For a number of years I’ve been hearing about a College Park restaurant called Taste. We’re talking back to the days before I knew the difference between College Park and Winter Park. Now, I’ve driven by plenty of times thinking “That’s the place Jim Phillips likes, the one with the Fish Tacos…” That’s all.

A few months ago, during a meeting with Frankie from Apartment E, he says he’s having a night of interpreted poetry at Taste. “Huh, I didn’t know they did events.”

Two weeks ago, I read in the Orlando Weekly that Will (as in Will’s Pub) is having shows at Taste to keep Orlando’s attention while he is working on the new Will’s. “Cool!”

Last week’s “Culture to Go” page (the one with my article) also had some info about an event featuring Doug Rhodehamel’s “spores” decorated by prominent local artists, not to mention live music several nights of the week. “I never knew Taste was so diverse!”

Just a few days ago I found out that my favorite Monday night event, Absent-Minded Improv has relocated to Taste “Where the hell did Taste come from?”

The deal is this: Taste is a California Tapas restaurant – that means all the dishes are small, and meant for sharing. Generally, a restaurant uppity enough to be “tapas” also has gourmet food and gourmet prices, and I don’t doubt Taste deviates from that course.

I’m going there tonight to shoot a video for Orlando Scene TV, which will hopefully get posted very soon. Keep your eyes peeled for the next video, featuring Taste!

My friend from my UCF days, Robert Johnson, just told me about his show, a cool idea and a cool venue. Check it out.

May 20th, 2007 @ Orlando Brewing, 3PM – 9PM, 1301 Atlanta Ave, 32806

It’s going to be a long weekend of music, with FMF going on, and this will be the perfect way to end it. This is going to be a showcase of those that I thought should’ve played FMF, but didn’t. The long list includes: Arms Harbor, Sean Evan, Tony Macaluso, The Black Rabbits, Diocious, Brian Sadowski, Me, Jerry Mincey, Ashton Morris, and Bob “Stormcrow” Sanders. It’ll be all day. Bring your lawn chairs, some patties for grilling and get ready to listen to some really talented folks. It’ll be outside and will go on till it gets dark. This is what I call supporting your LOCAL music scene. SO DO IT!