CLEVELAND, Ohio - If you have ever gone to a restaurant and had a difficult time deciding between appetizers, Cleveland's Finest Hors D'oeuvre Contest is designed for you. No decisions, just nibbles of tasty small dishes, from mini veal parmesan sausage to shrimp and grits and more.

Cleveland's Finest Hors D'oeuvre Contest 2017

Our Lady of the Wayside's 23rd sold-out benefit drew 800 people to the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. Diners nibbles, munched and murmured over the concoctions. The trio of winners at the people's-choice voting format:

1. Corleone's Ristorante & Bar: Citrus-seasoned scallop with mango puree and pomegranate pearls on a shell. Chef: Marlon Mayorga, 5669 Broadview Road, Cleveland.

2. Tree House Gallery/Clifton: Beef rotello with lobster sauce. Chef: Genevieve Larson, 36840 Detroit Road, Avon.

3. Carrie Cerino's: Spicy Caribbean shrimp with Calypso rice, marinated with Jamaican jerk spice, accented with savory coconut cream. Chef: Jim Bartko, 8922 Ridge Road, North Ridgeville.

The event has turned into somewhat of a dynasty for Corleone's, which has won seven times since 2007.

People mingled throughout the multi-tiered venue, with the tranquil ballpark as backdrop. The offered smorgasbord took on a decidedly seafood flair. Pickwick & Frolic - with venerable owner Nick Kostis meeting and greeting diners - served lobster bisque next to The Woods' lobster arancini. Both bisque and arancini - Italian rice balls - are very labor-intensive dishes to create.

Tickets were $80. Two bands played, and a silent auction was held. The money raised - $50,000 - goes toward Our Lady of the Wayside's Pathways Day Program in Summit County.

"I couldn't be more happy," said Pam Barker, marketing director for Our Lady of the Wayside. "It's incredible."

The non-profit organization, which supports programs for people with developmental disabilities, is marking its 50th anniversary.

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