Despite the ravages of Old Man Winter, The Bayside Business Association’s 12th Annual Taste of Bayside celebration went off without a hitch on Wednesday in the .
For a very reasonable prix fixe (two for $60 in advance) local gourmands had a chance to sample world-wide cuisine from all over Bayside and nearby areas, as well as brews from both Brooklyn Brewery and Manhattan Beer and wine from Our Wines & Liquors in Fresh Meadows.
A stroll around the packed hall at 220-33 Northern Boulevard revealed Italian fare courtesy of and ; Spanish fare from ; Mexican from ; Cajun from down to desserts from and La Fina Bakery.
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Those craving savory meats, had pastrami on rye from Buddy’s Deli or various beef or pulled pork little burgers from ; and in Douglaston.
Of course, no sampling of “sliders” could be complete without America’s burger fountainhead and arguably the oldest continually operating eatery in Bayside – the landmark at Bell and Northern, White Castle.
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Adult attendees could even get naughty with a frozen margarita – or a free cigar from Habana Hut tobacconist. The more than 100 people filling the room were serenaded by a mariachi trio when not enjoying music from DJ Gozzi of Live Sounds.
Lucky raffle ticket holders received prizes contributed by local businesses including the host Adria Hotel.
The event raises funds for the efforts of the Business Association, which serves the greater Bayside area along with the , which covers the heart of “restaurant row” on Bell Blvd.
Surveying the happy crowd, Association President Judith Limpert of and Vice President Dominick Bruccoleri of Pappazio Restaurant were very pleased – and very tired.
“Look around at this wonderful event,” an exhausted Limpert said. “See what Baysiders do for each other?”