There is one thing we know how to do in the south and that's BBQ.  Making it, perfecting it and of course....eating it.  This past weekend was a battle of food fests where BBQ reined supreme.  East MEATS West with the DTO Food and Wine Festival happening at Lake Eola and the Blues B Q taking over the Common Plaza sent the smell of freshly made eats through the streets of Downtown Orlando.  The question was, which food fest "MEATS" your specific wants and needs when it comes to entertainment and culinary cravings? 

East MEATS West At The Battle Of The Food Fests: DTO Food And Wine VS Blues B Q 

The DTO Food and Wine Festival created and promoted by CBS radio was a feast for the eyes and ears.  Restaurants from across the city brought their best fare for you to taste and sample as you strolled down Robinson street next to Lake Eola Park. The liquid Lounge powered by 101.9 AMP Radio provided an outdoor bar area where you could purchase drinks and dance off some of the delicious food you just sampled. The benefit of the DTO Food and Wine Festival is that it's a two day event so if you weren't able to sample all the delicious dishes that you wanted, you could come back for round two. Cuisine ranged from sushi from Shari Sushi Lounge to Apple Fritters from Peach Valley Cafe.  You could even taste a few items from the soon to open ASH Restaurant courtesy of Hell's Kitchen contestant, and Orlando local, Ashley Nickell.  American Authors, Michael Franti, Mike Posner and Low Rider graced the stage during the two day food fest. 

Just down the road, across from City Hall, the Annual Blues B Q, promoted by COX Media, was a brisket lovers dream.  The smell of smoked meats and blues filled the air.  The event was a FREE family friendly affair catering a more mature crowd.  If you were looking for the best bbq in the city, the Blues B-Q brought them together on one city block.  This event was perfect for the meat lovers in your family. You could sample some of the finest smoked meats from Bubbalou's, Oley's Smokehouse, Serena's BBQ and Smokey Jay's.  Sorry...did I make your mouth start to water?  Besides the sauce, the next best thing to be paired with BBQ were the Blues bands taking the stage. The headliner was the band WAR.  Known for their 1975 hits, "Why Can't We Be Friends" and "Low Rider".  Did you make it out to one or both?  Which Food Festival Filled You Up?  Which one won it for you? We look forward to reading your Comments below. 

CLICK HERE To Check Out All The Photos From Blues B-Q and The DTO Food And Wine Festival.