BUFFALO, NY - A wide variety of food items and local restaurants were selected as award winners today at the 29th annual Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops. The judging took place this morning, July 7, by a panel of honorary judges including representatives from the local media, political and business sectors. One award, the AT&T Fan Favorite Food, has yet to be determined as festival-goers can continue to text a vote for their favorite Taste item through the end of the event. Item numbers and texting information are available at the event and in the festival guide.The 2012 Taste winners were:

• Chairman's Choice (chosen by 2012 Chairman Chris Hitchcock): Eddie Ryan's - 1/4
pot roast sandwich
• Children's Choice (chosen by Delaney Jones, niece of this year's chairman): Fat
Bob's Smokehouse - Macaroni & Cheese
• New York Award (selected by New York State Senator Mark Grisanti): Buffalo Tap
Room - Sausage Cacciatora
• Pat Sardina Memorial Award for Best Comfort Food: Francesca's - Eggplant Fra
Diablo
• Lou Billitier Memorial "Rookie of the Year" Award: Cabaret
• Best Overall Item: Orazio's Restaurant - Brasciole Sliders w/ sauce and cheese
• Best Meat Item: Papi's Family Restaurant - Beef & Cheese Pastelillos
• Best Seafood Item: Ms. Goodies - Junkyard Dog
• Best Vegetarian Item: Delhi Chaat Sweets and Restaurant - Samosa Chaat
• Best Dessert: Landies Candies - Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

• Best Red Wine: Merritt Estate Winery - 2010 Merlot
• Best White Wine: Glenora Wine Cellars - 2011 Gewurztraminer

• Independent Health Foundation's Healthy Options:
o First Place: Kabab & Curry - Malai Tikka
o Second Place: Orazio's - Faye Salad
o Third Place: Applebee's - Grilled Jalapeno Lime Shrimp

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops, runs through 9 p.m. today and Sunday July 8, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. along Delaware Avenue from Chippewa Street to Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. For more information, visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com.