Kaufman Astoria Studios (iStock)
May 22, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
The 14th annual Taste of Long Island City will take place on June 12 on the backlot of the Kaufman Astoria Studios, the organizers announced yesterday.
The Chocolate Factory, a local non-profit that offers space to experimental artists, is holding the event at the 36-12 36th St. studios for the third consecutive year.
This year, more than 40 restaurants will be offering food and beverage tastings, and more than 100 local businesses will be supplying raffle prizes.
The event will include Michelin Star chefs Luis Aguilar of Casa Enrique and Hugue Dufour of M. Wells Steakhouse, along with many new and returning favorites including Beebe’s, Bellwether, Zenon Taverna and Kurry Qulture.
The Taste of LIC is among the largest of its kind in Western Queens and emphasizes the district’s constantly evolving culinary scene.
The event, which was one of the first major tasting events in New York City, will also feature a special performance from acclaimed dancer Neil Greenberg. Several elected officials will be in attendance, with Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer being the MC.
All proceeds from the Taste of LIC will go toward the Chocolate Factory’s 2019/2020 season of dance, theater, music and multimedia performances.
The Taste began in 2005 with just 12 vendors inside the Chocolate Factory theater on 49th Avenue. The event grew quickly and was later held at Gantry Plaza State Park, prior to moving to Kaufman Astoria Studios.
Tickets are set at varying prices, with general admission costing $65 in advance or $75 at the door. General admission provides attendees with 2 hours of sampling from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m.
The next option is a $150 ticket, which comes with an event T-shirt and three hours of sampling, with admission beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For more information regarding tickets, visit chocolatefactorytheater.org
