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The 2011 New York Wine and Food Festival kicked off Thursday night with meatballs, lots of them. With what seems to be a festival tradition, Meatball Madness, hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, is a time when restaurants can display their version of a perfect meatball. Over 20 restaurants featured this popular comfort food to a sold-out crowd — they munched on meatballs containing everything from pork, to veal, to beef and even vegetarian options.

Joey Campanaro from The Little Owl won the judge’s choice award for his grandmother’s gravy meatball slider, while The Meatball Shop hit a soft spot with the crowd and was given the people’s choice award.

Continue reading more of our New York City Wine and Food Festival coverage.