Earlier this week, I attended a press preview luncheon for the Taste of Tribeca 2012, the downtown food festival that is celebrating its 18th year. The proceeds will benefit the arts and enrichment programs at neighborhood public schools, PS 150 and PS 134. Ticket prices for the May 19th event range from $40 for early bird tickets (through 4/30) to $950 for a premium table at the event. You can find the detailed ticket options on the Taste of Tribeca site. After sampling some of the planned dishes and speaking with some of the PS 150 and PS 134 parents, I was really impressed by how the community pulls together to benefit their kids. Below are eight reasons that I think that you might want to attend Taste of Tribeca 2012…
1. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner of Blaue Gans. This is his Strawberry and Elderflower Coup. A parent mentioned that Chef Gutenbrunner sends items to school for various bake sales, since his child attends one of the Tribeca public schools. (I know that I would NOT want to be participating in the same bake sale…)
2. The participating restaurants overall. The local restaurants volunteer to donate over 700 portions of food PLUS they donate the labor for the event. How generous…
3. Chef Ronnie Esposito of Walker’s. This is his Pulled Pork Sandwich with Cole Slaw. It has a spicy “kick” to it, so it is usually served with a wedge of watermelon at the festival. From what I understand, his booth is a crowd favorite with the tastings selling out, so you might want to get in line for this “taste” first. (Really…I heard that there are lines around the corner on the day of the event for his pork. After tasting it, I can see why!)
4. The Tribeca public school parent and child involvement. It was really great to hear how the parents and students at the Tribeca public schools really work hard to make this fest a success. The entire event is planned and executed by parents. (Local students even pitch in to help.)
5. Chef Mark Spangenthal of Kutsher’s. This is his House Cured Pastrami on Rye with Mustard & Health Salad. I was never a fan of pastrami until the last year. It turns out that I love pastrami. It just has to be made by people who know what they are doing…like Chef Spangenthal. Kutsher’s pastrami is made from scratch and it shows in the taste. It is delicious!
6. The Kids Zone for All Ages. Located in Duane Park Triangle, there will be a variety of activities for all ages. Sports demos, entertainment and arts and crafts are just a few of the things on the schedule.
7. Chef Lee Scheffler of Sarabeth’s. This is his Crab Cake Slider. This was the best restaurant crab cake that I have ever tasted…without exaggeration. (My southern “Big Ma” gets the award for best crab cake ever. I wish that I had taken notes as a child!)
8. Self guided wine tours. If you enjoy the taste of wine, you are in luck. Several local wine vendors will be offering complimentary wine tastings…in addition to significant discounts.
In any event, the Taste of Tribeca 2012 is a great opportunity to treat your family to dishes from some of the top restaurants in the city while supporting local public schools. Now, that’s a tasty proposal. (Sorry…I couldn’t help myself :-)!)