Tasters’ choice

Like a gourmand loosening his belt at a Sunday feast, the 33rd annual Chester County Restaurant Festival expands to Market Street

WEST CHESTER — Drawn by fried pickles, frankfurters and many other tasty treats, thousands of borough residents and visitors flocked to downtown West Chester on Sunday afternoon to grab a bite of some of the best foods in the area for the 33rd annual Chester County Restaurant Festival.

With more than 60 vendors, the biggest problem for some patrons was making a decision.

To offset some of the congestion, this year the festival expanded to include a portion of Market Street, though crowds still funneled slowly through Gay Street at peak hours.

“What I like about it is you look in four directions and it’s packed with people; but when you start walking there is room,” said West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta.

Comitta said it was clear the decision to expand the festival made a difference because it was evident the event drew more families with children in strollers.

Other residents agreed, and the added space was the talk of the festival. While the number of vendors was about the same as last year, borough officials said the goal was to spread the booths out more for people to enjoy the added space without lines butting into each other.

“In the seven years I have been coming here this is certainly the most people I’ve ever seen,” said Drew Juliano of West Chester. “It’s great, though. Thank God they opened up Market Street.”

In addition to the food vendors, the festival featured 130 crafters and booths selling such wares as artwork, beaded jewel- ry and gourmet pet food, and offering information on activities and services in the area.

“I’m excited to see all the new restaurants here,” said Katie Williams of West Chester.

Food vendors at the festival were encouraged to offer some of their most unique, creative and affordable dishes. One of the more unique vendors, Precious Pickles, was kept busy throughout the festival as an endless line of guests patiently waited to taste a fried pickle.

Many vendors that participate are in downtown West Chester, but the festival draws participants from around Chester County.

The festival also featured three stages with live music and a cooking competition among four of the area’s best chefs. The competition consisted of three courses — appetizer, entree and dessert — that each chef prepared, and the food was then scored by a panel of judges.

This year the chefs had to incorporate oysters from Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, beer from Iron Hill Brewery and apple cider doughnuts from Highland Orchards. Chefs were also given a secret ingredient that included festival favorites of kettle corn and cinnamon al- monds.

“This was another beautiful restaurant festival in West Chester,” Comitta said. “A perfect town that seems to luck out with perfect weath- er on the days of these events.”

Borough Councilman Chuck Christy said he was happy to see a good crowd at the event.

“I think this is work- ing out OK with Market Street; it’s wide open, and traffic hasn’t been an issue yet,” Christy said.

Despite the variety, it was clear visitors still had their favorites.

“You always have to stop at Jimmy John’s,” Christy said.

Follow Daily Local News staff writer Jeremy Gerrard on Twitter @JeremyGerrard.

Staff photos by Tom Kelly IV A crowd gathers for the 33rd annual Chester County Restaurant Festival on Sunday in downtown West Chester. Gay Street and Market Street were blocked off for this year’s event.

Jen Finger takes a bite from a folded slice of pizza Sunday at the festival.

A crowd gathers for the 33rd annual Chester County Restaurant Festival on Sunday in downtown West Chester. Gay Street and Market Street were blocked off for this year’s event.

Staff photos by Tom Kelly IV Austin Turley, 1, of West Chester, takes the wheel of a First West Chester Fire Company fire engine during the restaurant festival.