Because I’m hungry.

(Yeah, it's a month late. Shit happens. I went to the Erie County Fair the other day, but don't expect a post about that.)

No matter how I try to fight it, I invariably end up downtown every second Saturday in July for the Taste of Buffalo. Unfortunately, factors have conspired to keep me from enjoying the full maximum of the trip, none more heinous (okay, the punishing, Arizonian heat was pretty bad) than the fact that virtually every food item available this year would cost 10 tickets. There were smaller portions available for four and some food items were significantly less pricey, but for the most part, they were pretty much 10 tickets each. What kind of bullshit is that?

However, much like an aspiring filmmaker facing a similar situation in pursuit of what he or she wants, the dearth of coin forces you to be creative and I am nothing if not creative.

First of all, a nice little appetizer for me. The Crab Cake from BW's Barbecue.

In the words of Michael Bluth, “I don’t know what I expected.” Still, portions aside, it was quite good and the sauce complemented it nicely.

Next, the smaller portion of the Steak and Cheese Dip from Steaksters.

I remember a time when the portions of dips would be bigger and the ticket cost was smaller. Still, for what was here, not bad.

Enough appetizers. It's time for a more substantial course with the Lobster Mac and Cheese from MAC Lady Catering.

Some meals just don't stand up to a small, cup-sized presentation and this is one of them. 

By this point, the heat is killing me, so I grab a drink: Zero Sugar Coca-Cola. Some people say that this is just as dangerous as regular soda, but let's cross that bridge when we come to it.

Not listed on the official menu was a pop-up of Frank's Gourmet Hot Dogs. While I've been disappointed at every meal I've had from them that wasn't hot dogs (Seriously, why do they keep making chicken tenders? The flavoring is annoyingly inconsistent.), I couldn't help but be intrigued at the idea of Pastrami Poutine.

It lived up to (and even surpassed) my low expectations. Sometimes, the best stuff is off the beaten path.

From here, I took some time away from the food and tried my hand at the football game at the WBBZ booth. Unlike the last few years, I actually got the ball through the hole and, among some unimpressive prizes, I chose a pen. A tote bag would've been nice, but this beats the hell out of nothing.

I planned on using my tickets for a Bao Bun from Anchi a la Carte, but then, I spied the packaging they used to make another of their meals and decided that life was too short and the plebes could have their pre-packaged crap.

Only 36 tickets left. 7 of them go to Just Pizza for a few BBQ Chicken Wings for Mom (P.S. She wouldn't even notice that they were in the fridge for the week they spent there. I ended up eating them myself. Waste not, want not.)

Checking my math, I have room for about three more dishes. May as well get to it. First, the Cheeseburger Log from Steaksters.

To be honest, I kind of missed these guys. Also, actual dipping sauce instead of disgusting oil. Glory be. One of my favorites of the Taste.

Now's about the time for me to enjoy some dessert to cap off the meal. The Banana Pudding from Golden Hour Treats.

Ten tickets...for this?! Fucking bullshit. It'd cost less for a banana parfait at the cafe in my office...and the size would be even remotely proportional to the cost...and one of the banana pieces wouldn't be goddamn frozen! Okay. That's out of my system.

Happily, my last 9 tickets would be spent on the Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cups from Not Just Cakes. I figure that I needed a better dessert to end this year's Taste. However...did I mention the heat?

It still tasted pretty damn good, but then, it was practically chocolate cake. How could it not?

The money, the heat, the crowds...all of them drove me bananas and yet, I'll more than likely be back for more next July. Why? Because, apparently, I'm as much a glutton for punishment as I am for the local cuisine. Hell, it's more than likely a photo finish.