By Mindy Ragan Wood, Staff Writer – It was a run on hot food at the annual Taste of Yukon where more than a dozen restaurants showcased their best dishes and took home awards.
The turnout for this year’s food festival was so high, a few restaurants ran out of food.
Zaxby’s, which won best in taste, had all of its food consumed before the event ended, and Pie Five had to go back for more pizzas. The parks and recreation department estimated 400 people attended, about 100 more than last year.
“It was really crowded,” Parks and Reaction Director Jan Scott said. “We had some people come in and we had to turn them away because by about 7:15 there were several who ran out of food. We were very happy with the event and people seemed to have a great time.”
The second-place award for best in taste went to the Lokal, who served their famous deep fried deviled eggs. Del Taco won best in décor and Spanish Cove placed second for its booth design.
Young and old, families and couples cast their own votes after filling their plates.
“Papa Murphy’s spinach artichoke pizza,” Michael Green said. “It was really good and I think it was the best here. My second favorite was the (Meals on Wheels) strawberry crepes.”
Anna Louise Boling also voted for Papa Murphy’s for the olive, tomato and spinach pizza. Barbara Davola agreed with her, mentioning a more exotic slice of pizza, the Thai chicken.
Nine-year-old Christian Massey would hear none of the pizza votes. He declared himself a BBQ, smoked broiler kind of guy.
“Bad Brads,” he said enjoying some beef. “And Johnny’s Charcoal (and Broiler).”
Cici’s Pizza reported that while their pizza was popular, their cinnamon rolls were the biggest hit at their table. New restaurants this year were the Lokal, The Baked Bear, Zaxby’s, and Del Taco, Interurban, Louie’s Bar & Grill, Johnny Carino’s, Freddy’s Steakburgers, and Alfredo’s were just a few of the 18 eateries who participated in the event.
Taste of Yukon is a fundraiser for the parks department which funds events including concerts in the park and the Chisholm Trail Festival.
