This year, Taste of Buffalo had two solid days of sun and heat; visitors reacted by eating and drinking. They also took in almost anything that was cold.
The event allows area food entrepreneurs, whether brick and mortar or food truck, to show potential new customers what they can do.
One stand was different. The stand operated by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute Savor Restaurant. NCCC Vice-President for Academic Auxiliary Services Paula Sandy says it was educational.
"The students get a little bit of a culture shock, some times, when they see the combinations being put together," Sandy said.
"Our menu is no different for them but they have really learned to hone their skills based off of what's going to be popular with the crowds out here."
Sandy says the students also learned graduates of their programs were working for some of the other restaurants at Taste.
Merge Co-Owner Eliza Schneider says Taste visitors show up at her restaurant after trying it out during the event.
"So last year we had a great two weeks following the Taste of Buffalo immediately. A lot of people came in and said that they found us here and this was their first time history," Schneider said.
"It's hard to tell the rest of the year, some people might mention it, but there was definitely a first time influx."
For one local restaurant it was a mixed weekend. Carmine's Restaurant on Transit road won for best seafood for its bacon wrapped shrimp at Taste, while the restaurant was being leveled in a million-dollar fire. Owners plan to rebuild.
