Embrace the Taste...of Buffalo

What's not to love at Taste of Buffalo?  It is an opportunity to eat from at least 50 different restaurants.  You spend as much, or as little money as you want.  Even if you don't eat anything (which seems impossible)....it is just fun to people watch and enjoy the entertainment: culinary shows, bands, a beer tent, a kidzone, and various vendors providing fun activities.

And then there is the food and the wine!  Each year, these are the standard items I always get:
1.) Merritt wine slushy (or 2...or 3 if it is a hot day)
2.) Junkyard dog from Ms. Goodies
3.) Hazlitt Red Cat wine
4.) Chester's crawfish (which is not going to be there this year)
5.) At the end of the weekend I always use up my remaining tickets at Bavarian Nut Company

For 2014, my "must-try" list includes:
1.) The Lodge's ceviche cup
2.) Sun Restaurant's black rice sun roll
3.) T.C. Wheeler's Nutella Pizza with almonds

The dish size you receive is pretty decent....or some items have a smaller sample size if you only want a bite or two.  There is a healthy option available at each tent...for those not willing to budge from their diets.  For me, healthy eating is thrown out the window on this weekend!  This is an opportunity to try out all the different restaurants and decide if they are worth visiting for a full meal.

This year, at the Culinary Stage, I am beyond excited to watch the canolli competition (one of my favorite desserts). My favorite juicery, Ashkers, will also be showcasing the health benefits of fresh squeezed juices.  Hey canolli makers....any chance you can prove health benefits of eating canollis? Haha!  And of course.....the beer and vodka demonstrations.  Lockhouse Distillery and Community Beer Works - two of my favorite Buffalo companies!

And you know what's REALLY GREAT about Taste of Buffalo??  They are not-for-profit.  The proceeds go to various organizations in Buffalo: Boy Scouts, Shea's Spotlight, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels to name a few of the 15 charities.  Plus, there are scholarships provided to high school students planning on attending college for hospitality. So the more you eat....the more you are helping people.  How awesome is that?

There have only been a couple years in which I missed attending Taste of Buffalo - the nation's largest 2 day food festival!  My family has been involved as far back as I can remember. Personally, I have volunteered with ticket sales, entertainment, logistics, and security.   This year is extra special, because it will be the first time my twins, Estelle and Louis, will start joining in on the tradition.  Hopefully I will see YOU there too!

To plan out your menu....check out http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/app/restaurant