Village Voice Choice Eats!!!!!!

Village Voice's Second Annual Choice Eats Event kicked into full swing, and let me tell ya folks it was out of this world!! Yours truly had the pleasure of being the to witness this phenomenal Event, and dare I say there was almost too much amazing food to chose from? I almost didn't know where to begin, But started I could not stop myself.





The Event took place on March 31,2009 at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan. There were over 50 Restaurant's and over 25 Nations represented at this splendid event. Events like this are always a good idea for my fellow foodies who may not have a chance otherwise to get out to these establishments.

The Annual Event Benefited "Slow Food NYC", Which is a Non-Profit , member supported Organization that is dedicated to counteracting the industrialization of our food supply. A portion of the proceeds will go the their new program "Harvest Time", which promotes programs of good food and nutritional education, Including hands-on preparation and communal dinning, edible school gardens, and student operated farm stand offering local farm-fresh produce at three schools in East Harlem, and Williamsburg, Neighborhoods identified as food desserts by the City' s Health Department high rates of food related diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Official Sponsors for the Event were "Whole Foods" who had an awesome storefront setup serving local mini brownies, fruit, and Ice cream, that was out of this world! Also Sponsoring the event were Southern Wines, Union Beer, New York Bartending School, Volvic Natural Spring Water, Likeme.net, The Brooklyn Kitchen, SmartCar, Extremely Hungary, and Action Carting.

This large gathering of fellow foodies was one of the largest that I have been to so far. I am sure that they will get bigger as years go by, and as more and more people discover the joys of cooking, and eating, hopefully these events will get larger and larger.

There seemed to be an unlimitless supply of food options, thanks in part to the generosity of spirit from the vendors themselves, who worked very hard to keep the food fresh and looking good, which can be challenging at an event like this. Some restaurant participants that deserve honorable mentions were:

Jimmys-The pulled pork sandwiches were simply exquisite. The meat was moist and tender, and the sauce was an excellent balance of spicy, and savory. Nice job Jimmys!

Sheepstation-Which pulled off one of the most amazing Lamb Sandwiches that I have ever had in my life! As many of my fellow foodies might be well aware of you really have to know what your doing to work with lamb. It can be a bit strong, and certain flavors don't always mesh with lamb. The folks over at sheepstation appear to not have that issue however with their version of an Australian Lamb Sandwich, all the flavors seem to come together beautifully.

The New French Restaurant - Slow Roasted pulled pork pizza. By the time I made it threw the crowd to try the pizza it was cold. However i did enjoy what i tried and i am making a special trip back to the restuarant to taste the dish again. Will keep you posted on what i really think.

Tortilla Nixtamale- Coming from California I take my Mexican Food very seriously. So you have to know that I was a bit skeptical about trying The Enchilada with mole sauce, that They were presenting. But when i saw the old man in the back cooking up the food, It put my mind at ease, because i knew it was going to be done right. Tortilla Nixtamale did not disappoint. The traditional mole sauce was out of this world. To the old guy in the back, I salute you!

Bella Napoli- Simple Bruchetta on toast and pizza, very nice job.

Kuma Inn-Presented Tofu & Mushroom With Basil. I Personally am not crazy about Tofu, I'm Def a meat eater however, Kuma Inn could probably get me to come back and try some more of their tofu. It was really good. Nice and light. The flavoring for the tofu was not overpowering. I felt healthy after I ate it.

Mortorino- That all changed however, when i tried the fried Doughnuts with rhubarb and vanilla, and chocolate. MMMMM!! Folks believe me when i tell ya, you will get fat eating these things! But they are so good, I don't think your going to care honestly. Go and check them out and get some of these wonderful food bytes. Cant wait to see what happens and who shows up to next years event!!