So many restaurants, so little time? The Bite of Seattle to the rescue

What's new at the Bite this year? New dishes, Rover's chef Thierry Rautureau's culinary enthusiasm as emcee of the Bite Cooks and "Just a Bite" $3.75 small tastes at six venues.

But basically, the Bite of Seattle, a local favorite since 1982, draws huge crowds to Seattle Center every year by being predictably and wonderfully the same — a great selection of food with music, beer and wine gardens, cooking demonstrations and (hopefully) lots of sunshine, adding up to a great way to spend a summer weekend.

With so many food choices, deciding what to have can be difficult, so let celebrity chef Tom Douglas help you out while you help a good cause at The Alley, seven tastes from a variety of local restaurants to benefit Food Lifeline. Don't wait until the last minute to get in line for this popular event, since it closes two hours earlier than the Bite each day.

If you're inspired to create some memorable dishes yourself, check out 18 top local chefs sharing culinary tips and creativity at the Bite Cooks in the Alki Room. Music of all kinds and eras from a variety of bands provide continuous entertainment on five stages including a jazz stage, Blues Roadhouse and a comedy club. The Family Fun Zone in Founders Court near the Mercer Street side of the Center offers entertainment from Radio Disney, kids' karaoke and interactive games noon-6 p.m. Friday, noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

People-watching and hordes of fellow food fans are part of the energy of the Bite, but if you like things a bit quieter, come early in the day, especially on Friday, before the crowds get really huge. The Bite encourages visitors to bus, bike, monorail or car pool for easiest access to Seattle Center and to please leave pets at home.

The details

Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: Free.

The Alley, hosted by Tom Douglas: fundraiser for Food Lifeline, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; $9.50/person.

Location: Seattle Center, Seattle.

Getting there: Seattle Center Monorail runs two trains during the Bite, every 10 minutes 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday, $1.50-$4/round trip. Seattle Center parking, $12 or $10/vehicles with three or more; parking, traffic and transportation hotline, 206-233-3989. Metro Transit provides regular service to Seattle Center on 13 routes; information, 206-553-3000 or tripplanner.metrokc.gov/.

More information: 425-283-5050 or www.biteofseattle.com.