Winter Carne-val

If Sandpoint had a particular flavor, what would it be? Tangy tomato, maybe, due to places like Bab’s Pizzeria, Ivano’s Ristorante and Pend Oreille Pasta and Wine? Buttery and soft, like the croissants from Pine Street Bakery? Earthy, wholesome, organic and fresh from Winter Ridge Foods market? More likely, the city’s flavor is an eclectic combination, artfully plated, like those you’ll find at TASTE OF SANDPOINT.

This kickoff event to the annual Winter Carnival showcases area restaurants, catering businesses and beverage purveyors. Admission is free; food tickets are $1, with a bit of this or a sampling of that averaging from three to seven tickets.

From Trinity at City Beach, for example, two carnitas tacos or a hearty bowl of chicken, shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo are a mere $4. Try the savory chipotle-braised lamb shank on a goat-cheese polenta cake, or a Kobe beef taco with queso fresco ($4) from The Bistro at The Inn at Sandcreek — let’s hope they shorten that to The Bistro when they officially open in February — formerly the Sandcreek Grill and under new ownership. Thirsty? A glass of 2007 Bistro Rouge from Pend Oreille Winery will warm you up for only $5.

New this year is Dine Around Sandpoint, where participating restaurants offer menu and drink specials from $15 to $30 during the Carnival. At DISH Home Cooking, for example, the special $20 menu offers three entrées — such as crispy lemon thyme chicken served with garlic mashed potatoes — two salads and a glass of house red or white wine. And every time you eat at a participating restaurant, you’re entered into a drawing where the top prize is a once-a-month dinner for two at participating restaurants — a $750 value!

Dine Around Sandpoint was started by two longtime Sandpoint residents who quintessentially wear multiple hats: Mel Dick, the former CEO of retailer Coldwater Creek, who biked across the country to raise money for education, and partners with his wife Claudia at the 41 South restaurant; and Gary Lirette, whose credits range from real estate to radio host to restaurateur to book publisher.

The goal this year, explains Lirette, is to get people to come to the Carnival — where events include the rail jam, Schweitzer torchlight parade, bioluminescence fire dance, an 80-plus artist art walk, the K-9 keg pull — and stay for all the rest Sandpoint has to offer. — CARRIE SCOZZARO

Taste of Sandpoint is Thursday, Jan. 14, 5-8 pm at the Sandpoint Events Center, 102 S. Euclid Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho. Winter Carnival events continue through Monday, Jan. 18. Visit www.SandpointWinterCarnival.com or call (208) 263-0887.