Judges for the Downtown Food & Wine Festival not only weighed in on the food at the fest, but they also gave the fest itself very high marks. Sampling the Braised Pork Belly, Quail Egg, Frisee and Arugula with Sherry Gastrique from The Vineyard Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, two of the judges took time out to give their thoughts on their festival experience.

According to Food Network’s “Next Food Network Star” contestant Emily Ellyn, aka Retro Rad Chef, “This is a phenomenal festival. I’ve eaten my way through every booth and I have to say I’m not only proud of Orlando and everyone who is a part of this Food & Wine Festival but all of the guests here are just positive, wonderful and really getting into the festivities.”

The Educated Palate columnist Scott Richardson, of The Park Press, was equally impressed. “They are on the cutting edge of educated palateness. And that’s not even a real word,” he said, adding, “We call this food porn. Love it!”