GRAMERCY — Some of Gramercy’s most popular eateries are coming together for a sampling feast later this month, with offerings including pretzel-crusted chicken fingers and “instant fondue.”
The Gramercy Neighborhood Associates will host a one-block food festival called the “Taste of Gramercy” for the first time this year — inviting 21 local restaurants to serve samples of their best fall-inspired dishes.
“We see what some of the neighborhoods are doing — they did it in TriBeCa and Sutton Place did it this year,” said Alan Krevis, president of the Gramercy Neighborhood Associates. “It’s bringing local merchants together, which is what we’re striving for.”
With a $40 ticket, guests at the Oct. 12 event will be able to choose up to five samples from the restaurants of their choice, Krevis said.
During the event, Little Town, located 118 E. 15th St., will be serving pretzel-encrusted chicken tenders and fried clams with goat cheese.
Bedford Cheese Shop will also be there, melting a Swiss-style cheese using a machine called the raclette.
“The machine melts the cheese and then you can scrape it off and smear it on a baguette or apples,” said Laura Archer, a spokeswoman for Bedford Cheese. “It’s like instant fondue.”
And Gramercy Tavern will serve a compressed apple stacked with smoked tomato.
“This is a dish about the transition from summer to fall — capturing all the heat of an Indian summer day…and combining it in the sweetness of the apple, [and] the intensity of the tomato,” said Leah Herman, a spokeswoman for Gramercy Tavern.
Other participating restaurants include Casa Mono, La Follia, City Crab, Friend of a Farmer, Paul and Jimmy’s and L’Express.
Tickets can be pre-ordered for $40 until Oct. 10 and will cost $50 on the day of the event. Some of the proceeds will be donated to the School of the Future and P.S. 40.
Taste of Gramercy Park will take place on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Irving Place between 17th and 18th streets.
