QUEENS — Forest Hills, which boasts dozens of restaurants serving a variety of ethnic cuisines, has earned its spot on the foodies map of Queens a long time ago.
Now gourmets will get a chance to try dishes from at least 15 local eateries, including two that have been featured in the 2015 Michelin Guide during “Taste of the World," a food festival, which will be held on March 8, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parish.
“Foodies can expect samplings from different cuisines that reflect the multi-ethnic character of the parish and the Forest Hills community it serves,” the parish, one of the oldest and largest in the neighborhood, said in an email.
Among the participarting restaurants will be danny brown Wine Bar and Restaurant, which serves a mix of Spanish and French cuisines, and has been the recipient of a coveted Michelin star since 2011.
Several restaurant will be serving Italian food, including Ovo Sodo, La Dolce Italia Bakery, La Vigna and Portofino.
La Boulangerie will serve some French specialties, Lebanese restaurant Wafa’s will bring flavors of the Middle East and Banter will offer Irish dishes.
Other restaurants scheduled to participate include Jack & Nellie’s, Uno’s Chicago Grill, East Ocean Palace, The Family Restaurant, Keuka Cafe, Twist and Smash’d and The Reef, according to the parish.
The festival, held by the parish for the fifth time, has become a popular event in the neighborhood. “We regularly draw over 200 attendees each event,” said Karen Brogno of the parish in an email.
During the event, which is scheduled for March 8, each restaurant will serve "its own signature choices in small samplings,” according to Brogno.
Proceeds from the event will "benefit our 103-year-old parish and will help to maintain the church building," the parish said.
Marco Del Peschio, one of the owners of Ovo Sodo, an Italian bistro on Queens Boulevard, said the eatery will be serving lasagna.
"We want to help the church in any way we can," he said. "It's also a way to advertise our product."
Wafa Chami of Wafa's, a Lebanese restaurant on Metropolitan Avenue, which has earned reviews in Michelin guides, said the eatery will be serving baklava. "It's a great way to serve the community," she said.
The festival will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at McLaughlin Hall (the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School auditorium) at 72-55 Austin St.in Forest Hills. Advance tickets: $20; admission at the door $25. For tickets and more information call (718) 268-6251.
