Queens Cuisine

Queens will show off what it has to offer in the area of cuisine through the sixth annual “Queens … A Taste of the World,” which will be held by the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) on Monday, April 14.
For the first time this year, QEDC has partnered with Macy’s Herald Square to present a series of cooking demonstrations leading up to the April 14 event. A live demonstration was held on April 8, and there will be more on April 10 and 12. The demonstrations, which are being held in the cellar at Herald Square, include appetizer and dessert samples and a live entr/e preparation.
“We are very pleased with the Macy’s opportunity because it seems like a natural fit,” said QEDC Executive Director Spencer Ferdinand. “Macy’s Herald Square is an immensely popular destination of international renown and, each year, our fundraiser highlights the best in Queens’ international appeal.”
The annual “Queens … A Taste of the World” will take place on Monday, April 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. It will feature about 30 restaurants from various parts of the borough, including Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Flushing and Bayside, just to name a few. They will also represent a variety of ethnic of foods including Greek, Italian, Mexican and Chinese.
“Queens Taste is our primary fundraiser and it’s also a fun event; we have a wonderful mix of restaurants and cultures represented,” said Drew Manger, the chairman of the QEDC executive board. “It’s a great way to show our support for local businesses while raising awareness for the important work we are doing.”
QEDC Director of Marketing and Tourism Michelle Stoddart said that they anticipate having about 500 turn out for the event. She said that this event helps let people both in Queens and outside of Queens see what the borough has to offer and shows that one doesn’t necessarily have to go to Manhattan to have a nice meal out.
“It definitely puts us on the playing field with the other boroughs,” she said. She also said, “We’re just hoping the restaurants will benefit greatly from the exposure.”
As with previous years, awards will be given out in various categories. This year, they are adding a “Taste Masters Award” for best presentation. Stoddart said that attendees to get to vote and that “their taste buds count.”
In the fall, QEDC will hold the annual Restaurant Week in Queens, which will also further publicize dining establishments in the borough.
Stoddart said that there are a few spots open for restaurants interested in participating in the event. They should contact QEDC as soon as possible by calling 718-263-0546 or e-mail taste@queensny.org.
To find out more about “Queens…A Taste of the World,” call 718-263-0546 or visit www.queensny.org.