What is synonymous in Southeast Texas with Fat Tuesday? Of course, it’s the long-standing tradition of Taste of the Triangle that celebrates 44 years on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. inside the Beaumont Civic Center.
It’s the area’s premier foodie festival that offers everything your belly desires as dozens of restaurants and food trucks serve bite size portions from Italian, Cajun and Thai to country classics and soul food, in a festive Mardi Gras atmosphere. Each will also compete for the coveted Best Restaurant and Best Decorated Booth awards.
Scheduled to participate in this year’s Taste of the Triangle are 1867 Artistic Catering Solutions, All the Smoke, Beaumont Food District, Bruno’s Italian Kitchen, Buckstin Brewing Company, Casa Ole, Charlee and the Cookie Factory, Crazy Cajun, Fuma Dubai Lounge & Grill, Gator Country, Gumbo Everyday, Hearsay Gastro Pub, Hey Grill Hey, Jason’s Deli, Lamar University Culinary, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Longhorn Steakhouse, Lupe Tortilla, Madison’s on Dowlen, Mando’s Michelada Mix, Mr. Sims Catering, Primo Brands,, Rikenjaks Brewing, Spoon It, Sultan Mediterranean Lounge & Grill, Super Antojo Pasteleria Bakery, Sweet Request, Tacos El Primo, Taco Mex Fire, Taste of China, Twin Peaks and Urban Roots Garden.
If that’s not enough, patrons can cruise throughout the Civic Center while listening to the sounds of Sugartown – the ultimate ’90s country music sing along experience.
General admission tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at thetastebmt.com. Those wanting VIP treatment can purchase special tickets ($150), which allows entry for two at 5:30 p.m., an hour before doors open to the public.
The Southeast Texas Restaurant Association’s (SETRA) mission is to support scholarships for Lamar University’s Hospitality Management Program, the Texas Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation, and educational and professional development for the Texas Chefs Association. Proceeds from the Taste of the Triangle go back into the community through support of many local charities.
Every year, restaurateurs across the state are honored for work in their communities, leadership success, and entrepreneurial spirit. This year, the organization has chosen Zamira Gjyriqi – owner of Bruno’s Italian Kitchen – as the Restaurateur of the Year.
“Zamira is committed to providing a delicious family-friendly experience for Beaumont diners and offers continuous support year-round to local organizations and charities,” said SETRA’s Lauren Bebeau.
Located at 3199 Dowlen Road in Beaumont, Bruno’s has become a “go-to” spot in Southeast Texas since opening some seven years ago.
After immigrating from Albania in 2007, Gjyriqi spent the next decade working in an Italian restaurant before opening her own.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I’m very grateful,” said Gjyriqi. “This restaurant is more than a business; it’s our legacy. Every dish is prepared with the same care we’d show at our table, blending Old World traditions with the warmth of our American journey.
“It’s a testament of resilience and passion for hospitality. Our Bruno’s family story is a beautiful example of the American dream – hard work, perseverance, and success built through dedication to our craft. We’ve poured everything we’d learned into a place of our own.”
Bruno’s Italian Kitchen is special for many reasons – phenomenal food, warm ambience and great customer service.
“You have to love people and have lots of patience,” said Gjyriqi. “It’s not just about good food, but you must know the business and it’s important to be in a good location. Our children grew up in the restaurant world. That kind of upbringing instills strong values and the importance of family. Many restaurateurs who grew up in the business carry that deep understanding of food, service, and community into their own ventures.
“We love the Southeast Texas community. Everyone is so wonderful in this area.”
For more information about the Taste of the Triangle, view thetastebmt.com.