By Bill Parry
High winds and heavy rain did nothing to slow the ninth annual Taste of LIC at Gantry Plaza State Park Tuesday.
The largest event of its kind in western Queens drew a record crowd of 1,200 to sample the offerings of 50 of Long Island City’s restaurants and pubs.
“Mother Nature threw everything she had at us,” founder Sheila Lewandowski said. “We almost lost one of the smaller tents during the height of the storm, but in the end we had a rainbow over the event and everyone was able to pose for pictures under it. People had a great time, and when other people are safe and happy, I’m happy, too.”
Lewandowski was also pleased with the results of the yearly fund-raiser that netted more than$115,000 that will help pay for the upcoming season at her Obie Award-winning theater, The Chocolate Factory, on 49th Avenue.
The 5,000-square-foot facility supports the creation of new work in a variety of disciplines, including theater, dance, music and visual art.
Taste of LIC, with tickets ranging from $60 to $400, helps underwrite salaries and commissions to artists and presents performances at the Chocolate Factory while presenting a showcase for the neighborhood’s culinary hot spots.
“We took part in this last year right after we opened,” OpenDoor owner Nick Guitart said. “It really helped us out by getting our name out there, but this is more about community and getting a chance to see your friends.”
Guitart was offering delicious deep fried veal meatballs as well as fried chicken bites.
Woodbines took part in the Taste of LIC for the first time after replacing Lounge 47, at 47-10 Vernon Blvd.
Owner Pat Burke took a break from serving up his Scotch eggs and said, “This is such an amazing event. It’s fun to see what all the other restaurants are good at and it’s nice to feel a part of the neighborhood.”
Fay Hess was taking part for the first time after opening her 51st Bakery & Cafe, at 533 51st Ave., in December.
“This is great to see everyone because when you start a new business, you hardly ever get out and socialize –– you’re always working,” she said.
Jeff Blath, owner of the critically acclaimed Alobar, at 46-42 Vernon Blvd., looked up from serving green gazpacho and Jonah crab with grape salsa to say, “It’s all about our own neighborhood and our own restaurants. It’s such a good way to meet everyone in the community.”
Lewandowski got right to work planning the 10th annual Taste of LIC.
“I just set the date for June 2,” she said Wednesday morning.
The next big culinary event in western Queens takes place at Elmhurst Hospital Center June 11.
A Healthy Taste of Queens will be held under a canopy in the center’s parking facility from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The international food and wine tasting event is geared toward raising funds for the Department of Cardiology and the emphasis is on healthy choices.
Tickets cost $50 and are available online at elmhurt-hospital.squarespace.com.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
