By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
Vendors shared their specialties with the local community and Mayor Robert Tackman continued his cook-off winning streak at the 14th annual Taste of East Syracuse on July 31.
The annual celebration of all things culinary had something for every taste and according to Tackman that is, at least in part, the goal.
“If you go home hungry and bored tonight, I don’t know what you were doing, but you weren’t here,” Tackman said.
From 5 to 9 p.m. on the corner of North Center and Ellis streets, the festival’s food and drink purveyors catered to hundreds of residents from East Syracuse and beyond, showcasing the wide variety of cuisines that are available.
Many used this as an opportunity to not only share their food, but also to show their support for a variety of charitable organizations.
Volunteers for Alex’s Lemonade Stand raised money throughout the evening to combat childhood cancer.
Scott’s Scoops made brownie sundaes and strawberry shortcakes, raising money to provide the local Boys & Girls Club with lunchboxes and school supplies.
Representatives of the American Legion Post 359 were in attendance to raise awareness about the organization.
According to veteran Glen Wheelock Jr., the membership is decreasing and the legion was hoping to engage new members.
Volunteers from Helping Hounds handed out bracelets, shirts, bumper stickers and sheets of paper containing information about dog rescue and the adoption process.
Tillie’s Touch, an organization offering opportunities in sports and education to inner city kids, had a table set up, as did the village’s newly created revitalization program.
And of course there was plenty of food.
Oompa Loompyas cooked up Filipino fusion food, including egg rolls in a variety of flavors, such as traditional beef, buffalo chicken, spinach artichoke and jalapeño popper.
Trappers 1 and Twin Trees sold slices of pizza, while members of Collamer United Church gave out free bottles of water.
Village residents representing the East Syracuse Minoa (ESM) Spartan Marching Band sold freshly made clams as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, candy and bottles of Gatorade.
Tony’s Family Restaurant sold chicken riggies, pulled pork, meatball subs and salt potatoes.
Peace, Love & Cupcakes prepared mini cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
The event also featured a face painting station, a basketball hoop, a dunk tank, a bounce castle, inflatable slides and pony rides.
The village police department taught children how to fingerprint, while the fire department relayed how to successfully escape a house fire.
Parks and recreation director Tom Richardson organized the festival, meant to celebrate East Syracuse and the summer weather.
The village’s department of public works closed off nearby streets, set up tables, mowed the grass and put equipment in place for the festivities.
The main event, the cook-off, started around 7 p.m., with defending champ Tackman facing off against Wegmans chef Brian Morey.
Wegmans provided the food for the cooking contest.
Guest judges were ESM Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna DeSiato; Assemblywoman Pam Hunter; Christie Casciano of News Channel 9; Gomez Adams from Gomez & Lisa in the Morning; CNY Central Sports Director Niko Tamurian; DeWitt Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko; Town of DeWitt councilor Joe Chiarenza Jr.; Principal Ron Perry of East Syracuse Elementary School; Iris St. Meran of Spectrum News; Town of DeWitt councilor Jack Dooling; Jason Klaiber of Eagle Newspapers; Judge Joseph Zavaglia; Paul Knierman, the president of the East Syracuse Fire Department; Kay Gallery from the ESM Board of Education; Mike Zapalla of East Syracuse Chevrolet; Judge David Gideon; DeWitt Police Chief John Anton and village resident Kristen Weyer.
For the seventh year in a row, Tackman ended up victorious.
His winning meal—chosen in a blind taste test format—included a pre-marinated flat steak with cracked pepper, seasoning and butter alongside pre-marinated brown sugar barbecue chicken.
For sides, Tackman served up asparagus and spinach salad with blueberries, sliced almonds, blue cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette mixed with honey dijon mustard for its dressing.
Morey’s meal included a seasoned New York strip steak with peppers and onions, chicken topped with grilled tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, pasta salad, zucchini and a bowl containing strawberry shortcake.
Chris Krupa acted as the master of ceremonies throughout the cook-off. Krupa’s band The Noisy Boys also played music during the festival.
The village will be holding the fourth annual Manlius Street Festival on Aug. 15.
