Check Out Our 2012 Taste Addison Picks

by Steven Doyle

The Taste Addison festival starts today. This means you have three days to dine your way through the very manageable crowds on the grounds of the event, tasting smaller portions of each restaurants best offerings. We have a few suggestions, but if the event is anything like last year, there are no wrong choices.

We heard from chef Richard Chamberlain that he will be roasting a whole pig with the use of chef Kent Rathbun’s ginormous smoker that he graciously loaned out to his chef buddy. Each year Chamberlain embraces this event and donates all his proceeds to a local charity. There are at least two thing you will want to sample on his Steak and Chophouse menu. The pulled pork platter is a mere $8 and the legendary pork chop on a stick is also $8.  Chamberlain also offers up some kobe beef items that are actually less pricey, but all is greatness and has that whole charity ring to them.   

Chamberlain’s Fish Market also makes some kick ass grilled fish tacos you will not want to miss.

Pace yourself. Bring loads of friends and share so you can sample more goods.

Flippin’ Out Crepe does this beautiful Nutella or Strawberry Dream crepe and each are only $5. Save room for one of these babies.

The Clay Pit has a  Chicken Tikka Masala that is worth sampling.

Lazaranda is new to the event this year. We have written several favorable pieces on the Mexican inspired seafood restaurant and encourage you to try any of the tostadas, but especially enjoy the ribeye taco for only $5.  Notice a theme here? Everything is cheap.

The latest rage in New York is the Pizza Frita or fried pizza. You can have a fantastic version of this phenom made by the Italian Club for $4.

McFadden’s is also new to the festival and has a very delicious fish and chips for… $5.

Texas de Brazil is known for their meats on a stick. There will be an assortment of these that will give you a good idea what the restaurant is about. Eat up, there are more food choices around the corner.  Invite more friends, you will need the extra help.

There are at least a half dozen taco options and almost as many Thai food stands at the Taste this year. Plow through as many as you can handle.  For the guys, I can personally attest that the Twin Peaks booth will be well worth the wait for their sliders. Also find the Dos Equis truck for a free extreme taco or a handful of dried worms.  Yum.

In addition to all this noshing and drinking, there are other fun activities. Some for the kiddos, others for people like us. Cocktail competitions and cooking demos, as well as concerts all weekend long. Check the schedule for event times. Have a very safe and happy Taste Addison.