Yes, the Taste of the Islands is back!

On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) will present the 30th Annual Taste of the Islands, with 20 participating island restaurants.

Pizzas, specialty salads, gourmet hot dogs, sinfully delicious desserts, pastries, beef delicacies and a wonderful variety of drinks will tempt all palates. Live music, provided by Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band, will add to the fun and enjoyment.

The Taste of the Islands is always a good place to sample some unusual offerings from the islands’ best. Last year’s winner for “Best Appetizer” was Chef Melissa Talmadge of Sweet Melissa’s. This year she says, “I choose the crepes and grilled octopus salad because they are two of my favorite items on the menu and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary.”

“Out of the ordinary” is a good description of the Taste – a wonderful chance for some new taste adventures.

Participating restaurants include:

Blue Giraffe

Bubble Room Restaurant

Chip’s Sanibel Steakhouse

Cip’s Place

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

East End Deli

George & Wendy’s Corner Grill

Gramma Dot’s

Il Tesoro

Island Pizza

Jacaranda

Matzaluna

Over Easy Cafe

Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream

Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory

Sea Star Cafe & Bar

Sunshine Seafood Cafe

Sweet Melissa’s Cafe

Timbers Restaurant

Traders

Activities also include server relay races, a chef challenge, celebrity judges and the highly-coveted People’s Choice Award, as voted by attendees of the Taste.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event and include complimentary admission, T-shirts, as well as food and beverage tickets. CROW will also be looking for volunteers to help. For information on sponsorships and/or volunteer opportunities, send an e-mail to volunteers@crowclinic.org with your name and contact information and a form will be returned.

Renowned artist Ikki Matsumoto has again provided his unique creativity in designing a logo for this year’s Taste T-shirt and promotional materials. The logo shows a feast presented and enjoyed by local wildlife, reflecting CROW’s mission of saving wildlife through compassion, care and education as well as the enjoyable traditions of the Taste of the Islands.

Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank is this year’s presenting sponsor for this traditional “funfest” to be held at Sanibel Community Park (next to the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way) from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate, with children 10 years and under admitted free.

For more information, visit www.tastesanibelcaptiva.com.