What an absolute blast judging the 2019 Annual Taste of the Town event hosted by the Greater Wheeling Chamber of Commerce & Industry, this month.

Held at the exquisite space of the Chevy Chase Country Club, the event saw around 350 attendees gathered to sample the Wheeling Town Center’s best restaurant, winery and brewery stations. There was a live band by Rewind and even an Elton John impersonator up at some point.

I was honored to be one of the four judges at the event, where we speed-ate our way through several featured dishes and guzzled drinks to be able to put in our votes.

My favorite bite of the night of the night had to be the octopus from Plateia Restaurant, as well as Pita Inn’s hummus, which also won for best presentation. Big Bowl was serving up a delicious tuna roll and a mango tapioca pudding, while Nothing Bundt Cakes had the best chocolate brownie cake bites in my opinion.

All four judges had consensus on a phenomenal Old Fashioned that Spears Bourborn & Burgers was serving up. Tuscany’s pumpkin ravioli was insanely tasty and the venue hosts’ Lobster Bisque definitely hit the spot.

The lineup was all too impressive for words, the place was packed, and I can assure you guests left with full bellies and smiles.

One of the best events I’ve judged while getting to savor the deliciousness that the suburbs also has to offer. Can’t wait for next year, but will need to starve myself at least a week before!