If you’re one of the few who missed the Chester County Restaurant Festival in downtown West Chester, then reading this blog is a must. How else will you know where to get the great eats noshed that day?
The CC Rest Fest is a pilgrimage for foodies, families and friends. On a beautiful September Sunday in WC, thousands patiently and politely queued up for their favorite fair treats, street food, food truck fare and, yes, fine dining. Bands, a beer and wine garden, and a plethora of crafters on side streets added to the festive vibe. Naturally, the Chester County Culinary Cook-Off was a crowd-pleaser.
I love the sights, sounds, smells and, of course, tastes of this yearly affair. Here are my 2013 Best Bites:
Sliders and Dogs hot off the grill from Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, 3 West Gay St., West Chester
Old school, with or without cheese. Extra long hot dogs and petite burgers smelled like a summer BBQ and tasted even better, thanks to chef’s secret sauces. Most hungry fest-goers grabbed one of each.
Super Side or Hearty Meal? White Beans and Spinach from Chefanti, 211 E. Market St., West Chester
WC’s newest healthy-and-delicious take-out joint created a tummy warming and filling winner with tender white beans in a thick broth kissed by spinach. Comfort food at its best, and good for ya, too.
Humble and High Brow: Pork Belly Sliders from Amani’s BYOB, 105 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown
When Chef Jonathan Amann chose whipped goat cheese and fig chutney to sit atop pork belly on a slider roll, he pushed street food to the next level. Pork-fat goodness can be chic and portable? Pass the sweet toppings, please.
Fresh, Cold and Aw Shucks from Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, 117 E. Gay St., West Chester
Doc’s staffers were working overtime to keep freshly opened oysters on ice. Crisp and clean with minimal toppings (unless you desired otherwise), this fair offering was reminiscent of lazy days at the shore.
My 2013 Best Bite Winner: Jerk Portobello Taco from Roots Café, 133 E. Gay St., West Chester
Veggie aficionados and meat lovers alike found something slightly spicy and, well, meaty in this dish. A hefty portion of beefy portobellos brought just enough burn to get your attention, but not so much that it masked the other flavors. I savored hints of smoke, nutmeg, thyme, and pepper. Lots of peppers! Crunchy slaw added texture and bite. The dish was made just that much better wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Desserts … there were many, but I swooned over these three sweet selections:
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Mompops, order online or watch here for the next appearance: Allergen-free but big on flavor. That’s what happens when you use real fruit and leave out soy, nuts, dairy, gluten and added sugars. This vegan snack rocked.
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Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, 1332 West Chester Pike, West Chester: Can you say cake pop? I can’t, ‘cause there’s one stuffed in my mouth! Fabulous fall flavors on a stick drizzled with chocolate are as big as a mini cupcake. Resistance was futile.
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Dia Doce, 100 S. High St., West Chester, and in a food truck near you: I got in line early for my red velvet fix, because this fabulous food truck sells out fast. One bite confirmed why these tempting confections won Cupcake Wars.
Props to West Chester Parks and Recreation for 34 spectacular years mounting this foodie frenzy and to the sponsors who made it possible. Wonder who scored in TheTownDish.com Choice Awards? Or who photobombed our Photo Booth? Click those links and see how it all unfolded.
Photo credits: Nina Malone
