Amy Zahora of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association brought us the first Bacon Fest in 2013. The 10th Annual event was another bellyful bounty of bacon bliss. Say that 3 times fast!
Sizzling Triumph: Winners at Bacon Fest 2023
There were long lines at every entrance to Fraze Pavilion to get in prior to the 3p start of the event. I arrived ready for the lengthy tasting after having an early breakfast and skipping lunch. I still ate too much and would have benefited from a chair with casters so that I could be rolled to the car afterward. Alexis Larsen from Dayton Daily News and “B-Man” John Beaulieu (former WTUE DJ) also came ready to taste each bacon creation Zahora brought our way.
The menu items included puddings, cakes, sundaes, shakes, egg rolls, empanadas, arepas, tacos, egg rolls, weenies, mac-n-cheese, bacon on a stick, bacon Cuban and brisket sandwiches, BLT pizza, and more. It’s a LOT of tasting. Sometimes it’s hard to stop eating items you love, though you need to save room for more tasting.
Most Baconlicious: Smokin' Inferno BBQ & Catering for their Smoked Brown Sugar Bacon. Crisp-cooked bacon coated in smoked brown sugar was delightful. My photo doesn’t do it justice.
Critic’s Choice: Coco’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Bacon Jam, Creamy Slaw served with Bacon-Sriracha Potato Chips. An early entry, Chef Brian Ondre made this sandwich hard to put down! Confession: I devoured Coco's Creme Brûlée with Candied Bacon.
Best Dish: Rolling Indulgence - Chef Drew’s team submitted a medley 3 impressive dishes for the win: Oreo Bacon Blast Milkshake Shots, Maple Bacon Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries, & Pork-N-Noods (creamy bacon penne mac-n-cheese, not shown).
Most Creative: Gourmet Grub Shack - Chicken Bacon Jalapeno Popper Quesadilla. Much spicier than I expected, this inspired entry would have been even better with a little fresh salsa.
Best Dessert: Sweet Tooth Ice Cream - The Elvis Sundae - A chocolate brownie with peanut butter banana ice cream topped with loads of bacon bits in a maple glaze. Elvis would have loved it!
People's Choice: 1776 Grill for their Bacon Stuffed Garlic Toast Grilled Cheese. 1776 Grill has won this category three straight years (they tied with Amber Rose’s Bacon Wrapped Smoked Turkey Legs in 2021)
