It was a dark and bittersweet night Thursday as 1,600 chocolate lovers descended on M & T Bank Stadium for the 19th annual Chocolate Affair, a benefit for Health Care for The Homeless.

A panel of judges, mostly hungry media types, picked the winning dishes from among those served by some 50 vendors.

Bistro Brownies were declared the tastiest chocolate treat. Belmont Manor House and Conference Center walked away with the prize for best non-chocolate dish, a savory sesame crusted tuna. Salazon's chocolate pieces, flavored with sea salt and black pepper, were dubbed the best candy. Best Beverage went to Patron XO. The chocolate hazelnut mole served over wild mushroom ravioli, from Chesapeake Food Works was named the most creative use of chocolate.

Other awards:
Best Booth Display: Chef's Expressions
Best Visual Presentation of Food: Tremont Grand
Best New Vendor: A tie between Crush and Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel
Best Experienced Vendor: A tie between The Brewer's Art and Chef's Expressions