Epicureans rejoice — Washington’s gourmet delights are back in the second annual Taste the Good Life in Little Washington tasters’ paradise.

On Feb. 27, foodies can get their fill as restaurants, gourmet shops, wine sellers and more gather at the Washington Civic Center to give participants a taste of the best fare they have to offer.

A partnership between two economic development engines for downtown Washington — Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Washington Harbor District Alliance — the event was designed to showcase Washington’s many great restaurants and businesses, according to Catherine Glover, executive director of the chamber. Last year’s inaugural sell-out event drew over 275 people to the civic center to sample Washington’s fare and had a list of people waiting in the wings for tickets to become available. Glover said she’s expecting the same type of crowd for this year’s event.

One difference between this year and last year, is that Taste the Good Life has expanded its reach outside of Washington, Glover said. Belhaven’s Spoon River, Tavern at Jack’s and Front Porch restaurants have signed on, as has Chocowinity’s Raised in a Barn Farm, with its gourmet products.

“We’ve got some new ones, which is cool,” Glover said. “We’ve got some desserts this year, that, we didn’t have last year.”

Some of those desserts will be featured by the Perfect Perks/Rachel K’s Bakery combo, recent recipients of the Small Business of the Year award at the chamber’s awards banquet.

Other food and beverage participants include Pamlico House Wine Shop, Grub Brothers Eatery, Coffee Caboose, Bill’s Hotdogs, The Blue Door Café, Wine & Words and Gourmet, Pamlico Pantry, The Bank Bistro & Bar, Marabella Restaurant, Apollo’s Steakhouse, On The Waterfront, R.A. Jeffrey’s, Petals and Produce and The Meeting Place. IBX Artisans Center, Cottage Junkies, Russell’s Gentlemen’s Clothing, Stewart’s Jewelry Store, Washington Daily News, Park Boat Company, Bloom Women’s Apparel, Vidant Beaufort Hospital and The Rich Company are listed as participating vendors.

The first customers in the door take a Taste the Good Life-engraved tasting glass with which to sample beverages at the event, Glover said.

Glover said it’s largely a word-of-mouth event, though the word does get around.

“Last year we had a lot of people from Greenville attending, just by word of mouth. … Don’t wait to the last minute to get tickets,” Glover warned.

Tickets are $30 per person and available at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, located at 102 Stewart Parkway, 252-946-9168. The chamber is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.