Over 50 Restaurants, Over 25 Nations Represented

New York, NY (March 17, 2009) – The second annual Village Voice “Choice Eats” tasting event is now officially sold out. The event, which takes place on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan, features only restaurants reviewed by celebrated resident food critics, Robert Sietsema from his column “Counter Culture” and Sarah DiGregorio from her weekly column “Fork in the Road.” This year, the amount of restaurants has doubled with over 50 restaurants and over 25 nations being represented under one roof for only one night.

Last year, hungry New Yorkers gathered at the historic Puck building to navigate through over 25 restaurants from all the five boroughs where they experienced a diverse culinary landscape and enjoyed tasty treats that would otherwise require days of travel. New York Magazine proclaimed it “…a global cheap-eats summit. No self-respecting New York gastronaut should consider doing anything else that night.”

“Choice Eats” will be benefiting Slow Food NYC, who will also serve as host of the event. The New York City chapter of Slow Food USA is a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to counteracting the industrialization of our food supply. A portion of ticket sales will go to their new program, Harvest Time which promotes programs of good food and nutrition education, including hands-on food preparation and communal dining, edible school gardens, and student operated farm stands offering local farm-fresh produce at three schools in East Harlem and Williamsburg, neighborhoods identified as food deserts by the City’s Health Department with high rates of food related diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Official sponsors for “Choice Eats” 2009 include Whole Foods who will be setting up a storefront and serving local mini brownie sundaes, Southern Wines featuring Antinori, Castello banfi, Pallini Limoncello, Gosling’s Rum, Boru Vodka, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ramazzotti, Distillerie- Brusnel, Nando, Francis Ford Coppola, Frederick Wildman, Palm Bay International, Partida tequila, Prairie Organic Vodka, Tommy Bahama, Michael Collins, Cognac, Svedka Vodka, Fcognac Ferrand, Union Beer featuring Victory Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Magic Hat Brewing Co., Brewery Ommegang, Left Hand Brewing Co., Samuel Smith, Lindeman’s, Chimay, Smuttynose Brewing Co., Allagash Brewing Co., and Blue Point Brewing Co., Volvic natural spring water, Likeme.net, New York Bartending School, The Brooklyn Kitchen, Extremely Hungary, Smart Car, and Action Carting who is the official green sponsor.

All utensils, cups and compost bags are made from annually renewable plant derived plastic resins; all plates are made from sugarcane fibers; napkins are made from unbleached, recycled paper.

“Choice Eats” tickets will not be sold at the door. You must be 21+ to attend, the event starts at 6:30pm and concludes at 9:30pm. The 69th Regiment Armory is located at 68 Lexington Avenue between 25th and 26th streets in Manhattan.

For More Information Please Contact:
Christina Pettit / The Village Voice
cpettit@villagevoice.com
212-475-6836
choiceeats.villagevoice.com