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Taste of Sunnyside set for the big tent Tuesday

Taste of Sunnyside set for the big tent Tuesday
By Bill Parry

Sunnyside’s culinary scene will be showcased Tuesday inside a block-long festival tent pitched underneath the No. 7 subway station at 46th Street and Queens Boulevard. The sixth annual Taste of Sunnyside will feature samples from 25 neighborhood restaurants representing many nations ranging from Thailand, Colombia, France, Tibet and Ireland to Mexico and the Philippines.

Two of the restaurants, Salt and Fat and Venturo Osteria, have been recognized by Michelin as Bib Gourmand picks. Another restaurant, Lowery’s Kitchen at 43rd Street and 43rd Avenue, has not opened for business yet.

“A Taste of Sunnyside offers more than food sampling, it’s a celebration of the neighborhood’s diversity and local character,” said Sunnyside Shines Executive Director Rachel Thieme, the organizer. “Whether it’s your first time in Queens or you’ve lived here all your life, we think you’ll love this event.”

Three of the borough’s breweries will take part, including Queens Brewery, Finback Brewing and Big Alice Brewing of Long Island City. Entertainment will be provided by two bands, the Sunnyside Social Club and the Afro-Latineers.

Foodies who want to beat the crowd can receive early entry to the event at 5:30 by purchasing a VIP ticket for $65. General admission to the event at 6:30 p.m. is $35.

The Taste of Sunnyside is nearly sold out.

The event has been proven to make a positive impact on neighborhood business. In a survey of attendees last year, 95 percent of the respondents said they planned to visit a restaurant they tried for the first time at the Taste of Sunnyside.

Sunnyside Shines also launched a rewards card this month offering deals and discounts at 35 neighborhood stores. Cardholders just present their card at participating businesses to receive the discount.

The card offers a variety of deals like $2 off cocktails until 8 p.m. at the Gaslight Bar, a 20 percent discount on frames and lenses at Sunnyside Optik, although restrictions apply, and 10 percent off all cash purchases at Sunnyside Florists. Cardholders can even get a new tattoo at 5 percent off on any design over $200 while at Taiyo Foods cardholders can receive a free green tea or Japanese snack with a purchase of $20 or more.

“We wanted to showcase the variety of businesses in the neighborhood,” Thieme said. “Sunnyside is more than just great restaurants. We have a full range of retailers and service businesses that everyone in the neighborhood should know about.”

Residents or visitors may request a free card and browse a full list of discounts offered at shopsunnyside.com

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.