Lilac City Grille cooks up Munch Madness winner

From left, Laura Ring, Chamber of Commerce: Jeffrey Bisson, Rochester Main Street; Heather Stachura, owner of Lilac City Grill; Mark Farrell, Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Marsh, of city\'s Economic Development Office and Michael Provost, head of Main St

ROCHESTER - Lilac City Grille clinched the top spot in Rochester's Munch Madness tournament of restaurants by capturing 20% of the nearly 800 votes cast over the past three and one half weeks. Voting closed at midnight on Monday.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Economic Development Department and Rochester Main Street, worked together with Rochester area restaurants to produce "Munch Madness", a Tournament of Restaurant Offerings that coincided with the annual NCAA basketball play-offs. Each participating restaurant offered a special item through April 6, and patrons were encouraged to go online and vote for their favorite restaurant. The winning restaurant, Lilac City Grille, took a commanding lead in the first few days of the voting that withstood all attempts to overcome that lead.

In recognition of winning Munch Madness Lilac City Grille receives a plaque naming them the 2015 Munch Madness winner, complete with bragging rights for one year. This promotion is intended to showcase the diversity of dining options in Rochester and encourage patrons to try different house specialties, although no purchase was necessary to cast your vote.

Coming in second in the voting was Windjammers Seafood, with Papaya Thai taking a third place slot. Only 8% of votes separated the top five restaurants. Other participating restaurants included Bella Fresca, Clemento's Pizzeria & Brew, Domino's, Dos Amigo's Burritos, Happy Pappy's Country Store, Gary's Restaurant & Sports Lounge, Granite Steak & Grill, La Corona Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, Mel Flanagan's Irish Pub & Café, New England Pizza & Roast Beef, Revolution Taproom & Grille, Spaulding Steak & Ale, The Cast & Grind, and The Garage at The Governor's Inn and Taco Bell..