BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Taste of Buffalo may have made its in-person return last year, but this year’s fest could be called its true comeback from the pandemic, with more ways to share the love and the flavors.

“We had a ton of people out here, it was a great day," said Taste of Buffalo 2022 chair Luke Baecker. "We’re back to being in full force as a normal event—Niagara Square all the way down Delaware to Chippewa. We also have heart-shaped QR codes where patrons can pull out their phones, scan those codes and make a donation to the 5/14 Survivors Fund, and we’re really happy just to bring the community back together.”

What You Need To Know

  • The Taste of Buffalo returned full-scale for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, going virtual for two years then returning in-person downsized in 2021

  • Restaurants and wineries were presented with awards on Saturday in several categories

  • Stands had QR codes for guests to can and make donations to the 5/14 Survivors Fund

Many of the vendors were given some prestigious honors Saturday, like Rookie of the Year KT Caribbean Cuisine, where a combination of delicious food and great services makes a recipe for success. 

“First, I say we always give service with a smile and we always cook fresh food daily," said Terry Chiddick, co-owner of KT Carribean Cuisine. "We make sure our food is always of good quality so no matter how much we grow in quantity, we try our best to keep the quality.”

The newcomers were among the most impressive this year, with first-time Taste vendor Hofbrauhaus racking up not one, but two awards.

“We were so excited. We were shocked because it was our first year so to win two awards was very exciting," said Matthew Chase of Hofbrauhaus. "We got the first place for the Healthy Choice and then we got the Chairman’s Award for the Kartoffelsuppe, which is a potato soup. It was very exciting."

While each prize comes with its own bragging rights, one newly named award for a longtime taste volunteer and board member who passed away earlier this year had special honor.

“We rebranded our Best of Buffalo Award the Eric Duvall Best of Buffalo Award and then his family was gracious enough to award that award this year,” Baecker said. “We were so honored that they were able to do that.”

The recipients of the inaugural award: The Flaming Fish food truck for their Shrimp Poboy, where personal touches create culinary magic.

“We have a special seasoning mix that we make for our shrimp, we make our own special poboy sauce that’s unlike any sauce you’re going to get on a poboy anywhere else; here, New Orleans, wherever,” said Deanna Johnson of The Flaming Fish.

One thing that didn't change: the food and the atmosphere, proving why the largest two-day food festival in the nation just can’t be beat.

“People are enjoying themselves, it’s great to see all the people that showed up this weekend. We’ve got music going, there’s live bands, DJs, it’s just a great vibe,” said Heidi Conschafter from Unbridled Cafe.

The full list of this year's winners and the addresses of participating restaurants and wineries can be found on the Taste of Buffalo's website.