BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....At its most basic level, the Taste of Buffalo is about showcasing area restaurants and highlighting the region's culinary legacy.
But, with Mayor Sean Ryan putting an extra emphasis on using special events to help bring people back downtown and help the central business district regain its lost swagger, Taste of Buffalo organizers know they will be operating under a more powerful microscope this year.
"We are proud to draw so many people into downtown Buffalo," said Adam Roma, Taste of Buffalo 2026 chairman.
That has been the Taste of Buffalo's legacy for the past 43 summers.
What originally began with just a handful of restaurants and an event tucked part of Mohawk and Main streets has grown, especially after its 2007 move from Main Street to Delaware Avenue.
This year, there are several new twists including bringing 17 local vendors around the Niagara Square fountain for the Taste Marketplace, or an apple pie eating contest by presenting sponsor Tops Friendly Markets.
Of the 43 participating restaurants, 13 are new to the Taste of Buffalo including Wind Japaense and Yankee BBQ Smokehouse & Tavern.
"Same 'Taste' but a different vision,:" Roma said.
The bigger picture remains using the Taste of Buffalo as an overall downtown showcase, says Deputy Mayor Thomas Baines.
"We love seeing crowds filling up our streets," Baines said. "The Taste is one of downtown's lifebloods. It is critically important."
The Taste of Buffalo is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 11 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, July 12. It runs along Delaware Avenue from W. Chippewa Street south to Niagara Square.
