Restaurants recognized in Taste of Springfield

Four Springfield restaurants were recognized as Best of the Fest winners on a rainy Saturday during the seventh annual Taste of Springfield downtown.

The Oct. 5 event featured more than 20 locally owned and operated restaurants serving sample sizes of signature dishes on Park Central Square. Attendees voted on four categories: Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert and Best Booth, according to a news release from Urban Districts Alliance.

Best of the Fest winners are:

• Best Appetizer, Parlor 88 for its bacon-wrapped peppadews;
• Best Entree, Jimm's Steakhouse & Pub for its French dip sliders;
• Best Dessert, Benissimo! Gelato and Sorbet for its gelato taco; and
• Best Booth, Dublin's Pass Irish Pub.

Sarah Hough of UDA said the event drew only 1,000 estimated attendees this year due to inclement weather. Last year, attendance was roughly 8,000.