To be read in the voice of Marv Albert or similar…

Welcome, food fans to the main event! A gastronomical gridiron, if you will. Of course, I’m talking about Taste of the Browns to benefit the Greater Cleveland Foodbank. The scene is set before the fans even enter the stadium.

Foodie fans were treated to quite the display of culinary talent. Johnny’s Downtown and Fleming’s Steakhouse double-teamed with meat offerings like lamb chops and steak.

The Greenhouse Tavern was on a hot streak with the spicy goodness of fried chicken and Corleone’s followed suit with a spicy scallop with chorizo.

Deagan’s Kitchen and Bar and Humble Wine Bar proved that, much like the Mannings, brother (restaurants) can both perform in the pros.

Taste touchdowns were scored by Lago with braised wagyu, Pier W because lobster will always score, Butcher and the Brewer with sausage mac ‘n cheese, and Fahrenheit with a shrimp and brie pizza.

The “Special Teams” in VIP also played strong, particularly Cleveland Chop‘s chilled pumpkin soup and steak and asparagus “roll-up.”

Restore Cold Pressed‘s brave Hail Mary pass of detox juice had the crowd going wild!

There was certainly celebrations in the stands and on the sidelines for this amazing display of culinary prowess.

But the winner of this game was the Greater Cleveland Foodbank and the many people over six counties served by the Foodbank’s programs.

The anticipation is already building for next year’s Taste of the Browns, the Pro-Bowl of Cleveland food!

***Disclosure: I was asked to help promote Taste of the Browns. In exchange, I received 2 complimentary media tickets to the event. As always, all opinions, as well as the perhaps three sports-related phrases I know, are 100% my own.***