New York City is the best conurbation in the entire world when it comes to eating. If you’ve ever wandered through the city and wished you could stop at each different restaurant along the way to try their food before you decide where to eat, then a tasting event is exactly what you need.
Fortunately for us students, we live in this food capital of the world. So why not take advantage of a unique evening to try unique foods. Who knows, you just might find your new favorite restaurant that you may not have otherwise discovered.
On Tuesday, March 25th, The Village Voice hosted their seventh annual Choice Eats tasting event at Pier 36, only a 15-minute walk from the University.
Over 80 of the city’s best restaurants and bars from all boroughs featured their famous entrees, beers, wines, and desserts. For one ticket price, customers can eat and drink as much as they want for three whole hours. However, it is suggested that customers pace themselves so they don’t get too full before they get to try all of the delectable desserts.
Here are The Pace Press’s top 5 picks from the event that we think cater best to the University population:
1. The Kati Roll Company
With three different locations and very late hours (open until 5am!), this healthy and refreshing spicy street-style Indian wrap joint is perfect for students who go out and night and get the inevitable late night munchies but don’t want to gain the freshman-15 from “drunk-Donald’s.” The kati rolls are crafted with homemade flatbreads, freshly ground spices, and quality spices.
2. La Newyorkina Mexican Ice & Sweets
This frozen treat is probably new to many, but it is an excellent healthy, plus delicious, alternative to ice cream or fudge bars. Their specialty is called the “paleta,” or Spanish ice pop. The flavors change seasonally and there is an array of toppings to dip your frozen pop stick into. With flavors like almond and vanilla and cookie and chocolate sauce toppings, it tastes sweet but without the guilt.
3. Doughnut Plant
This is more than just your average donut shop. The Doughnut Plant has two locations in Manhattan, and serves yeast donuts, cake donuts, and filled donuts, filled with their homemade jam fillings. Their round filled donut flavors include unique and delicious Rose, Peanut Butter & Blackberry Jam, Pistachio, Wild Blueberry & Cream, and more, all made with 100% natural ingredients.
4. Dévi
For an interesting and new dining experience, visit Dévi NYC, which offers authentic Indian home cooking just steps away from Union Square. The menu features meat and seafood, as well as a vegetarian, options for appetizers and main course. The meals are cooked to perfection with the many spices and ingredients of India. Their specialties include a variety of kebobs smoked to perfection.
5. Fay Da Bakery
Originally based in China, this bakery provides products from cakes to drinks at over 14 cozy locations. The bakery crafts a variety of cakes from classics, to custom cake designs that you can order online. They also craft many different flavors of Chinese cookies as well as hot and cold drinks such as tapioca shakes and bubble tea.
If this selection of food and sweets sounds mouth-watering to you, then be sure to check out the menus for the 80+ other restaurants that were featured at the tasting event. Also hurry up and get your ticket for The Village Voice’s Choice Streets 3rd Annual food truck event on May 7th at Pier 86, featuring over 20 of NYC’s most sought-after food trucks.
