Here we are with another installment of “365 Things to do in Cincinnati” and today we’re featuring the 2012 “Best of Taste” competition.
"Best Damn Dish" Winner and the 2012 "Best of Taste" in the seafood division, from Arloi Dee Thai Bistro
Call me weird but one of the highlights of doing this blog is going to the “Best of Taste” competition every year. Most of you would probably find it quite boring. But because I am a huge foodie, I absolutely love to see this glimpse into what goes into making it “big” at the Taste of Cincinnati.
Creme Brulee from Market Street Grille
Izzy's
“Best of Taste” is a pre-cursor to The Taste of Cincinnati. The “Best of Taste” is not a particularly glamorous day for anyone. In fact, I think the chefs and cooks would say it’s a lot of hard work.
Habanero's Pork Taco
2012 "Award of Excellence" in the dessert category, Raspberry Cloud Pie from du jours /Courtyard Cafe
The Best of Taste happens in a room full of tables where chefs (plus staff) all prepare sample plates for the “Best of Taste” judges. It’s amazing to see the variety of foods and the skill that goes into making up these dishes.
The judges are assembled in a separate room, behind closed curtains. The judges are grouped by category (best vegetarian, best entree, best dessert, etc.). People carry trays of the plates into the appropriate judges and the judges sample and note, sample and note. After all has been devoured, the judge’s scores are tallied and the winners from each category are determined.
At the end of the morning, everyone congregates into one large room and the winners are announced.
You can enjoy all the dishes at The Taste of Cincinnati – May 26 and 27, 2012
