By Annabelle Blair
At least six local restaurants will offer free food and drink samples at the annual Dine in Queens 2017 kick-off event Tuesday at 12 p.m. at The Shops at Atlas Park’s common area in Glendale.
The public is invited to attend and try pizza, chicken wings, Colombian food and burgers, which are some of the possibilities for this year’s samples, according to Rob MacKay of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. During Dine in Queens, which takes place Oct. 16 through Nov. 2, participating local restaurants will offer specials on food and drink.
Dine In Queens’ three-week specials will range from $28 three-course meals to $14 lunches, Monday through Thursday. In the past, some restaurants have opted to continue offering specials on weekends and some vary from the common $28 and $14 specials. The participating restaurants have leeway over what they choose to offer, including entrees, dessert, wine and appetizers.
Tuesday’s kickoff will generate public awareness for Dine in Queens, which is intended to display Queens’ wide array of food options and bump up businesses’ revenues. The program is sponsored by the Queens Tourism Council.
About 30 restaurants are currently signed up to participate, MacKay said, and organizers plan to have 100 involved when Dine In Queens officially begins. Participating businesses include Corato Pizza, Fishscales, Joe & John Pizzeria, La Choza del Gordo, Matiz, Ridgewood Ale House, Tienda and Trattoria Cerbone.
MacKay said the diversity of Queens’ population lends to its unique cuisine. The promotion has garnered support from residents of other counties who visit Queens at eat at local restaurants because of the specials.
“Everyone loves to eat and no one loves to do the dishes,” MacKay said. “This is your chance to eat and not do dishes.”
In past years, the kick-off has fed hundred of attendees with glowing reviews from restaurant owners and participants alike. This is the 14th annual event.
