Two Weeks, 48 Restaurants: Are You Ready For Moncton Taco Week?
MONCTON — Moncton-based painter Jared Betts loves nothing more than a good taco, and that’s why he’s extended this year’s Moncton Taco Week to two weeks.
The festival, which is set to begin on June 16 and run until June 30, will showcase 48 restaurants across the greater Moncton area, including the Blue Olive, Euston Park Social and Mexi’s.
“I think it’s a really great time to get out and support local since things are starting to open back up,” said Betts, who started Taco Week in 2018.
Betts had to skip last year’s festival due to Covid-19. In past years, there were several different events and a stamp card for customers to win prizes. But with current health restrictions, the event’s been scaled back and focuses more on supporting local businesses.
When it came to planning this year’s event, Betts said he looked to the poutine and burger week celebrations and saw how their models worked. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy taco week despite the pandemic, he said.
“I still encourage people to eat their tacos safely and follow the Covid-19 rules that are still in place,” he said. “But other than that, it’s about having fun.”
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A portion of the week’s proceeds will go to United Way on Church Street. Betts said he chose the organization because he wanted to help local residents in need and because it’s a “really incredible” charity that goes out of the way to assist others.
“Being an artist, I’m always drawn to helping people and working through my heart,” said Betts. “Restaurants are in pretty big need as well, since they had a really hard year, so I just have a huge need in my heart to help, and if I can do that through tacos, then that’s an exciting win.”
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When it comes to taco variety, Betts said restaurants went all out this year. Just some of the lineup includes sushi tacos, pizza tacos and even donair tacos.
A full list of participating restaurants and other information about this year’s Taco Week is available through its website and by visiting its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Betts said he’s looking forward to residents getting the chance to have a “special event” where they can enjoy good food from places that don’t normally prepare tacos. The variety of food choices is something he’s also excited about.
“It’s a great way to connect with your family and enjoy some really fun food and the chefs really have a lot of fun,” said Betts. “I don’t think there’s one taco that isn’t absolutely delicious — I have tried them all.”
Here is a photo slideshow with some of this year’s tantalizing tacos:
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Aaron Sousa is a summer intern for Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].