The Katy Taste Fest is a big event for Katy. It showcases all the restaurants. We’ve got some good restaurants in Katy. It’s not like it used to be. Katy has grown so much and has new flavors coming in. I remember when I came here 15 years ago from Detroit, things were a little simpler back then.”

Chris Batsios, owner of Pappa Gyros and Sapore Pizzeria

After a two-year hiatus, the Katy Taste Fest returns with plenty of locally prepared foods to enjoy.

The family-friendly festival is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road. VIP entry is at 10 a.m.

Judges for the event are Angelina Allen, Katy Taste Fest representative; Chris Batsios, owner of Pappa Gyros and Sapore Pizzeria; Scott Chapman, owner of Proud Pie; Kevin Muccular, owner of That's My Dog, and Brian Walz, Katy/Fort Bend Foodies administrator.

Batsios said he was asked to be a judge and was excited to participate.

“The Katy Taste Fest is a big event for Katy,” Batsios said. “It showcases all the restaurants. We’ve got some good restaurants in Katy. It’s not like it used to be. Katy has grown so much and has new flavors coming in. I remember when I came here 15 years ago from Detroit, things were a little simpler back then.”

When Batsios describes the changes in Katy restaurant fare, he includes his own store, now relocated to 21910 Franz Road from its previous location on Kingsland Boulevard. He said he and his team planned to open last March, but the pandemic intervened like it did for so many other businesses. His store finally opened in February.

“That was the craziest time,” Batsios said, adding that he was able to keep everyone on his team working at the restaurant during the pandemic, when the dining area had to be closed and customers could only get their food through the drive-through.

“We wanted to keep everyone working,” Batsios said.

As for what he’ll be judging, Batsios said he will be looking at flavor.

“Flavor is king,” Batsios said. “I want to see if the spices are just right, the food is prepared well and the presentation. I’ll be looking for any surprises or curveballs that make it stand out, especially in competition. You can’t be afraid to look outside the box in those situations.”

Organizers said they expect over 1,200 to attend this year. Cyril Thomas, event chair, said organizers are ecstatic that the festival is back.

“It has been a long two years since we could celebrate the flavors of Katy together,” Thomas said. “Our new venue partner, Typhoon Texas, is an incredible space to host the event and it will help us continue to grow the Katy Taste Fest year after year. The only thing that Katy loves more than food, is giving back to the community. We have granted over $80,000 to charities since 2017 and we can’t wait to continue with the money that we raise from the Katy Taste Fest this year.”

Organizers said the festival began in 2017 as a way for Katy-area foodies to gather and sample foods while supporting local philanthropic efforts.

Tickets vary in price. They include:

• General Admission Family Pack ($125): This package includes two adult general admission tickets and up to three Kids’ Zone tickets. Bag check enforced.
• VIP Taste Lounge ($85): This package enables an earlier entry, at 10 a.m., and early access to the lounge, a taste card good for eight (4oz) champagne/wine pours, exclusive mimosa/champagne bar, a disc jockey, and covered private patio. The VIP tent provides comfortable seating areas while you relax with champagne and enjoy exclusive samples. Guests must either be 21 years of age or older, or if they are 18-20 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent. Bag check enforced.
• General Admission Tasting ($50): For guests 21 years of age or older and includes a sampling card good for four (4oz) wines/beers with unlimited tastes from over 20+ restaurants. Bag check enforced.
• Designated Driver ($40): For guests 13-20 years of age and those guests who do not wish to consume alcohol. Ticket enables unlimited tastings from over 20 restaurants and unlimited water. Bag check enforced.
• Kids’ Zone ($10): For guests 2-12 years of age. Ticket includes a kid’s meal (Chicken tenders from Typhoon Texas, chips and drink). It also offers unlimited access to the Kids’ Zone, which includes bounce houses, interactive Kids’ Zone activities, and a face painter. Bag check enforced.
• Additional Beer and Wine Tasting Ticket ($20): Each ticket enables the holder to enjoy four additional samples of favorite alcoholic beverages (wine - 4oz, beer - 6oz). Bag check enforced.
• VIP Plus Private Cabana ($1,000): This package is touted as the choice for entertaining clients, thanking employees, or holding a neighborhood party. This package includes eight VIP passes with private cabana seating. Each cabana includes a butler for serving the food. Guests must either be 21 years of age or older. Guests 18-20 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. Bag check enforced.