"The Cuisine of Queens and Beyond": May 2005

2005 marked the fourth year for Dish Du Jour's "The Cuisine of Queens and Beyond" event. Showcasing many restaurants from around Queens, this event offered participants a chance to sample foods from many area restaurants, as well as a chance to have Rocco DiSpirito sign a copy of one of his latest cookbooks.

Each year the event features a different guest chef, including Sarah Moulton and Jacques Pepin in the past. The number of restaurants gros yearly, with a distinctly strong Italian presence among the participating restaurants. It was a bit disappointing that while Queens is home to so many different restaurants, the selection at this event focused primarily on traditional Italian, Greek, Japanese and American offerings with fewer Indian and Southeast Asian offerings than I would have hoped.

Samples were generous and tasty -- it would be nearly impossible to leave the event hungry or unsatisfied. It was a great chance to try dishes from local restaurants you may not have visited before -- we discovered a sushi restaurant we'd like to try, tasty ice cream samples from Emack and Bolios, and a delicious grilled sausage from a new restaurant in Sunnyside, Bliss.

Wine and beer tables complimented the food offerings; from Greek wines to local Long Island Vineyards, pours were generous and the Brooklyn Brewery served up its signature beers, one beer distributor offered samples of Hennepin and another Tsing Tao.

The event was held at Astoria World Manor and had the distinct feeling of being at a wedding expo -- including a "one man band" providing entertaiment. Attendees wore everything from jeans to ballgowns, so you can feel free to dress as you would be most comfortable.

• The event tends to be most crowded from 6:30-8:30 p.m. -- arrive early or stay late to beat the crowds
• Check your coats/bags -- you'll need your hands free to juggle plates and glasses as you work your way through the tasting booths
• There were still tickets available to purchase at the door