Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Pork Fest Lets New Yorkers Live High on the Hog at Astoria Beer Garden

ASTORIA — Get ready to pig out.

The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Queens is hosting its annual "Pork Fest" this weekend, a three-day celebration of Czech and Slovak food that pays tribute to all things swine.

A special menu of pork-themed dishes will be served, and a line-up of Czech musical acts will accompany the festivities.

The Astoria Market will also be at the hall on Sunday with a Valentine's Day shopping bazaar, so you can find a gift for that special someone while you wait for your homemade kielbasa.

The Beer Garden has been celebrating Pork Fest for the last 20 years, according to manager Larry Spacek.

"This is tradition," he said. "Many people come from far away just for this."

Among the savory items are appetizers like a pork and barley soup, homemade dumplings or head cheese prepared with pickled onions and vinegar. Entrees include breaded and friend pork cutlets with mashed potatoes, white and blood sausages, roast pork and sauerkraut.

A Czech rock group will perform Friday night and a traditional folk polka ensemble will entertain diners on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Astoria Market will be set up just upstairs from the beer garden with a number of locally-based artisans selling their jewelry, chocolates, clothes, stationery and other accessories for Valentine's Day next week.

Vendors include Strung Out Jewelry and Knit One Pearl Two, both based in Astoria, Long Island City's Floresta and Knitted by Ella, among others.

Pork Fest will take place at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, at 29-19 24th Ave. in Astoria, from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10. The Astoria Market will be at the Beer Garden on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.