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Munch Madness: the winner

Print | Comments () Posted by Devra First April 6, 2010 12:32 PM

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Over the last month, we've seen agony and ecstasy, victory and defeat. I'm talking about Munch Madness, of course, our tournament of restaurants. Mirroring the NCAA's March Madness, but tastier than basketball, it pitted 64 establishments against one another to determine the fan favorite. The championship round closed yesterday.

And the winner is ... East Coast Grill.

The Cambridge restaurant celebrates its 25th year anniversary this year, and this victory shows why it's been so long lived. People love the place.

Globe File Photo/Amy Newman

The victor, home of oysters, grilled fish, barbecue, and Hell Night.

It beat competitor Hungry Mother by 182 votes out of 1,432. The final contest wasn't pretty. We assume the two Cambridge restaurants will be able to move forward in peace.

More than 167,000 votes were cast throughout the tournament. Each of the Final Four received the following number of votes over the course of Munch Madness:

East Coast Grill: 8,435
Hungry Mother: 7,905
Toro: 7,761
Orinoco: 6,482

During the tournament, top seeds Toro and Craigie on Main fell earlier than expected. Barbecue joint Redbones almost took down Barbara Lynch's No. 9 Park. And again and again, restaurants offering fun and value triumphed over the hallowed halls of fine dining.

Thanks to everyone for playing, and congratulations to East Coast Grill. You'll be receiving a lovely trophy in the coming weeks.

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7 comments so far...

I am so proud of the final two were Cambridge Restaurants but even more excited that EAST COAST GRILL WON. Well deserved an oustanding, welcoming and always a treat of a gem next to home!
Congrats East Coast Grill! I must come in Sunday for my bloody mary!

Posted by Zinah A. Mariscal April 6, 10 03:37 PM

This piece must have killed Devra First to write!!!! The people have spoken & East Coast Grill is the winner!! Congrats Chris, Eric & ECG crew!!

Posted by Chauncy McDooges April 7, 10 03:16 AM

Congrats, guys! ECG is never out of my main restaurant rotation. It's always good and I love the bar staff! The entire staff is well deserving of the win. Must celebrate with a margarita and a tuna taco ASAP!

Posted by Meaux April 7, 10 08:53 AM

Great job, guys! This place is a favorite for many reasons, but the bar staff gets a special shout out from me! I'll be in for a celebratory margarita and tuna taco ASAP!

Posted by Meaux April 7, 10 10:35 AM

I'm alive! Mwa ha ha ha.

Posted by Devra First

April 7, 10 01:40 PM

Chris Schlesinger for mayor!!!!

Posted by Mike April 7, 10 01:44 PM

Well deserved recognition for Chris Schlesinger and East Coast Grill!

Posted by ATTS November 6, 11 01:20 PM

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