Savor Pittsburgh - 9/2/09

The SouthSide Works, in front of McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, was packed as 600 foodies sampled the delectable edibles of area restaurants during Savor Pittsburgh. Local celebrity judges — including WHIRL’s own Victoria Bradley — debated tastes before awarding the Best Appetizer to McCormick & Schmick’s for its dirty shrimp, Best Entrée to Treetops Restaurant for their plank smoked Laurel Hill salmon, and Best Desert, as well as Dish of the Year to Tusca Global Tapas for their milk chocolate cashew bomb. “Pretty much everyone waits to hear the winning chefs, but the dish of the year is the big announcement,” says Stephanie Colasante, public relations and community development coordinator for the beneficiary, the Respiratory Alliance of Western Pennsylvania. Taste-tester attendees voted Tamari for the People’s Choice Award, and diners were entertained by live music by No Bad Juju. During a silent auction, bidders vied for baskets from Buon Sapore and Giant Eagle Market District, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers gear, and more. Photography by Megan Wylie