May 24, 2017 By Christian Murray
Local residents turned out en masse to partake in the seventh annual Taste of Sunnyside last night that was held under a giant tent under the elevated No 7 line on Queens Boulevard.
Attendees were there to sample the cuisine provided by approximately 30 local restaurants and beverage purveyors. The samples offered were international in scope with Italian, Irish, French, Colombian, Mexican, Filipino and standard American fare on offer.
The event featured a number of new restaurants this year, such as Lowery Bar & Kitchen, Dayboat and Ida’s Nearabout.
Throughout the evening—which went from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm—a continuous wave of people flowed through the tent entrance. Over the course of the night as many as 600 people attended.
The aim of the event, which was put on by Sunnyside Shines, was to introduce attendees to restaurants that they may not ordinarily frequent. The idea is if they enjoy their sample, they will dine at the restaurant at a later date.
Furthermore, the event is also a way for Sunnyside Shines to showcase the neighborhood as a food destination.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer spoke last night and asked residents to support all the restaurants.
“Please make sure that you go to every single one of these establishments and spend lots of money. We all have to support our small businesses.”
Jaime Faye-Bean, Sunnyside Shines’ recently appointed executive director, thanked the restaurants for participating. “I am so pleased to be here for the 7th annual [Taste of Sunnyside] showcasing the neighorhood’s wonderful establishments,” she said.
Tito Rads
Sidetracks
Jack’s Fire Department
Featured Events
22 Comments
Bliss bistro really impressed me
Restaurants in Sunnyside/Woodside suck.
It is actually funny to me that this festival exists. There are NO restaurants in Sunnyside (apart from a couple of semi good ones). It is only Irish pubs. Why would someone want to go to taste pub food?
So true! Get some restaurants, Sunnyside! There’s only one about every 4 storefronts. Zzz
none of these food festivals are good. Expensive and small portions. The one from LIC is a little better because the restaurants are better but still small portions. If you want interesting food go to smorgaburg, queens night market or brooklyn flea.
It sucked, period. Try to rethink this because it has neighborhood appeal, but it’s run terrible,cattle ,your like cattle trying to get a bit to eat, yes a bite. It was so underthought.ill go back when it’s run better.
Are you going to volunteer your expertise?
El loco
We spent $80 to go and had one thimble of beer and a ravioli before we left due to extreme over-crowding.
If you don’t pay for VIP tickets – it’s not worth it. We were sorely disappointed.
Who served a thimble of beer? Outrageous
(Primarily) Unrelated Complaint forecast includes [but is not limited to]:
Small Portions, Someone cut me in an informal line and I didn’t advocate for myself, “I don’t like supporting neighborhood events”, Hipsters, Subway Proximity, Gentrification, Transplants, Too Close to the South Side, Reverse Commute on 7 Train to avoid crowds, JVB Bad, Homeless Shelter NIMBYism.
Very Funny and so true. And all from from Anonymous…
You forgot Parking.
For the price very small portions, the can try and be little more generous.
And has to be organized better, I was making a line and people don’t respect they cut the line, same for food or drinks ( very cheap portions of wine and beer).
Can be improved because is not cheap ($40).
Will see next year.
Me and Roxy were there. It wasn’t very good.
did not see JVB with a photo-op –
He made a cameo appearance. Probably after photographer left
Looks like a successful showcase. PEACE
Food ran out at 7:30……was not as good as last year. Will not be attending ever again
ok good bye go to Williamsburg then!
Did you even go Sal? $40 seems way too much for you
I did not find the same. We were still eating right up to the end. Not every stand, mind you, but there were still plenty of tables open when I left at 8:15.