You guys hanging in there?  I know it’s a lot of voting.  And, eating.  Well, we’re not eating yet, I guess.  But, September 19th is right around the corner!  Food will come soon enough!

Can you believe that we’ve worked half-way through Food & Wine’s menu of entrees already?  30 down.  36 to go!

In my opinion, even a mustard “Hidden Mickey” can’t save this boring Roast Bratwurst.

Oh, so OK.  We’re not quite at the half-way point yet.  That’ll come soon enough, too, though!  Brace yourself.  The voting starts again next week.

Where have we gotten ourselves to, however?  Well, here are the 2014 dishes that are still “alive”:

• Cheddar Cheese Soup – Canada
• Seared Sea Scallop – Scotland
• “Le Cellier” Beef Filet Mignon - Canada
• Cheese Ravioli - Italy
• Shrimp Taco – Mexico
• Griddled Greek Cheese – Greece
• Rib-Eye Taco – Mexico
• Belgium Waffle with Chocolate Ganache – Belgium
• Braised Short Ribs – France
• Mongolian Beef Steamed Bun – China
• Baked Lobster Alfredo – Hops & Barley
• Crispy Pork Belly – Brazil
• Artisan Cheese Plate – Hops & Barley
• Tilapia – Brazil
• Garlic Shrimp – Australia
• Roast Bratwurst – Germany
• Chicken Marsala – Italy
• Sauerkraut Pierogi with Pork Goulash – Poland

All of these morsels remain in the fight to obtain a spot in your coveted Top 25 Pre-Festival menu!

And, here’s what you’ve stuffed into the “fridge”:

• Black Pepper Shrimp – China
• Lamb Meatball – New Zealand
• Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken Chunks – Refreshment Port
• Lemongrass Chicken Curry – Singapore
• Pasta Gratin – Germany
• South African Bobotie – Africa
• Kimchi Dog – South Korea
• Beer-braised Beef, Potato, and Leek Waffle – Belgium
• Fresh Potato Pancake with Smoked Scottish Salmon – Scotland
• Roasted Verlasso Salmon – Patagonia
• Salmon, Shrimp, Crab and Egg Seaweed Salad – Japan
• Vegetarian Haggis – Scotland

What’s the future for these discarded dishes?  You’ll see soon enough!

In the meantime, have a great Saturday!  Enjoy the sunshine … if you’re lucky enough to have some, that is.  If not?  Well, enjoy your weekend, nonetheless!

Oh!  One last thing!  I’m looking for some volunteers.  Eventually, I’m going to need your Top 25 menu items sorted into a rank order from 1 to 25.

If you’re participating in this little Food & Wine frenzy and want to let your voice be heard above and beyond the mere casting of votes, email me at [email protected].  I’ll let you know (by the end of next week) what I’m looking for by way of help!

Cheers, everyone!