Offering top-notch entrées, appetizers, beverages and desserts, exactly 49 vendors served samples of their products to more than 700 attendees in a festive atmosphere during Queens Taste 2014 at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel on April 29.
Hosted by the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the twelfth annual extravaganza included performances by a Big Apple Circus clown, two tables full of World’s Fair memorabilia from the Queens Historical Society and The Port Authority of NY & NJ, and special Mets ticket offers.
There was also a taste competition as judged by a team of local foodies and media types. Zenon Taverna, which serves Greek and Cypriot food in Astoria, took Best Entrée honors with a Mediterranean octopus dish, lamb meatballs and taramosalata. Sunnyside’s Murphy’s Seafood Grill, which gave out oysters on a half shell, won Best Appetizer, while DF Mavens, which makes a wide variety of dairy-free ice cream flavors, prevailed as Best Dessert.
“A great time was had by all,” stated QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein. “The food, the beverages, the networking, and the upbeat atmosphere were simply fantastic. I’m already looking forward to next year, and I am extremely grateful to our lead sponsor Fairway Market.”
Participants included Amerivents, Bill’s Balls, Brooklyn Brewery, Chee Bonnet Cheesecake Balls, Christos Steak House, Desserts that Matter, DF Mavens, Dog & Duck Gastropub, Drink More Good, Dutch Kills Centraal, e-Desserts, F. Ottomanelli Burgers & Belgian Fries, Fairway Market, Jam Jar Bakery, Granola Bar None, La Adelita, La Fusta, Little Bird Chocolates, Magna Ristorante, Mama’s of Corona, Manhattan Beer Co., McClure’s Pickles, Murphy’s Lobster Grill, O Lavrador, Pa-Nash Restaurant, Pine Restaurant, Ponciana Tree, Punzoné Vodka, Queens Brewery, Rose House, Rudy’s Bakery & Café, Sheraton Catering Company, Shiro of Japan, Smoke Kimchee, Soul Snacks Cookie Company, The Turkish Cultural Center, Take a Break and I’ll Bake, Tropisec Uncle Peter’s Restaurant, Yardie Treats, Yoli and Zenon Taverna.
Jim Silver is recognized as one of the preeminent experts in toys and play.
Silver is CEO/editor-in-chief of TTPM, the #1 source for all things play where consumers can research and find the best playthings. TTPM is the only site that combines expert reviews (video and written) with live price comparison, one-click purchasing, and product availability at major retailers including Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, buybuy BABY, GameStop, Best Buy, Sports Authority and Modell’s Sporting Goods.
More than 30 years working in toys and play has enabled Silver to forge relationships with industry leaders and influencers. These relationships provide Silver with the inside track for industry trends, news, and analysis.
Silver appears in a wide variety of television, print, and online interviews each year.
