A large crowd of Morongo Basin food enthusiasts were on hand at the Bell Center in Joshua Tree Saturday night for the 2016 “Taste of the Morongo Basin.” The big winners for the night were the Middle Eastern Restaurant, taking the Judges’ Choice and best international, and Papa’s Smokehouse, taking the People’s Choice award, with a special acknowledgement that Middle Eastern Restaurant was just one vote behind to tie for People’s Choice. Papa’s Smokehouse was also awarded best barbecue and best table décor; Bruce’s Coyote Kitchen won best finger food. The meat lover’s award went to Park Rock Café, most nostalgic went to Cool Daddy-O’s. Best use of spices went to 2 Guys’ Pies; best side dish and best dessert went to Bistro 29; best vegetarian/vegan was awarded to Frontier Café; and best organic went to Joshua Tree Coffee Company.
The popular annual event is a fund-raiser for the Rotary Club of Joshua Tree Foundation with proceeds going to local charities, community improvement projects and scholarships.
THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S “TASTE OF MORONGO” EVENT
