First Chester Food Fest scheduled for Saturday

Bring your appetite to Chester this weekend for the first Chester Food Fest on Saturday, Aug. 15. The festival will run from noon to 4 p.m. on Perry Street. Admission is $5 per person; children under 5 are admitted free.

After hosting a successful chili cook-off as part of last year’s annual Harvest Celebration, the Historic Chester Business Association (HCBA) will host an expanded Best of the Best Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert contest featuring approximately 10 local restaurants with more than 20 dishes for sampling.

“We invite people to come and sample some great food, and make a day out of walking around, doing some shopping, and enjoying downtown Chester,” said Kathy Barbieri, president of the HCBA.

A second Chester Food Fest will be held during the annual Harvest Celebration on Oct. 17, and focus on a soup and chili cook-off.

“Attendees will get to sample some of these restaurants’ signature dishes — these are the appetizers, entrees, and desserts they feel are truly the best of the best, and the kinds of dishes you’ll get to sample really runs the gamut,” Barbieri said. The festival was open to all member eateries of both the HCBA and the Morris County Tourism Bureau (MCTB). “We felt it was a perfect way to showcase the incredible culinary expertise you can find right here in Morris County,” she said.

Among this weekend’s participating restaurants include: Redwoods Grill and Bar; Sub Pub; Fresco Mexican; Andrea’s Dining Room; Aztec Authentic Mexican Restaurant; Benitos Trattoria; J. Emanual Chocolatier; New York Pizza and Italian Restaurant; Sage Catering; and Long Valley Pub and Restaurant. Participating 40 North eateries include: The Office Tavern and Grill; George and Martha’s American Grille; The Black Horse Tavern; and Piattino.

The chefs will be on hand to meet the public, and each restaurant will share menus, promotions, and other information.

Festival attendees will be prompted to vote for their favorite restaurant in each of the three categories. Prizes will be awarded for the first place winners for appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and there will be awards for the three runners-up; all participating restaurants will receive certificates. “I think people will enjoy putting a face to the restaurant — next time you eat at your favorite local restaurant, it’s nice to know the person behind those dishes that you love,” she said. Live music will be provided during the festival by Little Raymond and the Rhythm Preachers. October’s event will feature S.C.3 Entertainment.

The winners of the “people’s choice” competition will be announced at the conclusion of the event at 4 p.m.“We hope this event inspires people to come out and experience the best of what Morris County has to offer, and go check out these restaurants and enjoy some of their other delicious offerings,” Barbieri said.

CHESTER FOOD FEST

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday

WHERE: Perry Street, Chester

COST: $5 per person; children under 5 admitted free

INFORMATION:

www.ilovechester.com