BUSHWICK — The first-ever Taste of Bushwick is launching next week — and it will highlight cuisine from longtime neighborhood restaurants as well as newcomers to the local food scene.
Attendees of the June 16 event will pay $40 for unlimited food and drink from hot new eateries including French bistro Mominette and Cajun eatery Tchoup Shop, as well as Bushwick standbys like Los Hermanos Tortilla Factory.
Theater venue Bushwick Starr, which will host the event, approached a variety of businesses to participate because organizers didn't just want it to be about the neighborhood's new arrivals, said Sue Kessler, the theater's executive director.
"There are some staple places that have been around for generations," Kessler said. "It's important that places are presented just like the new bars around the corner."
Boar's Head, which has run a factory at 24 Rock St. since 1930s, will even be setting up a hot dog stand, Kessler said.
Those who want to take some of the tasty offerings home can pay an additional $40 on top of the ticket fee and will receive a tote bag with more than $200 worth of merchandise from local businesses, including craft beer, hydroponic hot sauce from Brooklyn Garage and cannoli from Circo's Pastry.
Kessler hopes even more of Bushwick's longtime businesses will participate in the next "Taste" event, once they see how the first one goes.
"It's a pretty broad banner to put on something," Kessler said of the name "Taste of Bushwick." "You have to be aware of what's around you and what's represented."
Taste of Bushwick will take place June 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bushwick Starr, 207 Starr St. Tickets cost $40.
