Revitalized Kings Theatre Kicks Off Inaugural Year with

Diverse Mix of Music, Dance, and Theatre

Grand Opening Concert by Diana Ross Complemented by Offerings from

Headlining Artists, Including:

- Rock Legends Crosby, Stills & Nash

- Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan

- Georgian Jam Band, Widespread Panic

- Music icons Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

- Dancehall Reggae Artists, Mavado & Capleton

Free Community Events Welcome New Yorkers Back to the Kings Theatre with

Concert and Open House, January 27 and February 7

New York, NY, January 12, 2015 — The Kings Theater announced today programming for its inaugural 2015

year, as the newly revitalized entertainment palace reopens in February. Kicking off with a grand opening

concert on February 3 by internationally acclaimed artist Diana Ross, the Kings will feature performances by

major national, international, and local talent across a range of disciplines—from leading popular and classic

rock music, to jazz, theater, and dance. Highlights of the Theatre’s inaugural programming include

performances reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods, including music legends Crosby, Stills & Nash;

Gladys Knight; Sarah McLachlan; the Moscow Ballet; dancehall reggae sensation Mavado; Tales from the Silk

Cotton Tree, a celebration of world music; and theatrical family favorites Three Classic Fairy Tales, presented

by Disney Live!, and Annie.

Shuttered for almost four decades, the Kings Theatre—one of the five Loew’s ‘Wonder Theatres’ constructed in

New York and New Jersey— will reopen to the public on January 27 for a free ticketed performance by local

performance groups, including the Brooklyn Ballet and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Additionally, a free open

house tour of the Kings Theatre will be held on February 7. Details for both events will be available on

KingsTheatre.com beginning January 20.

“As we look towards celebrating the reopening of this gorgeous theatre and important part of New York’s

cultural history, it is my hope the entire community will join us for the open house and free performance in the

coming weeks,” said Matthew Wolf, Executive Director of the Kings Theatre. “Looking forward, we are

thrilled to host such a diverse roster of artists from around the globe for our inaugural year of live music, dance,

and theatre.”

Tickets for all performances are available at KingsTheatre.com, Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, and all

Ticketmaster outlets. On sale dates and times vary by performance. Premium Club Seating Packages are

available now; visit www.KingsTheatre.com for more information.

The Kings Theatre is managed by ACE Theatrical Group, one of the nation’s leading restorers and operators of

historic cultural resources. The $95 million public-private project broke ground on January 23, 2013. 

Located at

1027 Flatbush Avenue, the Theatre is easily accessible by mass transit via the Q, B, 2, and 5 trains and the B41

and B49 bus lines.

An Evening with Diana Ross

Grand Opening Concert

February 3, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale now

Diana Ross’ famed and remarkable career spanning almost five decades has resulted in receipt of major awards

and accolades and music history milestones. Ms. Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most

iconic female singers of all time, and one of the most prominent women in pop music and culture of the late 20th

century. Beginning in the 60s as lead singer of the world-renowned group The Supremes, Ms. Ross achieved the

unprecedented feat of 12 number-one singles in the U.S., leading The Supremes to become the most successful

American group in history and rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that

generation. Ms. Ross went on to achieve six number-one singles as a solo artist, amassing a total of 18 numberones

in her career.

March 14, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Produced by Live Nation

McLachlan’s “Shine On Tour,” which launched last June, has visited over 40 cities in North America to

widespread critical acclaim. The Orange County Register described her performance at The Greek in Los

Angeles as “a captivating 2 1/2-hour set” while The Vancouver Sun called McLachlan “breathtaking.”

McLachlan's unparalleled ability to craft finely tuned lyrics has led to an enduring career as one of the most

beloved artists of the past two decades. On her latest album Shine On, The New York Times said "her songs

materialize in grand resonant spaces” and People Magazine said McLachlan “still sounds like an angel.”

March 21, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m.

Produced by Live Nation

Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons is hotter than

ever in the 21st Century. Thanks to the volcanic success of Tony Award®

-winning musical Jersey Boys, which

chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as "Big Girls Don't Cry,"

"Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and “Sherry” are all the rage all over again.

Crosby, Still, & Nash

May 15-16, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Produced by Live Nation

More than four decades since Crosby, Stills, & Nash first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first ever

concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, its members continue a creative partnership that is

one of the most influential and enduring in music. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash have each

been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second time

with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Hollies, respectively. They have also been inducted into the

Songwriter's Hall of Fame, with the honor recognizing both the group and each member as individual solo

artists. Crosby, Stills, & Nash's music first became a cornerstone of rock 'n roll with their self-titled 1969 debut

LP, one of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Ever since—through changing times, various

configurations, and acclaimed solo careers—Crosby, Stills & Nash have continued to tour and record as "three

together."

June 6, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale soon

Produced by Live Nation

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last 50

years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award®-winner has earned number

one hits in Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. In

addition to dozens of live performances throughout the year, Knight recently appeared in the Lifetime movie

“Seasons of Love” and will be seen guest-starring in FOX’s new hit show “Empire” on January 21st as well as in

the TV Land sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” in February. Additionally, Knight helped kick off the groundbreaking

new online music series “Skyville Live,” live streaming January 14th with fellow performers Martina McBride

and Estelle.

Disney Live!!

presents

 Three Classic Fairy Tales

Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt

April 2 – 5, 2015 – full performance schedule listed at KingsTheatre.com

Tickets on sale now

Prepare to laugh, sing, and dance as you step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and

dreams really do come true in Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, and

Goofy as they bring the timeless fairy tale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and

the Seven Dwarfs to life in a live theatrical experience that is pure magic. With dynamic storytelling, awardwinning

music, stunning costumes, glittering special effects and spectacular sets, you will be captivated by these

spellbinding stories when you dream with the princesses and cheer for their heroes as they conquer evil villains.Dancehall Rising, starring Mavado and Capleton

April 10, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale soon

Known to the world as Mavado or more recently “The Gully God,” the singer behind the eerie wails of

“Anywayyy!” and “Gangsta for life!”, which have dominated the airwaves, was born David Constantine Brooks

in 1981 in the micro-ghetto community “Cassava Piece” in Kingston, Jamaica. Before getting his break in the

music business, Brooks worked as a barber and cites his two main influences on the direction of his young life

as his grandmother and the music of Bounty Killer. Brooks’ ability to give voice to his experiences and capture

the imagination of Jamaican youth has caught the ears and eyes of a new and broader fan base.

Capleton is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist. He is also referred to as King Shango, King David, The

Fireman, and The Prophet. His record label is David House Productions, and he is known for his Rastafari views

expressed in his music.

Widespread Panic

April 24-25, 2015 – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Produced by Live Nation

Blues-inspired southern rock band Widespread Panic have been creating a dedicated following since forming in

the early 80s. Based on the strength of their musicianship, songs like the Billboard charting "Can't Get High"

and "Hope in a Hopeless World," and energetic live shows, they've managed to rank among the top 50 grossing

touring acts for eight years straight without the aid of substantial radio play, television appearances, or retail

store promotion.

Tales from the Silk Cotton Tree

June 20, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale soon

The Tales From the Silk Cotton Tree series is an exhilarating celebration of World music and culture, immersing

audiences in the rich and creative world of Folkloric story telling. In this stylized Broadway production, musical

virtuosity is accompanied by stunning visual expressions. Pan Jazz, Soca, and Reggae meet theater to provide a

culturally rich entertaining experience like none other.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

December 5, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale soon

Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this

charming classic to life. The New York Times raves “Knock Out!” Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this

Christmas with the magic of larger-than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas tree and super-sized Matrushka dolls.

Annie

December 15 – 27, 2015

Tickets on sale soon

Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of

Annie is a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®

-winners

Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard

Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism,

“Tomorrow.”

Additional programming will be announced in the coming months. All Programming Subject to Change.

About the Kings Theater

The historic Kings Theater will reopen its doors in 2015 as one of New York’s premier performing arts venues.

Providing a destination for large-scale popular entertainment and serving as a resource for local arts groups and

community organizations, the City-owned Theatre will be a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush

community and add a major fixture to Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural landscape. The Kings Theatre was originally

designed by Rapp & Rapp in 1929 and was one of the five Loew’s ‘Wonder Theatres’ built in New York and

New Jersey during that period. Featuring high curved ceilings, ornate plaster walls, wood paneling, pink marble,

and a glazed terracotta ornamental facade, the classic 20th-century movie palace was inspired by the French

Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. Spearheaded by ACE

Theatrical Group and designed by Martinez+Johnson Architecture, with Gilbane Building Company serving as

construction manager, the redevelopment project will both revive the historic structure’s original splendor and

transform the Theatre into a state-of-the-art facility with over 3,000 seats—the largest of its kind in Brooklyn.

The Theatre was recently selected as a recipient of the 2014 New York State Historic Preservation Award for

excellence in preservation and revitalization.

The renovation and restoration of the Kings Theatre is a partnership between the New York City Economic

Development Corporation and the Kings Theatre Redevelopment Company—a consortium of ACE Theatrical

Group, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, and the National Development Council. Public sector funding

is provided by the City of New York, through the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Brooklyn Borough

President, the New York City Council and District 40 Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, and by the State of

New York. Additionally, the Kings Theatre is a Federal and New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit project

and a Federal New Markets Tax Credit project in partnership with Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group,

United Fund Advisors, and the National Development Council. 

www.KingsTheatre.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/KingsTheatreBklyn

Twitter: @KingsBklyn

Sunset on a Bottle of Vino

By Dawn Straccia

The Fall season brings Wine Festivals across New York and New Jersey that celebrate the harvest, colors and scents that are truly unique.

  Brooklyn Crush, was all to be expected. While the Fall sun went down it shone through the large windows of Industry City in Sunset Park where wine enthusiasts came from all over to celebrate and sample.    With over 250 wines and a spread fit for a King and Queen there was no doubt it was going to be an experience of caliber.  Rosemary rubbed top round, an assortment of grilled personal pizza's, specialty cheese's, pasta and antipasta salad to accompany the vino.

The wine was flowing as you made your way through the flavors that were quite tantalizing to the palette.   One of my favorites by far was the Bellaforma from the Caribbean, with a line of romantic wines, as they put it, were just as gorgeous to look at as they were to taste.





 
























It didn't stop there though, Brooklyn is also known for the artisan fare that you can find in every corner, nook, and cranny of this borough.  Back in the day you had your grocers, little meat markets and specialty stores that were know for their distinctive food Italian, German, and so on.

  Nowadays you will also find little artisan shops making chocolates, cookies, and caramels. Tumbador http://www.tumbadorchocolate.com/index.php?lang=en has an array of chocolates, spreads, fruit & nut bars, and these delectable little bits of, ahhhh yes, heaven.  Distinctive in flavor they are silky smooth and pure perfection.  Salted Caramel, Creme Cashew, and Red Ruby Grapefruit BonBons,  They have mastered the art of incorporating that sweet pungent grapefruit flavor into a chocolate Bon Bon, Can breakfast get any better then that!!

MegPies http://magpiesnyc.com/our-story/ is literally a pop tart on steroids and a zillion times better.  This dynamic duo started  Megpies on the stoop of their Brooklyn home selling to commuters on their way to work.  Hearty, all natural and full of fresh fruit flavor, I promise, you will never go back to that thin almost cardboard toaster pastry they are calling a pop tart...

Milis Handcrafted Caramels http://www.milisbk.com/ is exactly that, handcrafted the traditional way.  Mary has been perfecting the art of making these luscious caramels for many years producing a rich, silky caramel that comes in a variety of 4 toppings S'mores, Espresso, Malted Milk Ball, and Vanilla Toffee.  Beautifully packaged they make the perfect little indulgence and a fantastic gift.

Carcosa https://www.facebook.com/carcosacaramelier a hidden little gem is becoming very well known for their Salted Caramel Macaroon.  If you haven't had one yet, make it a priority these delectable little cookies are crispy on the outside and fluffy but chewy on the inside with that salty caramel flavor, How I wondered, but then the next bite took me to a place only one goes when there is perfection.

Then there is Sahadis https://www.sahadis.com/  located on Atlantic Ave. An emporium of goods; roasted nuts, dried fruits, coffee, tea's, and so much more.  They brought to the table a Wasabi Mix, Roasted Almonds and Pistachio's that were lightly salted and delicious.

 Brooklyn, the up and coming mecca of food has brought a twist to the area by incorporating wine as well.  Brooklyn Crush is a must addition to your Fall Wine tour next year..

CELEBRATING THE COLORS OF AUTUMN WITH SOME VINO   

By Dawn Straccia

  With leaves changing beautiful colors, the crispness in the cool air, scents of pumpkin pie and mulled cider, there is no doubt that Autumn has arrived..   What a better way to celebrate this wonderful season with the addition of the many Wine & Artisan Food Festivals going on throughout New York and New Jersey.

  Brooklyn Crush being held on November 15, 2014 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn will have over 250 wine sampling's to choose from accompanied by light hor d'oeuvres, bump it up to a VIP and you will be noshing on Grilled Shrimp to Tandoori Chicken Kebabs with a Mango Chutney.

   The NYC Autumn Wine Festival being held on November 22, 2014 at the Broad Street Ballroom, sits in the heart of Wall Street.  Built between 1928-1929 as the headquarters for the Lee Higginson Bank,is  recognized today as being the most impressible building on Broad Street, an event space you do not want to miss out on seeing.  Let alone having the honor to sample over  200 wines in the course of 3 hours, nibbling on light appetizers prepared by their first class culinary team all while mingling in this grand space to live contemporary Jazz music.

 Click on the links in the sidebar to the left for ticket purchase.







 

Smorgasburg's Opening Weekend in Brooklyn, NY

By Dawn Straccia

  Brooklyn is known for many things; old school, traditions, trendy, to so much more.  From historic sights on Old Fulton Street to the new craze of Smorgasburg that is held on the waterfront in Williamsburg at East River State Park (where Kent Street meets N. 7th St.) on Saturdays & in Dumbo at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 with the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building from lower Manhattan .

  What makes this unique is the overload of such an eclectic menu of street fare, all in a close proximity to each other.  With over 140 vendors between the both locations ranging from American, Italian, Greek, Asian, Mexican, Colombian, and Thai to Seafood, Brisket, baked goods and everything in between, sure to please every palette, young to old and everyone in between.

   It was my first time visiting the Smorgasburg, walking off Joralemon Street, the smells of what was cooking just ahead of me filled the air.  Making my way through the gates of a foodie heaven I automatically came upon  Bon Chovie www.BonChovie.com who was cooking up a fried Cod sandwich with there own slaw topping and homemade potato chips,






Chedbred www.chedbred.com offered a German Kasewurst Sausage with three year aged Cheddar Cheese & whole grain mustard coated in  cornbread.






The Bruffin www.thebruffin.com is a combination of ingredients from all around the world stuffed into muffin sized pastry cups that were savory & sweet with each one being distinguished by their countries ingredients, but they don't stop there, how about a Red Velvet Yodel now there's a twist on tradition.

  Porchetta www.porchettanyc.com was roasting low and slow for these tasty sandwiches on a crusty baguette, and then there was Schnitz www.schnitznyc.com serving up this delightful, fresh, full of flavor sandwich called Bamburg; chicken schnitzel topped with pickled cucumbers, daikon, ginger, shallots and a caramelized onion Dijon mustard on a pretzel hero, or how about an S.L.T which consists of a pork belly schnitzel WOW!!
                                    
That wasn't all, Pizza Moto www.pizzamot.com was not holding back when they pulled up with a portable brick oven that was cranking out personal pizza's in a matter of minutes, hiya!!

Fare ranging in tradition, combined with innovation, to off the rector scale in goodness. Want to do a little shopping while walking around feasting, the Smorgasburg has it covered, from sauces, toppings, fresh baked bread even Nut Butter from The 3 Nuts www.the3nuts.com, who have combined salted caramel into an all natural peanut butter, the perfect addition to a sliced granny smith apple or a slice of toast.

                                                   
 Don't live in Brooklyn or the surrounding area, then you need to make a day of it..  Do some sight seeing, take a stroll on the pier, grab a bite or two and don't forget bring some packaged goods back home to stock your pantry.

 

The Village Voice's "Choice Streets" Five more On Board The Intrepid

By Dawn Straccia

  New York, NY - April 8, 2014 - The Village Voice announces their second round of food trucks set to be participating in this year's Third Annual "Choice Streets" Food Truck Tasting Event on May 7th (Rain Date: May 9th). The five newly announced food trucks include DUB Pies, Hibachi Heaven, Luzzo's La Pizza Napoletana, Mike N' Willie's, and Souvlaki GR. These trucks will join the ten previously announces trucks: Big D's Grub Truck, Comme Ci Comme Ca, Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches, Korilla BBQ, Love Mamak & Lucky Yim, Luke's Lobster, Moo Shu Grill, Nuchas, Solber Pupusas, Sweet Chiliand more to be announced soon.  

The Village Voice is also thrilled to announce that Choice Streets 2014 will feature DJ sets by Andy Rourke of The Smiths, the legendary alt-rock band that materialized from the British independent music scene in the 1980s. A friend of The Village Voice, Rourke DJed The Village Voice's foodie event "Choice Eats" in 2012 and is now back by popular demand. Since The Smiths parted ways in 1987, Andy Rourke has played and recorded with some of music's greatest performers such as Sinead O'Connor, Morrissey, The Pretenders, and Badly Drawn Boy. These days, Rourke calls New York City his home and spends his time DJing on East Village Radio's JETLAG show and at various nightclubs around the city.

"Choice Streets" also announces the launch of their TRUCKERS Choice Streets Volunteer program with applications now open today. TRUCKERS who apply and are selected for volunteering will assist The Village Voice team on-site at the event. All volunteers will receive a free general admission ticket to The Village Voice's Fall Craft Beer Tasting Event, "Brooklyn Pour to be held in September 2014 (specific date TBA). To apply, you must be 21 years or older and fill out this application, 

"Choice Streets" will be held on Wednesday, May 7th from 7:00 - 11:00 PM (Rain Date: May 9th). Spun off from The Village Voice's highly-popular "Choice Eats" restaurant tasting event, "Choice Streets" will feature over 20 of some of the city's favorite and highly sought-after food trucks. Set amid the backdrop of the New York City Landmark -The Intrepid - attendees will feast on Pier 86 and enjoy and evening of fabulous food, drinks and an amazing view of the city and Hudson River. For more details and to purchase tickets http://microapp.villagevoice.com/choicestreets/2014/

The Village Voice's "Choice Streets 2014" 1st Truck Round-Up

By Dawn Straccia

  New York, NY - April 1, 2014 - The Village Voice announces the first round of food trucks set to be participating in this year's Third Annual "Choice Streets" Food Truck Tasting Event. The first ten food trucks are Big D's Grub Truck, Comme Ci Comme Ca, Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches, Korilla BBQ, Love Mamak & Lucky Yim, Luke's Lobster, Moo Shu Grill, Nuchas, Solber Pupusas, Sweet Chili and more to be announced soon.

Tickets for event go on sale Tomorrow, April 2nd at Noon.  Choice Streets 2014  will be held on Wednesday, May 7th from 7:00 - 11:00 PM (Rain Date: May 9th). Spun off from The Village Voice's highly-popular "Choice Eats" restaurant tasting event, "Choice Streets" will feature over 20 of some of the city's favorite and highly sought-after food trucks. Set amid the backdrop of the New York City Landmark - The Intrepid - attendees will feast on Pier 86 and enjoy and evening of fabulous food, drinks and an amazing view of the city and Hudson River. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit: http://villagevoice.com/choicestreets.

This year's "Choice Streets" will feature three tiers of ticket options. All ticketholders will be offered complimentary food tasting, unlimited beverages, complimentary access to the Intrepid Museum (a $22 value on its own) and entertainment throughout the night. The VIP ticket ($70) will allow guests a full VIP Hour beginnning at 7PM plus a gift bag and special VIP drink experience. The Early Entry ticket ($60) will allow guests entry into the event at 7:30PM, a full half hour earlier than the event's door time.  The General Admission ticket ($50) opens the event's doors at 8PM until the event finishes for all ticketholders at 11PM. 

Along with the new three tier ticketing, this year's event will also feature a new passport system to maximize the potential for all attendees to sample every single food truck - pending availability (and fullness of guest!). Upon arrival, all guests will receive a passport card attached to a lanyard that will entitle them to one (1) sample from each truck (as samples last). This passport system need only apply to the food at Choice Streets - alcoholic beverages will still be unlimited to all ticketholders (must be 21+ to enter event).  

The Village Voice will once again partner with the non-profit organization Slow Food NYC for the event and plans to donate a portion of ticket sales from Choice Streets. Sponsors confirmed for Choice Streets 2014 include: Shock Top, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Verizon FIOS and Frames.

A Melting Pot at Basketball City

By Dawn Straccia

  The Village Voice has done it again, this time bigger and better!!  The 7th Annual Choice Eats 2014 was held at Pier 36 in Basketball City. During the year, Basketball City, which houses 7 courts is the host to adult leagues, youth programs, court rentals, even better, take the walls down to create an event space that has been used for non profit fundraisers, corporate events and in tonight's case, a gathering place to sample fare from over 100 restaurants in all five boroughs of NYC.

 The night started out upstairs in the VIP section with just a handful of restaurants offering the best of their best.. Owner Ron Johnson of Mrs Dorsey's Kitchen is putting a twist on the traditional Grilled Cheese and   served up a Jarlsburg Onion Jam Grilled Cheese!!  Grandaisy Bakery, their motto, "all we knead is love" you can taste it in their handcrafted rustic Italian breads & Roman-Style Pizza's that are topped with either mushrooms, zucchini, thinly sliced potato's and more.  Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue was slicing and serving Beef Brisket with a side of slaw that was slightly sweet with just a hint of tang.   Then there was the sweet from Carlo's Bakery to Doughnut Plant, which has been in business since 1994 and was offering yeast & cake doughnuts.  These light, fluffy delicate doughnuts were filled with the most intriguing flavors from; Cashew & Orange Blossom, Coconut Cream, Blackberry Cream to a Chocolate Hazelnut. All I need to say is, spread the love Doughnut Planet.

That was just the tip of the iceberg, and we're not just talking lettuce.  As I made my way downstairs it all started out with the Meatball Shop, then one of my absolute favorites "SCRATCHbread".  I have been known to do some traveling for a good pastry or two, even a loaf of prosciutto bread.  So if your not in Brooklyn, then you need to take a ride to try Matthew's baba ganoush, red roasted pepper spread, along with the rosemary bread, you won't be disappointed there.  Red Hook Lobster Pound was serving up their Lobster Bisque while on the other side, Luke's Lobster offered Crab Rolls.   Ovelia Psistaria Bar,marinated skirt steak with coffee,  light and delicate Ginger Dumplings, tapas of Chicken Pate, to a company called Dirt Candy, who is all about the vegetable's, dished out Broccoli Hot Dogs, yes you read it right, Broccoli Hot Dogs. Don't be to scared, it is in genius, healthy and not just for the Vegan alone.

The hotter the better, then you might want to make your way to Queens Comfort in Astoria for their Atomic Mac & Cheese.  Traditional thick, creamy Mac & Cheese, but they took it to a whole other level by bringing on the heat factor.    

 A Date wrapped with premo Bacon then topped with a Blue Cheese creama is a little bite of sweet & salty from Swine. 

So far, I haven't even made my way half way through and wound up along the back wall where all the decadent sweets were. Cake, Cupcakes and Ice Cream, ohhh my.
Ovenly was specializing in Sweet & Savory  Sconewiches

 Robicelli's introduced their Pretzel Cookie Bar

and then there was Ample Hills Creamery with flavors like Gather Round the Campfire, Sweet as Honey and Salted Cracked Caramel that will surly turn you into an Ice Cream addict.

Round up on the East coast, there might have been just as many barbecue joints under one roof then in Texas.  Glad to say this is not just for Southerns anymore.  John Brown's Smokehouse in Long Island City, "Liquid Country Gold" from Mable's Smoke House to Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue, which has become so popular with us east coast folks.

One must not forget, while there was plenty of fare for sampling, there was just as much Spirit's to wash it all down.  Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Stella Artois Beer Garden, Four Roses Bourbon, White Pike Whiskey, New Holland Brewing plus much, much more.

Before the night was over I made my way over to Butter & Scotch, these girls are genius!!  Not only were they the first to discover that alcohol can be infused into a cupcake batter, now this!! With three flavors; Green Chili Margarita Caramel Corn, The Dark & Stormy Caramel Corn  & The Hot Toddy Caramel Corn, there is no reason to go back to our childhood days of eating regular popcorn.  

  

  Tonight attendees sampled some of the most eclectic, innovative & traditional fare, old to new, from across the borough's, combined it with great spirits and live music made it one of the biggest gatherings of the year.

If you missed out this year, make sure to put it on the calendar for next..
In the meantime Choice Streets is coming to The Intrepid, May 7, 2014
Tickets on sale now!!
www.villagevoice.com