The votes have been tabulated the Judges Choices have been noted and the results are in for this year’s “Tasty Award” winners from Tasting The Town sponsored by The Gold Exchange on Thursday September 22 at Humble Civic Center.  The community was a-buzz about the offerings of all the restaurants and chefs, the amazing wines, the fabulous desserts – and of course the live music and rocking good time!  After sampling fare from all the vendors, the community was given the opportunity to vote for their favorites via an independent survey administered by Solution House of Kingwood, who also tabulated the votes.   

Raffa’s won a close race with Hector’s for this year’s “Tasty” for best Entrée, but guests were won over by the taste-bud tempting Crab Stuffed Flounder that Tony and Leslie Raffa presented.  Their restaurant, located in King’s Harbor is already a well-established local favorite, whether for a casual lunch or a fine dining evening out. 

HEB, who ran a very close second to Hector’s this year for Best Overall Booth, stepped up to showcase more than you might expect at your neighborhood HEB store, and took home the award for Best Beverage with their stunning assortment of wines from California, Chile, Argentina and beyond.  Named Retailer of the Year in 2010 by Progressive Grocer, the chain also donates 5% of pre-tax profits to charity.  Whether you’re tailgating or planning your next wine tasting – they are your one-stop-shop for everything from floral to wine to the goods for grilling!

• Yummy Tummy Pastries opened their shop on E. First Street in Humble in June of 2010 – and as the new kids on the block took home the “Tasty” for Best Dessert last year – and confirmed their consistency and the approval of the voting public by repeating for a second year. Owners Ryan and Letty Young had worked for years in corporate positions and are happy to finally be preparing from scratch the cakes and pastries they love directly for the community for the celebrations in their lives.

Hector’s never fails to impress, taking home this year’s “Tasty” for Best Overall Booth.  As GM Tony Campa says, “We take good care of people”.  And that’s truly what a visit to their newly expanded restaurant on FM 1960 in Atascocita will show guests.  From the fresh Mexican fare, to the backdrop of their gorgeous new backlit bar – every palate is sure to find eats and drinks to please. 

Additional “Judges Choice” Tasties were decided by local celebrity guest judges State Representative Dan Huberty; President of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlie Dromgoole; and President of the East Montgomery County Community Chamber, Andy Dill.  The award for “Most Creative Tabletop” went to Dirt Road Divas, a boutique clothing and accessory shop located on Royal Forest Dr. in Kingwood “…where dusty roads and diamonds collide”.  Hector’s Mexican Grill & Cantina was awarded “Best Decorated/Themed Booth”, as Señor Campa kept it authentic – constructing a ‘mini-restaurant’ in his corner of the civic center ballroom – complete with roof, decorations, a lineup of chefs serving fresh fare and an award-winning Mariachi band. 

Event producers Tiffany Bauer and Jennifer Jozwiak of Lake Houston Area Events were pleased with the community participation in the event.  “The turnout from the restaurants, chefs and the guests who bought tickets was fantastic to see,” said Bauer.  Jozwiak added, “Every year this event grows, and we are excited to see what next year will bring".    Both Jozwiak and Bauer also expressed gratitude to Including Kids, Inc; an autism support center located in Atascocita, their chosen charity partner whom a portion of the proceeds benefitted.  “Without their amazing volunteers, this event never would have been possible,” said Bauer.

Tasting The Town will return September 27, 2012 to the Humble Civic Center – but prior to that, the duo of Bauer and Jozwiak have on their horizon the 2^nd Annual Lake Houston Area Home & Garden Show, February 18 & 19 2012 at the Humble Civic Center, followed by the Lake Houston Boat Show and Wine Fest, slated for the first weekend in May in Kings Harbor.  For more information visit www.LHAevents.com