For the last twenty-two years, Dallas has celebrated the two-day culinary event, the Taste of Dallas. It is the city’s largest free festival and attracts more than 350,000 guests annually.

The event takes place in Dallas’ West End Historic District. The Taste of Dallas functions as a fun, friendly and competitive cook-off for nearly forty restaurants looking to become the next Taste of Dallas.

Dallas has a wonderful tradition of food. Its inhabitants go out for food on average more than four nights a week, eating out more than the residents of almost any other city in the nation. Dallas has also been said to be the city of the barbecue and while they didn’t event barbecuing, the art of grilling food gained its fame in the city. Dallas remains innovative in its culinary explorations and also for testing the boundaries of culinary fusion.

This is exhibited through last year’s winner for best entrée, the delightful Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. The best appetizer and best desert went to Landry’s Seafood House and Pokey O’s Cookies & Cream, respectively.

Along with amazing food and drink, excellent musical entertainment is also provided at the festival. Three stages present fine tunes from local, regional and national artists. A small midway carnival is also set up in the West End and kids are welcomed with a play area and cold refreshments. Reservations are not required, so come hungry! Sampling some of Dallas’ best restaurants costs only $2.00 to $5.00.