screen-shot-2016-09-07-at-2-17-16-pmThis weekend you can Taste the East Village, which is the first of an annual outdoor tour of old and new restaurants that keep the storied neighborhood’s food scene on the map. The festival will feature mouthwatering dishes and innovative cocktails from Jimmy’s No. 43, Luke’s Lobster, Veselka, Butter Lane Cupcakes, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, Porchetta and many more. Besides all the food and booze, there will be live entertainment from local music groups. 

This isn’t “another” food festival. Taste of East Village is a collaborative effort by local leaders who want to give back to the community in a substantial and impactful way. After the terrible gas explosion in the East Village on March 2015, the Cooper Square Committee assisted with the relocation of several displaced households and assisted impacted buildings with repairs. During its work, the organization realized that many small businesses, which are an essential part of the community, were also severely affected. Three community leaders, Steve Herrick, Cooper Square Committee executive director; Jimmy Carbone, owner of the beloved pub Jimmys’ No.43; and Ben Conniff, co-owner of Luke’s Lobster, as well as founder of Taste of 7th Street, combined forces to celebrate all that is this incredible community known as the East Village in the most delicious way possible!

Besides being a delicious event to celebrate the culture, beauty, and community that is the EV, proceeds from ticket sales will go toward three initiatives spearheaded by the Cooper Square Committee: the tenant and small business organizing program, which helps prevent tenant displacement caused by speculators; the development of two buildings, which will house 40 homeless LGBT youth; and the senior program, which helps elderly residents age in place with a strong support network. 

If you’re free this Saturday, September 17th, from 12:00pm-5:00pm make sure to get your $25.00 tickets to support the community and try some dishes from the best restaurants in this area! #TasteofEastVillage