Pictures: Taste of Thornton Park

Orange Blossom Pilsner

Another year, another near-sold-out event; the crowded and humid evening didn't keep residents away. A couple restaurants had a hard time keeping up with the demand, running out of food before one judge even had a chance to sample.

Some of the simplest foods had the best flavor like Wildside's barbecue pork sandwich, Graffiti Junktion's beef empanada, Cityfish's New England clam chowder and Urban Deli's veggie sandwich. Also must mention two to-die-for desserts: Dexter's banana cupcake with whipped peanut butter icing topped with bacon and drizzle of honey and Incredibly Edible's pumpkin bread pudding with caramel sauce. (Both required return visits.)

Incredibly Edible Catering won for Best Presentation second year in a row; Dexter's took second. Dexter's also took second for Best Food while Cityfish won the top prize. In addition to the outstanding New England clam chowder, Cityfish also served a jalapeño hush puppy with key lime herb mayo.