While county officials have growing concerns about the financial strength of Fine Host Corp., an alternative choice for a convention center food service contract has spoiled a few appetites.

Fine Host has had the contract for about a decade and wants it renewed. A preliminary review by county officials has ranked Fine Host as still a top choice, despite its reported financial woes.

Meanwhile, Aramark Corp. has lobbied long and hard for the contract. County insiders say they've seen few instances of lobbying that have been more blatantly heavy-handed.