Zippity doo dah! Zippity day! My, oh my, what a wonderful day!
Over the course of the year, Syracuse hosts a wide variety of festivals, celebrating everything from jazz, food, wine, film, beer, heritage, and crafts. Even in the freezing winter weather, Syracusians head outside for Chili cook-offs and Martini mix-offs. I’ve had the pleasure (and disappointment…I’m talking about you, pitiful Syracuse Octoberfest) of attending many of these festivals. But, the one I look most forward to every year is the Taste of Syracuse!
**I should note that I do not categorize The Great New York State Fair as a mere festival. We’ll talk about the fair in 82 days. (But, I’m not counting down or anything.) Mmmm…deep-fried oreos, cinnamon-sprinkled funnel cake, wine slushies. Mmmm…
Focus, Amy! Focus!
During the annual Taste of Syracuse, local restaurants take over the Clinton Square area of downtown Syracuse, each offering a $1 sampling of food. For a few bucks, you can stuff yourself silly. There’s also live music, children’s entertainment, a beer sampling tent, wine tasting area, and an assortment of vendors. Absolutely my kind of festival!
So, today the family and I headed down to gorge ourselves on $1 treats. A few pics for your viewing enjoyment…
Stromboli from Cam's Pizzeria. Delicious, but doesn't hold a candle to my Uncle Tom's stromboli!
Chicken Riggies from Dominick's Restaurant. Riggies are a Central New York specialty, featuring chicken and pasta in a slightly spicy, tomato-cream sauce. Excellent!
Meatball Sub from J.J.'s. Fantastic!
Gulasz-Beef Stew from Eva's European Sweets. Very tender beef and flavorful broth.
Keftedes (Greek meatball) with Tzatziki Sauce from Kiki's Authentic Greek Cuisine. Well seasoned meatball. Perfect tzatziki!
Baked Beans from Dinosaur Barbecue. Oh yeah! OH YEAH! Best baked beans ever!
My husband, savoring the baked beany aroma.
Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. Spicylicious!
Fudge from Em's Specialty Candies. (See the pictures of the kids for reviews.)
A positive review for the fudge!
Undecided between the fudge and a homemade hot dog from Liehs and Steigerwald.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake from Big Mama's Cheesecake. Luscious!
Chicken Spiedie from Charlie's Famous Steak Pit. Spiedies are marinated, skewered, and grilled chicken, native to Binghamton, New York.
Hot Apple Fritter from Navarind Orchard. Crisp slice of apple, dipped in batter, fried, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Doesn't get much better than that!
Cheesecake Calzone from Kalzonies. Two thumbs up from my husband.
Full bellies. Happy family.
The Gourmand Mom 
Alright, next year I’m going to Syracuse with a pocket full of dollars.
Haha! And, you’ll leave with a full, happy belly!