Queens Centers for Progress Presents the 28th “Evening of Fine Food"

Queens is celebrated as one of the most diverse regions in our state, if not the country, and nowhere is that cultural mosaic more apparent than in the diversity of culinary opportunities around each corner.

And this February 27, hundreds of people will come together to dine, to dish and to discover the menu of options during the Queens Centers for Progress’ 28th annual “Evening of Fine Food” at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. For the second year in a row, PIX 11 Reporter Greg Mocker will serve as emcee.

Both longtime participants and newcomers alike have already signed up for what promises to be yet another signature dynamic event, complete with food and drink from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area, networking opportunities, and so much more.

Returning are longtime participants Bourbon Street, Austin Ale House and One Station Plaza, Marbella Restaurant & Catering, The Wine Room of Forest Hills, joined by newer participants Neir’s Tavern, MumsKitchens NYC, Arepalicious, and Rincón Salvadoreño Restaurant. And they’ll be joined by Aigner Chocolates, Bevos, Café Renis, Citizen Cider, Havana Café, Il Bacco NY, Julia's Kountry Kitchen, Kam Rai Thai, Little Chef Little Café, Schmidt's Candy, and Trattoria 35 – with more participants to be announced in the coming weeks.

The in-person benefit will raise funds to support QCP’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives.

“If you want a taste of Queens, then this is the place to be – featuring culinary delights that illustrate the diversity of our borough,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “And it’s all for a good cause: because the funds that are raised allow us to keep our longtime mission alive so that all people can learn and that everyone – in spite of any developmental disability – can make meaningful choices about their lives.”

At the event, QCP will honor two “Chefs of the Year,” people who have made an impact and a difference in the community: Frank J. Quatela, Owner and Principal Architect at Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C., and Hersh K. Parekh, Esq., Director of Government and Community Relations at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. In addition to being honored, the “Chefs” will serve their community in a different way – by cooking a family specialty!

QCP will also present the Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award to Lara Gregory, Esq., Queens Community Leader, QCP Board Member, and Principal Attorney at Lara Gregory and Associates.

Tickets are $150 per person. The event is presented from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

“I’m always humbled by the turnout and success of this event – people enjoy sampling the most amazing dishes – and then tell us they can’t wait to visit these establishments after, so this event not only supports QCP but also our borough’s hospitality sector. It’s always a win-win, for the people we serve, the restaurants that participate, and the attendees who have a great time,” said QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro. “We are excited to welcome our vendors, sponsors and guests back for another delectable year!”

This year’s sponsors to date include Veronica Tsang (Diamond Sponsor), and Media/Special Sponsors are the Queens Economic Development Corporation, NYC Hospitality Association, BQE Media/Queens Ledger, Schneps Media, QPTV, Metropolitan Airport News, and Yelp.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact Wendy Gennaro at (718) 380-3000, ext. 325, or email WPhaffGennaro@queenscp.org.