More than 50 Queens-based vendors showcased their signature dishes at the 21st annual Queens Taste, the borough’s signature food and networking event spotlighting its rich culinary diversity.
Organized by the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Queens Tourism Council, the event welcomed over 500 guests to the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on Tuesday, May 13. Attendees sampled an eclectic mix of global flavors and craft beverages from eateries representing every corner of the borough.
Longtime institutions like Neir’s Tavern and London Lennie’s returned for the 2025 edition, while acclaimed newcomers—including Forest Hills’ Gnocchi Bella, Astoria’s Tootles & French (recently named Best New Restaurant in the U.S. by USA Today), and boozy dessert brand Tipsy Scoop—made notable debuts.
Guests spent the evening tasting both crowd favorites and inventive new creations, indulging in a flavorful celebration of Queens’ ever-evolving food scene.
Among the standout participants was Chad Goldsmith, owner of Tootles & French, who served smash burgers from the restaurant’s popular lunch menu alongside shrimp cocktail from its happy hour offerings. Goldsmith expressed appreciation for the opportunity to give back.
“They’ve been so helpful to the community and to us in the past and we’re just so grateful to be able to return the favor,” Goldsmith said.
Darryl McDaniels, the hip-hop icon from Run-DMC and founder of Darryl Makes Cookies, made his Queens Taste debut this year and described the event as “phenomenal.” McDaniels spoke passionately about food as a unifying force.
“Food is a culinary art,” McDaniels said. “Anything that’s created by us – that’s our saving grace, not politics, not religion. Food doesn’t divide people, it brings us together. It’s amazing.”
Kenneth Adams, president of LaGuardia Community College, praised the event for its breadth and cultural impact.
“From little neighborhood restaurants to independent producers, small businessowners, everything is here,” Adams said. “You eat your way across the whole borough from Astoria to Rockaway.”
Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of QEDC, thanked attendees for supporting the event and highlighted the borough’s entrepreneurial spirit, noting that Queens is home to more than 50,000 small businesses.
Hersh Parekh, Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental & Community Affairs at the Port Authority of NY & NJ—one of the event’s lead sponsors—emphasized the importance of showcasing Queens cuisine to international travelers.
“It’s important that the cultural identity, the cuisine of Queens and all of New York City is well represented at our airports to give it that uniquely New York sense of place,” Parekh said. “Working with partners like QEDC and meeting potential vendors and partners at this event will help us achieve that goal.”
Other 2025 sponsors included Resorts World New York City, Silvercup Studios, Plaxall Inc., Lemma Strategies, and The Shops at Skyview, among others.
