Saturday鈥檚 Fork & Finger celebration of 91原创 City cuisine drew a record number of food fans.
Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Downtown 91原创 Business Association (DLBA) estimated more than 5,000, people came through McBurney Plaza, about 2,000 passports were handed out, double the usual number.
鈥淚t was by far the most successful,鈥� said DLBA executive director Teri James.
鈥淲e had over 800 passports returned with a minimum of three stamp, meaning they visited three restaurants, but most of them had much more than just the three,鈥� a pleased James told the 91原创 Advance Times.
There was live entertainment at the plaza throughout the day, including music by Jada McKenzie-Moore, and presentations by celebrity chef and cookbook author Spencer Watts 鈥� the B.C.-born host of Fish the Dish, Watts on the Grill, and Spencer鈥檚 Big 30, all on Gusto TV, airing in over 30 countries around the world.
This year, 21 restaurants 鈥� the most ever 鈥� took part in the one-day event that allows participants to sample dishes at different establishments.
鈥淲e have received nothing but super positive feedback because of the variety of food that was offered and the restaurants really did us proud,鈥� James enthused.
鈥淭hey served up delicious food at reasonable cost, and lots of people said they found their new favourite restaurant. So I would say it was a very, very successful event.鈥�
Held every year since 2014 (with the exception of 2020 and 鈥�21, due to COVID) the annual event draws people from all over the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, with many making regular pilgrimages, James noted.
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鈥淚 think the consistency of having it in the fourth Saturday in August, of every year, really helps people, too,鈥� said James.
This year鈥檚 increase in attendance wasn鈥檛 a surprise, based on the advance feedback.
鈥淧eople were calling and emailing and DMing on social media, asking about the events. So we anticipated a big turnout.鈥�
Based on that, there was a boost in prizes for participants who handed in their passports and were entered into a draw.
This year, there was one $1,000 prize and four $500 prizes, the largest yet.
The weather was 鈥渁 little bit warm, but people loved the opportunity to go into the air conditioned restaurants,鈥� James remarked.
