Taste of Tribeca: A Community of Flavors
Children with their hair and faces painted enjoying their dishes.
Saturday afternoon, the small prominent neighborhood of Tribeca was swarming with children and adults of all ages getting a taste of the area’s finest cuisine, sweetest desserts and entertaining performers. Despite the unpredictable weather, enormous crowds made their way to the event. Massive signs with the words “Taste of Tribeca” lined the streets, leading New Yorkers to this annual delight. Children enjoyed getting their hair and faces painted bright colors, while stuffing themselves with decadent s’mores cookies from Landmarc Tribeca, as well as the popular Duane Park Patisserie’s rich molten chocolate cake.
Rich Chocolate Molten Cake from Duane Park Patisserie
Spicy, marinated, slow-cooked carnitas, along with intensely flavored pulled pork sliders, fit excellently into the notable pork theme of the afternoon. Generously and lovingly seasoned meatballs made with duck and even lamb, surprised some. Around almost every corner was an abundance of desserts. I enjoyed the grapefruit pineapple sorbet, which was a bit tart for my younger sisters’ palates but danced pleasantly around mine, quite a refreshing treat in what felt like a more intense sunlight at that point. Jazz music played as adults swayed side to side enjoying their smooth chocolate mousse presented in egg shells and making bee lines towards the specialty stores handing out succulent tasting wine.
Young woman enjoying a chocolate mousse filled egg from Brick NYC.
Food having been the main highlight was not the only thing New Yorkers were able to enjoy. Children laughed and bonded with Looney Lenny the clown while joyously clutching balloon animals. Tents near the band’s stage were lined with tables housing excited children who created trinkets and toys from modeling clay, and a cleaner table for coloring and sticker play. There wasn’t a child in sight who was not wearing a smile or having a great time. The best part was interacting with the children who volunteered, trying their best to raise money for their beloved school. If there was a moment or place on Earth that day where the sense of togetherness, love, and community was evident it was in that little area of Duane and Hudson Street. Even firefighters gave their time for the occasion, never failing to take the time to speak with residents and pose for pictures.
Members of the FDNY converse with me as I took their picture.
Despite the heavy crowds, continuously long lines, and, at one point, blinding sun, the smiles never stopped, and the crowds just wouldn’t die down. A sense of community, friendship, and family filled the air. The content skipping children, soulful music made us all forget we were in the heart of Manhattan in an area once over run by panic and fear on 9/11. Although the vendors began to pack up and food slowly disappeared, the crowds continued eating, sharing, and enjoying the entertainment. What a way to end such an event filled with incredibly flavorful meals consumed in the name of charity and good taste.
Looney Lenny entertains children.
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Great article but the second picture is tagged incorrectly — the molten chocolate cake is from Duane Park Patisserie. Thought they deserved the credit since they turned out so many of those divine babies!
Thanks for the heads-up! We thought it had been corrected earlier.
Sounds like a really fun event and so kid friendly too. I love these events where you end up talking to people you’ve never met, it brings back that old hometown feeling.
Chris’s Gourmet Fashion recently posted..Spring Fruit Salad Bowl
It was tons of fun for the kids. But seeing the children who were volunteering instead of enjoying themselves, now that was really something else. It was a great community event for a great cause. Plus I love meeting new people, everyone has an interesting and unique life story. Thanks for commenting!
I love how our city has festivals on the street full of food and laughter. While I didn’t make it to this one; your post made me remember why I love this city so much, and just how special it really is.
I’m so glad I was able to bring you there with my words and photos. I passed a flea market while walking down Christopher St. in the village on my way to Tribeca, and completely forgot I was standing on the streets of NYC. There really is no other place like it. =]
Sounds like a great day of eating, especially those carnitas.
James Kiester recently posted..Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant
There was so much to choose from I had 3 tickets and 1 still had two stamps left but I was stuffed!
Wonderful post! I always love to read what you write. And your pictures are amazing!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts recently posted..Week in Review 5-28-11
Thank you, you’re too kind! I’m so glad you enjoyed the article and photos! =]
Love the post and photos.
Christine recently posted..Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
Thank you so much Christine! I’m really glad you like them! Thanks for reading and commenting. =]
What a great post..wonderful pictures! You really wrote so nicely, it took me like I was there! Fantastic!!!
Sandra’s Easy Cooking recently posted..Delicious Crab Croquettes
I’m so glad you felt like you were there. There are a few things I do to ensure I don’t miss any important details while I’m at the event. Thanks so much for the compliments and especially for taking the time to read the article! =]