Yesterday, at the 69th Armory on Lexington Avenue, The Village Voice hosted their Fifth Annual "Choice Eats" Event which satiated New York foodies by serving quality dishes, all from hand-picked restaurants throughout the city. Over 35 different national cuisines were set-up in this historic building by over 80 restaurants and bakeries. Sponsors such as Leffe, Francis Coppola, Troegs Brewery, Sixpoint, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey and Stella Artois helped patrons get their drink on as they traveled from table to table experiencing the creme de la creme that our diverse city has to offer. 

In the VIP area, patrons were greeted with the friendly bar staff, that helped them to a cold refreshing beer before they stepped into the room filled with delicious treats and sweets. Trust us, you needed a drink to cool down from the tropical-like conditions of the room. Almacen, SCRATCHbread Bakery, Brooklyn Cured, Umi Nom and Murray's Cheese were set up in a small space that was crowded and hot. However, this did not ruin the experience.

Upstairs, the back wall consisted mainly of the "Choice Sweets," and all the Breweries were located in the center. The reps were excited and ready to pour you a taste of their brews.  After visiting numerous establishments, it was hard to not get full without a well-thought out game plan. Good thing to keep in mind for next year.

Overall, the event was a success and we are looking forward to the next one.

Didn't get to go? Here is a list of some of our favorites.

The lovely taste of the Pastrami from Brooklyn Cured solved everyone's problems. All the VIP guests could probably agree on one thing. Even without the bread and whole grain mustard that was supposed to accompany the meat, this was a hit despite its simplicity. Coriander crusted then smoked with a honey brine, what more could you ask for.

Brooklyn Cured

Click Here to visit their website.

 

 

 

SCRATCHbread Bakery had a lovely table in the VIP room, with an assortment of goodies. Which one was the big hit? Not even a question, It was the Chai Sticky Buns and they were phenomenal. It is made as an Italian brioche style breakfast/tea bread with burnt orange, chili, honey cinnamon with cardamom and cocoa nibbs. They’re sticky and even made with olive oil and no butter. These to-die-for treats have a delectable caramelized outside, soft inside and powerful, sweet flavor. No surprise that their table was revisited many times. They even suggest to dip it in creme anglaise to make french toast. Not a bad idea!

 

SCRATCHbread

 1069 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 718.744.8231

Click Here to visit their website.

Do you like panna cotta? What about a savory one? Northern Spry Food Co. took a different approach to this traditional dessert meaning "cooked cream," by taking out the sweet and adding some salt. Their Buttermilk Panna Cotta with roasted carrots, almonds and licorice was surrounded by dessert tables. They surprised the crowd with their popular dish, that is offered as a special at their restaurant frequently. Those who questioned the tasty, savory treat, truly missed out. 

 

 

 

Northern Spy Food Co.

511 E. 12th Street New York, NY 10009 212.228.5100

Click Here to visit their website

It's all about location, right? Dean Street served up their pulled pork sliders on mini brioche rolls. Besides the succulent pork piled on a brioche roll that was baked to perfection and melted in your mouth, one of the best parts of this pit-stop was the beer stands that were parked nearby. Pairing this tasty snack with the Troegs Hop Back, made us feel like we were in pulled pork heaven. Rumor has it that this establishment is a hot-spot for brunch in the Prospect Heights area. 

 

 

 

Dean Street

755 Dean St Brooklyn NY 11238 718.783.3326

Click Here to visit their website.

 

Pancakes and Bacon at a food event that is representing your establishment, are they serious? Yes, Bowery Diner might be new to the city but they certainly know what they are doing. These simple thin yet fluffy pancakes filled with a hint of vanilla topped with a bacon garnish and sea salt was delicate, simple and absolutely flawless. Their line was never short but the system they were using was fast, efficient and they served all the patrons with a smile.

 

 

 

Bowery Diner

241 Bowery New York, NY 10002 212.388.0052

Click Here to visit their website.

These mini cupcakes from Kumquat Cupcakery were divine and adorable. They served three different kinds: Almond Coconut Creme, Maple Cinnamon Lavender and Salted Chocolate Caramel. These bite sized treats were designed to be the kind of cupcake that allows you to try various flavors at one time. 

Kumquat Cupcakery

Click Here to visit their website.