Fun, food, music highlight 2nd annual Taste of Coconut Point

Tasty fare is on tap for the second annual Taste of Coconut Point on Sunday, July 12. Set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature an assortment of great food from about 20 Coconut Point restaurants, plus live entertainment.

Proceeds benefit the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled, the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and the Simon Youth Foundation.

"Based on the success of last year's event, we are excited to present the Taste of Coconut Point again," said Diane Ivey, director of mall marketing for Coconut Point. "Our shoppers are sure to enjoy tasty treats from some of the great restaurants Coconut Point has to offer, while supporting worthy charities in our community."

Food lovers will sample tasty, signature menu items from many participating restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen (jambalaya fusili), Hurricane Grill & Wings (Thai ginger chicken wings), T.G.I. Friday's (barbecue baconwrapped shrimp), Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza (margherita pizza), Panera Bread (strawberry poppy seed salad), Ted Montana's Grill (strawberry shortcake), Stir Crazy (spicy or salty edamame), The Grape (New Zealand lamb chops), Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (sweet potato casserole) and more. Beer, wine and other drinks will be available for purchase with support from Budweiser and Hyatt Place Coconut Point.

Also on the menu will be live musical performances by a trio of great acts. Entertainer Frank Torino will perform his "Spend the Day with the Stars" show. Internationally renowned tenor Maurice La Monaco will showcase his musical style, which ranges from pop to opera. The ever-popular band Modulation will perform eclectic rock, groove and dance music.

Kids will also get to join in the fun with activities just for them, including inflatable slides, an obstacle course, a duck pond and popcorn and cotton candy. Plus, they will have the opportunity to participate in a special Guitar Hero competition and win great prizes.

Attendees of the Taste of Coconut Point will also enjoy access to the newest Coconut Connection Card, valid July 12 through Nov. 15. This free card provides dining for less at 25 Coconut Point participating restaurants.

Also, during the event, shoppers can register for the chance to win the ultimate "Taste of Romance." This package includes a $100 Simon Visa Giftcard, two-night stay at the Hyatt Place Coconut Point, tickets to a show at the Barbara B. Mann or Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre with limo service for the evening and a $1,000 shopping spree at the Diamond District.

Admission for the Taste of Coconut Point is $3 per person, with free admission for children 12 and under. Food and beverage sampling ranges from $1 to $5 per menu item. The event will be held at the retail center's South Lake Side parking area near Panera Bread. For more information, call (239) 992-9966 or visit www.shopcoconutpoint.com or www. simon.com.