2011 Dumpling Festival

WOW.  Seriously one of the best food festivals I’ve ever attended.  The crowd was just LIVE—you could seriously feel the excitement.  I didn’t know how many people would actually be there, but after hopping off the D train at Grand I had to walk up a bit (should have taken the F) as the festival was held at the northernmost reaches of Sarah D. Roosevelt Park.  Was the hike worth it?  Utterly and completely!  I actually met a couple of folks along the way looking for the venue as well so we ended up walking up together.   There were staff workers all over the place in their cute green t-shirts and there’s even a MASCOT.  Yes—a dumpling mascot.  Rock on, man.

I have to give a shout out to the emcee of the day whom, outside of the food, was one of the highlights for me.  Bring her back for next year!  She was quick, clever and funny.  All things you want to keep things moving along, as well as, sustaining the all-important buzzing atmosphere!

Food wise—there were quite a few booths.  They had a nice little tent set up for the media and other VIP’s with food and drink but, considering that all proceeds went to benefit the Food Bank of NYC—I bought a couple of tickets ($20 apiece gets you 4 samples at any booth).   Apparently—1 ticket buys 100 meals.  How incredible is that?!

There were quite a few booths and the best part—a lot of them actually tasted good too!  The representatives included dumplings from all walks—Asian to European to Southwestern!  My favorite—the incredible trio of pierogi’s from Veselka. WOW.  You honestly don’t think you’ll get the greatest representation of quality food at these sorts of events because of the way food has to be heated/made/etc.—but their pierogis  OUTSTANDING.  In fact—they were so good that I plan on visiting that restaurant at some point soon!  Why so great?  The dumpling was soft, moist, chewy—the perfect batter.  Inside—more gems.  With my stamp I received 3 dumplings—a beef and pork mix, a potato, and the best thing I ate of the day—a goat cheese and arugula dumpling.  I shall definitely be trying to replicate that one at home at some point!  I was also happy to note that Bistro de la Gare did a Chicken Liver Ravioli (see I knew ravioli’s should be included in here!).  While the ravioli fell apart—the flavor surely didn’t.  Totally tasty!

Then—the main events—the eating contests—from the Guinness World Record event to the 8^th Annual Chef One Dumpling eating contest—it was a tremendous success!  I won’t bore you with all the details here (but if you do want to know the details—check out www.provokingthepalate.com).  Seven time winner Joseph Menchetti (who claims it would have been 8 had he been here the first year) ate 69 dumplings in 2 minutes.  69, folks.  The female winner certainly was no slouch either, consuming an astounding 37 in 2 minutes.  All I can say is–*&$@^&*!($.  Yes—no words can describe my awe.  I will definitely be hanging out there this time next year!  Who knows—maybe I’ll try my luck at it!

It benefits a wonderful cause, provides incredible food and awesome entertainment—everyone should be attend next year.  I had a blast!

Complete List of Winners:

Newly minted Guinness Book of World Records Holder:  Seth Gruberg, 18 dumplings in 2 minutes.  Before you go thinking wait, what?  Here’s the deal—the rules are far more stringent for that title.  First—NO WATER.  That’s right—no water allowed during those 2 minutes.  Also—after every dumpling, you must show your mouth to a judge.  There’s even an official Guinness TIMER.

8^th Annual Chef One Dumpling Eating Contest Winners:

Men’s Division:

Joseph Menchetti – 69
David Brunelli – 60
Will Millender – 45

Women’s Division:

Floria Lee – 37
Olga Zaitsev – 33
Chau Bui – 23