Navigate the Eats: Taste of Georgetown

FINDING FAIRLY PRICES, tasty food in Georgetown is more challenging than it should be. Since they're set in a tourist destination, Georgetown's eateries can get away with providing mediocre eats at bank-breaking prices — a true culinary crime.

However, there are diamonds lurking in these rough waters, and no better way to find them then by attending Taste of Georgetown this Saturday. Taking place between M St. and the waterfront on Wisconsin Ave. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the event will host a number of area restaurants giving out "tastes" of their goods. One taste is $5, or you can pay $20 for 5 tastes.

The full list of vendors can be found on Tasteofgeorgetown.com, but if you're overwhelmed, here's some guidance. First sample the wares of 1789, one of the areas key spots for luxurious new American cuisine. Anything they have for $5 is a treat and should be eaten immediately. Secondly, hit up Mendocino Grille's Mid-Atlantic grub.

Next, head to either the Tackle Box stand or the Hook stand for fresh seafood. Then check out either Old Glory's offerings for a palatable spread of barbequed meats and sauces, or Mie N Yu's for flavors of the far East. Finally, if you can stand to wait in what is sure to be a serious line, Georgetown Cupcake has decadent desserts to spare.

And for those that care to imbibe, look for the Wine Pavilion on Grace Church's lawn. There's nothing like a glass of vino to wash it all down.

» Taste of Georgetown, Wisconsin Ave. between M and K; Sat., Oct. 11, free to enter, $5-$20 to taste; Tasteofgeorgetown.com.