By Bill Parry
A Jackson Heights food guide is hosting his sixth annual momo crawl through the neighborhood Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The first 1,000 passports to the multicultural event celebrating the Himalayan dumplings will be given away free for access to the festival where momos from a record 27 participating restaurants and vendors will be served.
The passport has a map with the location of each restaurant and food truck. Last year’s event drew more that 1,200 people.
“Last year was the biggest yet, so this year can be the most awesome Momo Crawl,” Founder Jeff Orlick said. “We have more places participating, and we are going to make it easier for everyone to get around because we will have two vintage wooden trolleys bringing people around the perimeter. This will alleviate lines in addition to stress because we’ll have beer on the trolleys from the brand new Fifth Hammer Brewing in Long Island City.”
Momos are Tibetan, Nepalese and South Asian dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables which are steamed or fried. Participants will vote for the eatery serving the finest momo.
“The winner gets a Momo Crawl championship belt made of yak hide,” Orlick said. “This may be my last major role in the crawl because I’m having a ‘loser leaves town’ arm wrestling match with Students For a Free Tibet who are partnering with me this year. They are a worldwide non-profit and could drive the Momo Crawl farther and higher than I ever could.”
The festival will include music and dance. The event kicks off at Diversity Plaza located at 73-19 37th Road.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
