Taste of Nob Hill draws crowd after 2-year pandemic hiatus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — People were out Saturday for the Taste of Nob Hill event, sampling all kinds of food and drinks at 9 restaurants and two breweries.

It was the first time since 2019 that Taste on Nob Hill was back, and people were so excited that all 500 tickets were sold.

“Nob Hill is here, there are a lot of things still happening, new businesses coming into the neighborhood, so you have the old reliables like Flying Star, but you have new places like Gather come to the neighborhood, and it’s really great to see the community come out and support the local businesses,” said Chris Smith board member of Nob Hill Main Street. 

And one of those local restaurants is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl, where Korean flavors meet New Mexican heat. 

Owner John Katrinak says this event was something he always wanted to be a part of. 

“I have always passed it, I used to be a Nob Hill resident, it always looked like it was a fun time,” said Katrinak. 

For Alana Riddle-Lantz- who is new to town- she says it’s a way for her to get a taste of her new community.

“We just moved to Albuquerque earlier this year and I love the Nob Hill area, I am a big fan of food and beer, especially the brewery scene in Albuquerque. So I was just excited to come out and try all the local flavors,” said Riddle-Lantz

And it wasn’t just people who were excited about the Taste of Nob Hills return.

“I am actually happy to actually be out with people, it’s been a couple of years, we came a few years ago we haven’t had it since of course so when I saw it I was really excited to come out, and get out, and of course, my cat likes to come out and meet everyone as well, it’s a good excuse for him to get out too,” said Jen Souhrada, event attendee. 

Smith says although there weren’t as many restaurants this year the turnout was just as good as in previous years.