In its first year, they called it "Taste for a Cure," and it was a smash hit.

This year, it's called "Harvest Taste—Sweet & Savory." But whatever you call it, this is a recipe for success that food lovers won't want to miss.

Basically, the way it works, you get to go to The Little Traveler lawn and sample some of the best desserts and savory dishes of area restaurants. Then you get to cast your vote for the best-tasting "Sweet" and "Savory" bite. Your vote, combined with those of a panel of professional judges, will decide the winner.

And the panel of judges is pretty spectacular.

• Chef Alain Roby, Head Judge – All Chocolate Kitchen
• Chef Hans Aeschbacher – The Palace Grill
• Flavorist Dana Sanza – FONA International
• Phil Vettel – Chicago Tribune Food Critic
• Renee Zonka – Dean of Culinary Arts at Kendall College
• Esther Roby – All Chocolate Kitchen
• Renee Ferguson – Author “Talk Turkey To Me” & Guest on Food Networks Throw Down with Bobby Flay

"Sweet" and "Savory" tasting tickets cost $10 each, and the public starting can start tasting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Awards are presented at 4:30 p.m.

2012 Participating Restaurants—"Sweet"

• Blue Goose
• Sugar Path
• The Latest Crave
• Atrium Cafe at the Little Traveler
• Francesca’s by the River

2012 Participating Restaurants—"Savory"

• Wildwood
• Preservation Bread & Wine
• Chez Moi
• Sergio’s Catina
• Aliano’s

Tickets may be purchased at the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation website or at The Little Traveler, The Spice House and The Olive Mill. Harvest Taste Sweet and Savory tickets are limited, so don’t wait. The 2011 event sold out! If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $12 for "Sweet" and $12 for "Savory."

And, as if all that's not enough, Food Network star Judson Allen will be providing cooking demonstrations, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in front of the Little Traveler.

Note: In case of rain, the event will take place at St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall, 320 Franklin St.

Editor's Note: Geneva Patch is a media sponsor of Pumpkins for a Cure.