayor Sue Severson and City Manager Janet Keeter. This will be an Orinda event that is not-to-be missed, according to Kattenburg.