Here's a Flavor Fare Sampler

I would have taken a photo of Bistro Thai's spicy basil taco, honest, but it didn't make it back to the place where I was sitting, in the cool shade of the Flavor Fare tent at State and Fourth streets.

I love spicy foods and this fit the bill nicely—not so hot that it fries your tongue but just enough zip to live up to the "flavor" billing of Flavor Fare. (2 tickets, 4 stars)

I sampled a "frosting shooter"—I am not making this up—from The Latest Crave. Mine was the margarita flavor, and it was good. But I'm told the chocolate is best.

I'm giving the shooter high marks for affordability and decadence. (1 ticket, 3+ stars) Might be good to give the kids three or four of these before sending them to bed.

I met Julie Lamb of Geneva, who was at the Flavor Fare with her beautiful mom. Julie became the Geneva Patch unofficial undercover agent today. What's good?

"The Door County Melt from Egg Harbor," Julie said. "That might be the best deal here." It's a full sandwich for four tickets. (no rating, I didn't sample)

"You can make a meal of it," Julie's mom confirmed.

And "The Carrot Cake at the cupcake store," Julie reported. The cupcake store in question is The Latest Crave. "Very moist, very good frosting." (3 tickets, 3+ stars)

"It's hard to decide what to choose," Julie said.

And? "I love Joseph's," she said. "I feel like I'm going to my family's when I go there. The guys  come out from behind the counter, call you by name and give you hugs and kisses." (didn't sample the hugs and kisses, but the Eggplant Parmigana was recommended)

Maybe the best? Grotto Italian Tapas' Mini Rotolo. "Excellent," Julie said. (4 tickets, 4 stars)

I started the day with the Preservation Bread & Wine's Pork Belly BLT, house-cured pork belly with garlic aioli on house-made focaccia bread. (4 tickets, 3+stars) Lawrence Colburn opened the restaurant at 513 South Third Street about three months ago. My only regret here is not trying the Seasonal Bread Pudding (ignore the "fruit tart" on the menu) and the sampler plate.

I would never, ever drink wine on duty, but if I had, the Cellar No. 8 (4- and 6-ticket options, 4 stars) might go well with the Pork Belly BLT.

The best time news is that this year, I didn't see a single bee. In past years, they've been a scourge. 

Which makes it safe to sample anything and everything, even the sweets.

"Business is great because it's, like, high on the Cupcake Index," says Janet Dwyer of The Latest Crave, with a radiant smile. "People want a treat in these hard times, and it's just good."