Queens is celebrated as one of the most diverse regions in our state, if not the country, and nowhere is that cultural mosaic more apparent than in the diversity of culinary opportunities around each corner.
And this February 27, hundreds of people will come together to dine, dish, and discover the menu of options during the Queens Centers for Progress’ 28th annual “Evening of Fine Food” at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. For the second year in a row, PIX 11 Reporter Greg Mocker will serve as emcee.
Both longtime participants and newcomers alike have already signed up for what promises to be yet another signature dynamic event, complete with food and drink from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area, networking opportunities, and so much more.
Returning are longtime participants Bourbon Street, Austin’s Ale House and One Station Plaza, Havana Central, Marbella Restaurant & Catering, Schmidt’s Candy, and The Wine Room of Forest Hills, as well as Neir’s Tavern, MumsKitchens NYC, Arepalicious, Rincon Salvadoreno Restaurant, Aigner Chocolates, Bevos Kitchen, Café Renis, Citizen Cider, Company, Il Bacco NY, Julia’s Kountry Kitchen, Kam Rai Thai, Little Chef Little Café, and Trattoria 35 – with more participants to be announced soon.
The in-person benefit will raise funds to support QCP’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives.
“If you want a taste of Queens, then this is the place to be – featuring culinary delights that illustrate the diversity of our borough,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “And it’s all for a good cause: because the funds that are raised allow us to keep our longtime mission alive so that all people can learn and that everyone – in spite of any developmental disability – can make meaningful choices about their lives.”
At the event, QCP will honor two “Chefs of the Year,” people who have made an impact and a difference in the community: Frank J. Quatela, Owner and Principal Architect at Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C., and Hersh K. Parekh, Esq., Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs, PANYNJ. In addition to being honored, the “Chefs” will serve their community in a different way — by cooking a family specialty!
QCP also will present the Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award to Lara Gregory, Esq., Queens Community Leader, QCP Board Member, and Principal Attorney at Lara Gregory and Associates.
Tickets are $150 per person. The event is presented from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
“I’m always humbled by the turnout and success of this event- people enjoy sampling the most amazing dishes – and then tell us they can’t wait to visit these establishments after, so this event not only supports QCP but also our borough’s hospitality sector. It’s always a win-win for the people we serve, the restaurants that participate, and the attendees who have a great time,” said QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro. “We are excited to welcome our vendors, sponsors, and guests back for another delectable year!”
This year’s sponsors to date include Veronica Tsang (Diamond Sponsor), Long Island Employee Benefits Services, Gerald J. Caliendo, Architects, Merritt Engineering Consulting, New York Community Bancorp, Inc., Resorts World NYC, Mr. T Carting, D & F Development Group, TotalCareRX, The Rotary Club of Flushing, TD Bank, Koeppel Auto Group, and BDO; and Media/Special Sponsors Queens Economic Development Corporation, NYC Hospitality Association, BQE Media/Queens Ledger, Schneps Media, QPTV, Metropolitan Airport News, and Yelp.
