Conquering the Taste of Buffalo

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Photo credit WBEN Photo/Susan Rose

Buffalo, N.Y. (Susan Rose, WBEN) - Okay, being a judge for the Taste of Buffalo is not rocket science. It's a pretty nice perk. But c'mon my workday begins at 3am.

This weekend marks the 36th annual Taste of Buffalo. And it's bigger than ever. Fifty-six restaurants and food trucks, nine new vendors. Six New York State wineries and five beer tents.

Judges arrive on Saturday morning and are handed a lanyard, clipboard and an envelope with the names of three restaurants.

I quickly opened my envelope to learn I would be judging Rachel's Mediterranean Grill, the Rolling Cannoli Food Truck and Patina 250. 

Rachel's is a "rookie". It's the restaurant's first year at the Taste. We enjoyed a Falafel Rice Bowl, Chicken Souvlaki wrap and Greek fries.  The Souvlaki wrap was outstanding.

Stuffed! Awesome @tasteofbuffalo! @Patina250 @Rollingcannoli @RachelsGrill #NickCharlaps pic.twitter.com/PZxIDLJyqF

— Susan Wenger (@SusanWBEN) July 13, 2019

Then it was onto Patina 250. The Buffalo Cauliflower was amazing.  Yes, cauliflower (I'm usually not a big fan).  But fry it and add hot sauce and it was delicious! They also served up Thai Watermelon Gazpacho and Peach and Raspberry shortcake.

Next: the Rolling Cannoli Food Truck. Sponge Candy Caramel Cannoli, Oreo Cannoli and a PB&J Cannoli.  One word for all three - decadent! 

Time to go into a food coma.

The 36th Annual Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops Announces 2019 Restaurant and Winery Award Winners

The judging took place Saturday morning by a panel of representatives from the local media, political and business sectors. This year’s festival includes the new Favorite Fermentation award, which was given to A Gust of Sun Winery (Ransomville) for their wine, Sweet Westies.Chair’s Choice (chosen by Matthew Testa, 2019 Taste of Buffalo Chair): Hilltop Restaurant & Bar (Lockport), Buffalo Lager Braised Short RibsChildren’s Choice (chosen by Jacob Testa): Mineo & Sapio Street Eats food truck, Chorizo Po’BoyLou Billittier Memorial “Rookie of the Year” Award: The Chocolate Bar (Buffalo), Chocolate Mousse BruleeVeteran Restaurant Award: Danny’s Restaurant (Orchard Park), Peanut Butter PieBest of Buffalo Award: Taste of Siam (Buffalo), Fried Ice CreamBest Overall Item: Caribbean Experience (Buffalo), Jerked Chicken with RiceBest Meat Item: Caribbean Experience (Buffalo), Jerked Chicken with RiceBest Seafood Item: Flaming Fish food truck, Shrimp Po’BoyBest Dessert: Water Lily Café (Cheektowaga), Thai Tea SmoothieBest Sandwich: Souped Up food truck, Bacon Jam Cheddar MeltBest Red Wine: Three Brothers Wineries & Estates (Geneva), Red Jazz InfusionBest White Wine: Victorianbourg Wine Estate (Wilson), PechetteIndependent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options:

First Place:  Alex’s Place (Batavia), Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Second Place: Local Kitchen and Beer Bar (Buffalo), Brussel Sprout Slaw

Third Place: Cali Eats (Buffalo), Fiesta Black Bean Bowl

Best Healthy Dessert: Chrusciki Bakery (Lancaster), Apple Cinnamon Pierogi

Yelp’s Choice Award: T.C. Wheelers Bar & Pizzeria (Tonawanda), Stuffed Hot Banana Pepper PizzaBuffalo News Gusto Critic’s Choice Award: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Buffalo), Dinosaur BBQ Ribs