Chicago has their “Taste of Chicago” but Pittsburgh has the “Best Restaurants Party” hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and WQED.

On May 12 more than 2,300 people and 63 restaurants took over the David L. Lawrence Convention Center second floor concourse for an event bigger and better than in years past, the 19th annual Best Restaurants Party.

TOP CHEF—George Miles with Chef of the Year, Douglas Dick, from Bona Terra.

For months ballots were cast for favorite eateries in several categories, which included hamburger, hotel dining, Sunday brunch, pizza chain and non-chain, child-friendly and BYOB restaurants.

The 25 best and a few more were invited to be a part of the Best Restaurants Party. Those who know what’s up came early and ate often. The sampling is sinful and all who attended should have been wearing elastic waist pants.

This party gives you the opportunity to sample pizza, wings, desserts, entrees and more. If you had wondered about a particular restaurant this might have been the place to come and sample their offerings before making the commitment to eat there.

The party was so big that this year guests were given a map of where to find the great eats. George Miles, WQED president and CEO, said Best Restaurants is a major fund-raiser for WQED.

“Your support of this event and your bids on the silent auction help support the mission of WQED, which is to provide service to this community through television, radio, publishing, WQED Interactive and the WQED Education Department.”

Miles was excited about the change in venue, the increased crowd, more restaurants and the beautiful view of the city that revelers enjoyed while “getting their eat on.” For a third year in a row the party was sold out.

This year’s special award winners included: Best New Restaurant: Mio Kitchen & Wine Bar; Chef of the Year: Douglass Dick (Bona Terra); Rising Star Chef: Trevett Hooper (Legume); and Delicious Design: Seviche.

Dorothy Smith of the North Side summed up the evening as heaven saying she’ll be back next year.