Grand Eats

GRANDVIEW HEIGHtS served up the best bites it has to offer at the Taste of Grandview Oct. 7.

The seventh annual event, organized by the Grandview Area Chamber of Commerce and held from 2 to 7 p.m. at 1515 Goodale Blvd., was a big success, says Chamber President Michelle Wilson.

“Considering it rained the first hour, after the rain went away, the weather picked up and it was really consistent the rest of the time. I don’t know what our official attendance numbers are, but I’m guessing we had 2,000 to 2,500 people come through after the rain,” Wilson says.

The 14 food vendors on hand for the event were happy with the turnout, too.

“I sent out my surveys (Oct. 9), but I did get a couple of independent responses,” Wilson says. “Those that attended were really pleased with the variety of people there and felt like it was good exposure for their restaurants.”

Attendees voted (via text message for the first time this year) to crown winners

By Lisa Aurand

in three categories – Grandest Entrée, Appetizer and Dessert.

Upscale American bistro Third and Hollywood, 1433 W. Third Ave., picked up the award for Grandest Appetizer for its cheddar biscuits with ham and pimento. The restaurant sold out of the mini-sandwiches well before the event’s 7 p.m. end.

“It is a great honor to receive Best Appetizer at this year’s Taste of Grandview,” says the restaurant’s Leigh Nordin. “Thanks to all who came out on a chilly Sunday to support the community. We love being a part of the neighborhood.”

Grandest Entree went to new restaurant Rocco’s Pizza Plus for the Rocco’s Special: a pizza topped with bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Owner Brad Rocco says the event is something he looks forward to being a part of each year. “Last year we weren’t quite open yet, so we participated from the first time coming from our remote location in Bexley. This year was a little bit easier for us to just come down the hill,” from the shop’s location at 1664 W. First Ave., Rocco says.

He’s not surprised that Rocco’s Special, which was created earlier this year, was a hit. “It’s been really popular, so we knew it would be something we entered in the contest. We’re happy that we won, but we expected it to do well,” Rocco says. “We just hope that the people who tried the Rocco’s Special will come to our shop.”

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 1281 Grandview Ave., took home the award for Grandest Dessert. The local shop was on hand serving up its usual options of a small (two scoops) or a trio (three scoops) of a few classic flavors.

In addition to the food, attendees were entertained by a variety of acts, including the Tony Monaco Trio; country-rock band The Spikedrivers; and the Grandview Jollysteppers, a group of 55-and-older line dancers.

“Our entertainment line-up this year was awesome,” Wilson says.

The event is held every year on the first Sunday in October. For more information, visit the Grandivew Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.grandviewchamber.org.

Lisa Aurand is editor of Tri-Village Magazine. Feedback welcome at laurand@ cityscenemediagroup.com.