Over 40 restaurants and area businesses, as well as a large crowd, descended on four blocks of Wilson Boulevard yesterday for this year’s Taste of Arlington food festival.

During Sunday’s five-hour event, attendees purchased eight taste tickets for $20 in advance, or $25 on the day. Many of the same area restaurants that were in attendance last year were once again serving up samples at the cost of one taste ticket. Alcohol cost attendees two tickets — but was much more worth it this year, with an excellent selection of brews from Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Newcastle, Ommegang, Saranac, Franziskaner, Breckenridge, Gordon Biersch, Shiner and Magic Hat.

Despite the threat of rain, which loomed over the festivities most of the day, it seemed like all of Arlington had made the trip out. Long lines quickly formed at tents with the best (or biggest) offerings. Among the restaurants that stood out:

• Jaleo served up vegetable paella in their massive, crowd-pleasing paella pan.
• Sushi Rock passed out generous six-piece rolls until they ran out of food at 3 p.m., when they handed out vouchers for free rolls during a future visit to the restaurant.
• BGR offered small burgers (bigger than a slider, but smaller than a normal-sized burger), which were satisfying enough for some people for return ticket purchases.
• P.F. Chang’s brought out their popular chicken lettuce wraps (but unfortunately, not the vegetarian version) and paired it with a wonton.
• Caribbean Breeze cooked up chicken skewers with a side of rice which wafted yummy smells down the aisle of tents.
• Whole Foods handed out their barbeque chicken satay skewers and a side of fire-roasted corn salad in compostable containers.
• Sangam Indian restaurant offered eaters the choice of using one ticket for three items or two tickets for all their items.
• Mad Rose Tavern didn’t have the largest portions or the longest line, but their truffle mac and cheese was so delicious it convinced some to make a return visit.

The crowds, and resulting long lines, encouraged strategy and creative thinking. Some attendees who’d come in groups split up in order to tackle different lines, then reconvened with their spoils to share with each other and eat. Lines for beer were surprisingly short, never more than six or so deep — so acquiring a beverage before standing in line was a common choice. For the hungry and impatient, the best plan was to get a dish from some place with a short line, then eat it while standing in one of the longer lines. As soon as one had food, it was time to get into a new line for more food.

The surrounding restaurants in Ballston Mall and along Wilson Boulevard definitely saw an influx of customers. They may have been people who were overwhelmed by the crowds, were looking for a more substantial meal, or were just ready to have a seat after walking the blocks for a while.

Those who arrived at the festivities late encountered some restaurants who’d run out of food. As mentioned above, Sushi Rock ran out at 3 p.m., followed by Lebanese Taverna at 3:45, and many more by 4:30. Strangely, alcohol distribution was shut down at 4 p.m., even though there was plenty left, which seemed a bit early for an event that was supposed to run to 5 p.m.

Numerous freebies were to be found for ticket holders and passersby alike. McDonald’s and 7-11 were both on hand in their customized trucks handing out shot-sized samples of frozen lemonade and smoothies, and a new lime Slurpee flavor, respectively. Shop Arlington also passed out free reusable cups full of water, which could be easily refilled at a water stop (attached to fire hydrant and filtered through a cooler) available to all attendees. There was also a free bike valet run by the Washington Area Bicycle Association, though with the event so close to Metro and so walkable from nearby neighborhoods, it was mostly empty. Live music and performances carried on throughout the day, and tall tables were set up in front of the stage offering a good spot to set down one’s food and drink.

With better and better restaurants opening in Ballston and Clarendon, and organizers making improvements each year (like the better beer selection), we’re look forward to Taste of Arlington 2012. Just be sure to get there early.