Mid-Atlantic Red Fruit Festival

Must admit that I was on the fence about attending this event, hosted/​sponsored by the International Wine and Food Festival, but was swayed by the Groupon offered that lowered the price almost by half.
I’m glad I attended… it was delicious and I was stuffed by the time it was over from sampling all the finalist’s recipes inspired by the tomato… .ranging from main dishes to desserts to beverages/sauces…that were then prepared by various local chefs. And there was wine to compliment the dishes.
It was a bit confusing though, as when you walked in, you were just turned loose with no info or guidance… how voting would go, as there was a people’ choice award„ in addition to the regular judging, where the different types of foods were located, etc… so they could improve in communication.
The judges overall winner turned out to be the bloody mary with cucumber ice… I’m not a bloody mary fan and liked this one. One of the dessert awards went to my favorite, the tomato/​goat cheesecake.
Good amount of tables available, both sit-​down ones and just to stand around. which was a plus. The location at the Ronald Reagan Int’l Trade Center was a convenient choice.
From their announcement at the end, it sounds like the «watermelon» will be the themed fruit for next’ year’s festival and contest.