Three-day Taste of Newport starting Sept. 17

Although the summer will soon wind down, the party is just getting started in Newport Beach. The 22nd annual Taste of Newport, a weekend full of fine dining and entertainment, will start Sept. 17 at Fashion Island.

Some of the best of the city’s restaurants will be putting together menus for the three-day event. Local favorites such as Five Crowns and the Ritz will participate, allowing food festival-goers a chance to try their acclaimed fare. Also, the peninsula cult favorite, Ho Sum Bistro, will be serving up their California-Asian fusion. Twenty-two Newport restaurants are taking part, along with 15 premium wineries.

Besides good eats, entertainment is sure to please the crowds. The first band to take the stage will be the Gin Blossoms.

Saturday and Sunday will give guests a taste of the ‘80s with performances from Foreigner and Pat Benatar, who will be accompanied by her husband of 28 years, guitarist Neil Giraldo.

“With outstanding restaurants, the great backdrop of Newport Beach and world-class live entertainment, we have something for everyone,� Jeff Parker, vice president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

With the purchase of general admission, guests gain entry to the festival and the performances. However, if fans want a good seat when they’re rocking out to Foreigner, they can opt for a VIP pass, which offers valet parking and up-front section seating.

For more information, visit at tasteofnewport.com.

— Joanna Clay

What: The Taste of Newport

Where: 600 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 17, 4 to 11 p.m. Sept.18, and noon to 8 p.m. Sept 19.