For more than four decades, Taste of the Triangle has become the area’s biggest and best food festival featuring dozens of area restaurants in a festive Mardi Gras atmosphere all while supporting local resources for the hospitality and foodservice industry.
Hosted by the Southeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, the 43rd annual Taste of the Triangle returns to the Beaumont Civic Center on Fat Tuesday, March 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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.
This premier foodie fest has everything your taste buds desire as more than 40 area restaurants and food trucks serve best bites from Italian, Cajun and Thai to country classics and soul food. A hotly contested competition will also be held for “Best Restaurant” and “Best Decoration.”
Foodies will be able to enjoy deliciousness from area favorites, new restaurants and food trucks including 1701 Barbecue, Benny’s Pizza, Bruno’s Italian Kitchen, Buckner Calder Woods, Buckstin Brewing Company, Bullfish, Carmela’s Crazy Cajun, Fuma Dubai Lounge & Grill, J. Wilson’s, JW’s Patio, Jason’s Deli, Ko Korean Grill, Lamar University Culinary, Lifeline Healthy Eats, Longhorn Steakhouse, Manny’s Melting Pot, Modelo’s Sports Cantina, Mr. Sims Catering, Sazon Dulce, Sugar Momma Confections, Sweet Basil Vietnamese Noodle House, Taco Mex Fire, Taste of China and others.
Tickets for Taste of the Triangle are $40 and can be purchased online at thetastebmt.com. Those wanting VIP treatment can purchase special tickets ($200), which allows entry for two at 5:30 p.m., an hour before doors open to the public.
Those interested in still becoming a vendor or sponsor can still do so by registering at thetastebmt.com.
If that’s not enough, patrons can cruise throughout the Civic Center while listening to the sounds of Catalina Wine Mixer – the hardest soft rock experience that provides a ship-full of your favorite yacht tunes that take you back decades with soft tunes like “All Night Long,” “Sailing,” “Dancing Queen,” “What a Fool Believes,” “Roseanna,” “Still the One,” “Reminiscing,” “Rich Girl” and “Lido Shuffle.”
Each year, the event honors a chef, restaurant owner or culinary enthusiast for work in their communities, leadership success, and entrepreneurial spirit. This year’s recipient for Restaurateur of the Year is John Wilson.
“SETRA was eager to honor John Wilson because of his dedication to community and willingness to step up in times of need,” said Lauren Bebeau, vice president of the Southeast Texas Chapter of Texas Restaurant Association. “He not only supports local fundraisers and organizations but also employs many locals.”
Wilson, a 1998 graduate of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont, is the owner of two fixtures in the local food scene – J. Wilson’s and JW’s Patio. He first ventured into the food industry during his high school days as a waiter at Crazy Jose’s, which is the exact location of JW’s Patio that opened in 2020.
The restaurateur operated three franchise restaurants in Houston, Zoe’s Kitchen, before returning to his hometown in 2015 and opening J. Wilson’s.
“J. Wilson’s and JW’s Patio both encompass a Southern casual atmosphere featuring made from scratch food and carefully crafted spirits,” said Wilson when asked to describe his two restaurants. “We have something for everyone with chef inspired dishes that are regionally sourced. It’s like our local version of ‘Cheers’ where everyone knows your name. We have a great staff that includes Chef Brad Breaux, Paula Breaux and Karey Jannise.
“What I love is being a part of the community. It comes down to seeing the progression of people’s lives whether it be first dates, engagements, weddings, or the special celebrations of family and friends. I enjoy being a community staple. Customers give as much gratitude as we give back.”
When asked about being this year’s honoree, Wilson said, “It is an honor to be among the past honorees such as the Judice’s and Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, who have been around for decades. While we have been open 10 years at J. Wilson’s, I can only hope to be around as long as they have.”