Eighteen Bradenton-area restaurants turned out for the Taste of Manatee at Sutton Park in Palmetto Oct. 3-4. The annual fundraiser for the West Bradenton Rotary attracts thousands of people for two full days of local food and live music.
Besides pleasing the hungry crowds and contributing to worthy causes, the restaurants vie for awards in various categories. The winners were announced Tuesday. Here they are:
Best appetizer:
First place -- The Blu Mangrove Grill, fish tacos
Second place -- Riverside Waterfront, barbecued chicken
Third place -- St. Mark's Church, pierogis
Best dessert:
First place -- The Big Cow Creamery
Second place -- Sugar Cubed
Best specialty food item
First place -- The Riverhouse Grill, lobster corn chowder
Second place -- J & J Barbecue, ribs
Third place -- Edelweiss Restaurant, knockwurst and sauerkraut
Best entrée:
First place -- The River House Restaurant, spicy and green goddess shrimp.
Second place -- Riverside Grill, pulled pork, black beans and rice.
Third place -- The Blu Mangrove, sushi.
Best Newcomer: South East High School Culinary Program
Best Booth: The Riverside Waterfront
Best of the Best: St. Mark's Church
--Marty Clear
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