Taste Aurora's flavors at restaurant showcase

If you've ever wondered what downtown Aurora tastes like, this is your lucky night.

According to the menu for the evening's Downtown Aurora Taste, it's likely to taste a little like sausage pizza with a helping of chimichanga and a side of corned beef.

The Exchange Club of Aurora will host the event from 5 to 9 p.m. today inside 12 downtown restaurants and eateries.

For $25, guests can sample fare from four of the participating restaurants, park, enjoy live bands and enter a raffle for Cubs and Sox tickets.

Participating restaurants include Bacci Pizzeria, Bag & Brew, Cazadores, The Dirty Duck, Jimmy Johns, Julio's Grill, La Quinta de Los Reyes, Las Asadas Grill, Lennie's New York Deli, Tavern on the Fox, Tecalitian Restaurant and Wits End Pub and Grille.

Phillip Delafuente, a past president of the Exchange Club, said the organization picked up the event this year after the Aurora Community Study Circles disbanded.

"We have such a great variety of ethnic and American food in our community, it would be a shame not to showcase it," he said. "And it's all for a good cause."

All proceeds will benefit the Exchange Club, which is a service organization comprised of local businessmen and women who fight child abuse, promote patriotism and provide scholarships for kids battling personal or physical challenges.

Delafuente said between 300 and 500 people are expected, even more if the weather forecast holds true.

"It's always been held on the second Tuesday because we know that to usually be a slow night for the restaurants," he said. "But we also hope everyone who attends the city council meeting will join us afterward."

FYI

Visit www.auroraexchange.org and purchase your ticket book online. (A $5 PayPal service charge is additional.)

Ticket books are available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the mayor's Office of Special Events, 5 E. Downer Place, Suite A.

Call the Exchange Club of Aurora at (630) 844-4731.