San Fernando : Restaurant Event Planned Downtown

The city of San Fernando has a comfortable family atmosphere, highlighted by a heavily Mexican flavor, said Dennis Levine, head of the San Fernando Downtown Assn.

“There is a sense of community here that is different from anywhere else,” said Levine, who with the Downtown Assn. is planning the first “El Sabor de San Fernando” or “Taste of San Fernando” next month.

Although only one restaurant, Carrillo’s Tortilleria, is confirmed for the Aug. 20 event, Levine said he is counting on the participation of 10 to 15 San Fernando restaurants.

The downtown mall, at San Fernando Road from Maclay Street to Brand Boulevard, will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. for the event, which will be different from the bigger events such as the annual “Taste of L.A.”

The San Fernando event will feature all small, family-owned operations located in the city, Levine said.

Most will be Mexican restaurants, but some entrants may include seafood, pizza and Chinese food.

Latino bands and local radio stations will provide music and rides.

There will be gifts for the children. Admission is free.

“It’ll bring the community together,” Levine said. “It will also bring back the people who used to live in the community or used to be active in the community and sort of reconnect people back to San Fernando.”

Involving smaller restaurants will add to a sense of intimacy, Levine predicted.

“It lends a different kind of comfort level,” Levine said. “There’s a family kind of feeling.”