Give Back at New York’s Taste of the Lower East Side Foodie Event

Are you looking for a good reason to have a fabulous night out? Consider the Taste of the Lower East Side Event. Grand St. Settlement is hosting its 13th annual Taste of the Lower East Side next Thursday,  April 25th, 2013 at 82 Mercer. The event is always billed as one of the city’s top tasting events and features some of the city’s best restaurants–but that’s not all your ticket buys you–proceeds from TLES directly support Grand St. Settlement’s programs that serve thousands of disadvantaged New Yorkers of all ages each year. (and there’s an open bar too, but what’s free booze compared to giving back to your community?)

Taste of the Lower East Side has become an annual community event eagerly anticipated by gourmands, restaurateurs, and food aficionados alike. The unique event showcases the area’s historically rich and diverse food and culture through a partnership between local eateries and our community-based organization. Each year, upwards of 1,000 supporters join food lovers and restaurants in giving back to their less fortunate neighbors. On the evening of April 25th, dozens of the city’s most highly acclaimed restaurants and chefs from the downtown area will present their most exciting dishes, desserts, and drinks to attendees.

If you’re like me, you have probably been wanting to try a zillion of the Lower East Side’s brightest and best restaurants. Is it just me or does it seem that by the time you’ve tried the “hottest” restaurant, a new one has cropped up? I’m so psyched for Taste of the Lower East Side because it offers the chance to try dishes from the best LES and downtown restaurants all under one roof in one evening. Admission includes unlimited tastings, accompanied by an open bar of specialty cocktails, beer and wine. There will also be a lively silent auction, raffle prizes, and a live DJ. The best part? You’ll be giving back! Grand St. Settlement’s programs have been expanding opportunities for low-income families and individuals by providing culturally relevant services that support, community-building, advocacy, self-determination and an enriched quality of life.

Did I mention that TLES is unlimited tastings? C’mon when can you get anything unlimited in this town? Especially from luxury restaurants that are difficult to even get a reservation at? This is the perfect opportunity to help a fabulous charitable organization and get a little thank you back from local restaurant owners in return. Some of the city’s best restaurants are bringing their A Game. Trendy spots like the General, Il Buco, Jeepney and L’Apicio will be serving up their specialties. Click here for a full list of participating restaurants.

Event Details:
Where: 82Mercer New York, NY
When: VIP Preview 6pm-7pm; General Admission: 7pm-10pm
Tickets: Available Online
General Admission: $195 in advance; $200 at the door
VIP Tasting Preview: $300

Still not sure what to do? Here are my Top 5 Reasons to Go to TLES

1. The Perfect Date Night

Take your date out for a memorable evening – get swept up in the whirlwind of clinking glasses,
sumptuous food, and romantic atmosphere. The stunning, exposed brick interior and soft gallery lighting
of 82Mercer make everyone look good.

2. Give Back

A large portion of your ticket fee is tax refundable – after all, Taste of the Lower East Side is Grand St.
Settlement’s annual major fundraising event; this night generates the dollars we put to work for
thousands of disadvantaged New Yorkers. We can’t think of a more fun (or delicious!) way to give back
to your neighbors.

3. Meet this year’s Up-and-Coming Hotspots- all in one place!

You’ve seen the write-ups in the Times, you’ve got To Eat lists synced on all your electronic devices,
you’ve been ready to meet the new guys – it’s time.

4. Mingle with some of NYC’s top Chefs

Watch the masters at work and hobnob with some of the food industry’s most infamous faces. Maybe
you’ll even get the chance to pick up a few insider tips on your favorite dishes!

5. Last but not least–Align your values with a Landmark Institution

For 97 years Grand St. Settlement as created opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers to reach for
their own American Dream.