MINNEAPOLIS -- More than 2,000 people are expected to take over Lake Street on Saturday for the 2nd annual Taco Tour.
The tour allows participants to sample food from nine authentic Mexican restaurants on Lake Street.
"We want more people to come. Not only Mexican people... We also want American people," said Veronica Marcus, with Taco Taxi.
Co-owner Carlos Lopez opened Taco Taxi 10 years ago.
Last year, they participated in the inaugural Taco Tour. It brought in about 1,500 people. This year, that number is expected to reach 2,000.
Latino Economic Development Center Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mario Hernández says the tour is part of a push to make Lake Street a culinary destination for authentic Latino cuisine.
"We recognize that Lake Street competes with other districts, like Uptown and downtown. So we've gotta have our own vibe and our own energy to encourage people to come out," he said.
According to Hernández, they hope the tour will also draw in people from the surrounding suburbs.
"We love it because we have many people come inside and ask about our culture," said Silvia Nunez, who works at La Mexicana.
La Mexicana plans to have samples available for the tour.
The tour is sold out of tickets for free tacos (they went out to the first 1,500 who registered) but people can still participate in the free tour. Several restaurants will also be offering $1.00 tacos and other promotions.
There will be free shuttles to help guests move from location to the next on Lake Street. Participants may also walk or bike.
More information can be found at www.tacotouronlakestreet.com.
