Restaurant Wars recap: And the winners are …

Eighteen restaurants competed Saturday in Spokane’s second annual Restaurant Wars. There were three winners, one in each category.

And the winners are …

Casper Fry won in the meat category with its braised pork cheek, smoked cheddar heirloom grits, pickled peach and radish, and nectarine purée. Mike McElroy is the executive chef.

In the meat-free category, Tortilla Union, a newer Southwest-inspired restaurant in River Park Square, took top honors with its refreshing smoked watermelon salad with a kiss of lime and crunch of jicama.

And the new Palouse Bar and Grill won the gastropub category with its pork belly skewers with dragon fruit, edible flowers and a taste of the tropics.

Each winner received a metal sculpture by Newman Metalworks.

Restaurant Wars II, held at Avista Stadium, featured more than twice the number of eateries as last year’s inaugural event. It also featured winners in three categories instead of one. Admission was free, but tasting tickets cost $17 each. The event also featured a beer garden, food trucks and other food vendors.

Inspired by events such as Bite of Seattle and Feast Portland as well as reality TV contests, Kris Kilduff started the event last year to showcase Spokane’s burgeoning local food scene. His aim is to make Restaurant Wars – and its participating restaurants – approachable and accessible.

Kilduff is a self-described foodie and marketer and promoter who’s organized other local productions such as Spokane’s Top Model and Spokane’s Got Talent. He organizes Restaurant Wars in collaboration with Jennifer Evans of Encore Events.

Last year’s first-time event was held in Kendall Yards.