By Lauren Halligan, lhalligan@digitalfirstmedia.com, @LaurenTheRecord on Twitter

SARATOGA SPRINGS>> This weekend the Spa City is giving tastebuds a trip around the world through its first-ever Flavorfeast.  

A new one-day event is designed to take event-goers on a culinary trip around the world, offering $1 samples from restaurants representing various nationalities of cuisine.

Entitled Saratoga International Flavorfeast, the festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Guests are invited to travel the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs and feast on flavors from various countries in the inaugural Flavorfeast.

Beginning at 9 a.m. travelers can pick up a Flavorfeast passport in front of Fingerpaint Marketing on the corner of Broadway and Division Street. This will help guests plan their itinerary of destinations.

Participating restaurants include: Alaturco Mediterranean Grill, Capriccio Saratoga, Chez Pierre Restaurant, Henry St. Taproom, The Inn at Saratoga, Jacob & Anthony's American Grille, The Merry Monk, The Mexican Connection, Mingle on the Avenue, Park Side Eatery, Parting Glass Pub, Phila Fusion, Prime at Saratoga National, Ravenous, Saratoga 5 Points Market & Deli, Savory Pantry, Sperry's Restaurant, Sushi Thai Garden, T.C. Paris, Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar, and The Wine Bar.

Earlier this year local food writer Ashley Dingeman and her mom were “sitting at home one night, talking about all of the different ethnic restaurants that we have in Saratoga.”

As they realized it was an impressive list, an idea arose to hold an event that showcases the variety. “There’s really no event that has been created yet that highlights them,” Dingeman said.

“The Capital Region has become increasingly diverse in culture as a result of Global Foundries and the employees it draws from all over the world,” said Fran Dingeman, Ashley Dingeman’s mother and owner of Network Saratoga, in a press release. “The Saratoga International Flavorfeast was created as a celebration to highlight the International food styles that make Saratoga Springs a unique and diverse culinary experience.”

“By offering $1 samples and free admission, the International Flavorfeast will allow attendees the opportunity to taste foods they haven’t tried in the past,” said Ashley Dingeman, owner and writer of saratogafoodfanatic.com, in the release. “This will also allow for chefs to showcase their talents, providing a food sample that’s specific to the ethnicity they have chosen to represent.”

In addition to food samples, there will be the option of purchasing a $5 wristband at the Fingerpaint Marketing registration table granting access to five international beer samples at various participating restaurants. This portion of the event is only available to those 21 years of age or older, and is limited to the first 200 registrants. Souvenir Peroni plastic cups will also be available, while supplies last, courtesy of Decrescente Distributing.

The Saratoga International Flavorfeast will include entertainment and trolley tours during the from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is presented by Saratoga Food Fanatic and Network Saratoga with support from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Decrescente Distributing, Saratoga Convention and Tourism, Adirondack Trust Company, Skidmore College, Social Radiant, Fingerpaint Marketing, The Saratogian and the Downtowner Motel.

The Dingemans want Saratoga International Flavorfeast to become an annual event that grows with each year.

The goal of the event: “We really want to transform it into something that encompasses all of Saratoga and the surrounding regions,” Ashley Dingeman said. “Not only just the culinary scene is international, but there are so many people coming to this area from different countries and we just really want to be able to celebrate all of the different cultures that Saratoga has within the city.”

For more information visit www.saratogafoodfanatic.com or like Saratoga International Flavorfeast on Facebook.

Lauren Halligan may be reached at 270-1287.