Sara Luckey
June 1, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
The Chocolate Factory Theater is celebrating its tenth year hosting the annual Taste of LIC smorgasbord of local eats tomorrow.
The event, which started in 2005 with a dozen vendors inside the Chocolate Factory theater space, now brings more than 50 local restaurants, markets, eateries, bars and breweries to Gantry State Plaza Park at 49th Avenue.
Advanced ticket sales have closed, but residents can still buy at the door starting at 4:30 on Tuesday. Tickets for entrance at 5:30 p.m. will cost $150 and entrance at 6:30 will cost $80, Chocolate Factory Artistic Director Brian Rogers said.
All proceeds benefit the Chocolate Factory’s 2015-16 performance season, according to the event announcement.
Vendors that are new to Taste of LIC this year include Dutch Kills Centraal, Tacuba Mexican Cantina, Singlecut Brewery and the Pie Lady, Chocolate Factory Executive Director Sheila Lewandowski said.
Lewandowski also noted a handful of veteran vendors who have participated in the Taste of LIC since its early days, including the Creek and the Cave, Tournesol, Manetta’s Ristorante and Vernon Wine and Liquor.
Accompanying the cuisine, dancer and choreographer Jon Kinzel will perform, and a raffle with prizes ranging from local gift certificates to jetBlue travel vouchers will be called.
For the first time, the Taste of LIC will also honor ten individuals who have supported the event throughout its ten-year history, from local artists to members of the business community to elected officials Assembly Member Cathy Nolan and Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.
Following the Taste, Sweetleaf espresso and cocktail bar at 4615 Center Blvd. will host an after party.
