NASHUA — Whether it was pulled pork, sushi or pasta, food was plentiful and appetites were large Wednesday as crowds strolled Main Street eager to sample the best of Nashua's cuisine.

“The sushi is to die for. I absolutely love it,” Beverly Bernhard said at the 18th annual Taste of Downtown Nashua event.

It was Bernhard's second time participating in the festival.

She said the food was better than ever this year, and praised the spicy salmon and vegetarian sushi being served by the San Francisco Kitchen.

About 800 purchased tickets for the event, hosted by Nashua's Great American Downtown.

“We come to this event every year. It has become a tradition for us,” said Pat Brunini of Nashua, who was joined by her husband, Ken, and his friend, Richard Foemmel.

They came hungry, expecting to visit most of the 25 venues offering their culinary best.

“This is excellent. I would highly recommend the pulled pork at Saffron Bistro,” Foemmel said while cleaning off his plate and heading for seconds.

For $35, ticket-holders were able to visit any participating restaurant or retail shop.

Several offered cocktail hour specials and night cap discounts, with beer tasting courtesy of Bellavance Beverage Co. at select downtown locations.

“I just turned 21, so I will probably take advantage of the beer tastings,” said Nick Lustig. “This is my first time here, but I think I will stay as long as it takes to get full.”

His friend, Tori Rapsis of Nashua, said her mother frequently raves about the annual Taste of Downtown event.

Restaurants such as Surf, Stella Blu and MT's Local Kitchen and Wine Bar participated Wednesday, along with other Nashua favorites including O'Brien's Sports Bar, Fody's Great American Tavern, The Peddler's Daughter, The Sausage King and a newcomer this year, Portland Pie Co.

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