Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow of The Meatball Shop

Some may find it cruel that this year’s Seventh Annual Village Voice Choice Eats Tasting Event was held during Lent, and for others it simply meant more for us heathens. With over 80 restaurants represented inside Basketball City, it was every foodie-instagramer’s dream. Of course I was a complete and utter glutton and walked out of the place feeling delighted and ashamed.

Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights:

1. The Food

I loved the spicy Black Pepper Crab from Maima’s Liberian Bistro and need to take a trip out to Queens to try out more of their menu soon. The Berkshire Pork Ribs with Ginger Glaze from Fort Greene’s Martha was sweet, soft and melty. Williamsburg’s El Almacén restaurant offered up a flavorful little meat and potatoes dish, and the fiery hot salsa Mexico Lindo was serving alongside their rabbit taco had me sprinting to the beer booth for a quick cool down.

Banana Leaf Steamed Local Rabbit Tacos from Mexico Lindo

2. The Beer

Between feedings, I enjoyed some tasty beer from international distributors like Asahi and Moa and local brews from Red Hook’s Sixpoint Brewery and Astoria’s SingleCut BeerSmiths.

3. The Restaurateurs

It turns out restaurant owners are a lot of fun to talk to. They’re quite knowledgeable, enthusiastic and even bigger foodies than some of their fans. Jacob Hadjigeorgis of Jacob’s Pickles was very friendly and prepared me a pretty plate of pickled peculiarities. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself!) Cris Criswell of Swine explained how he brought his vision of a low-key wine bar to life, and The Meatball Shop Co-Owners Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow of foodie fame were on hand to dish out meatballs.

My advice for attending the next event would be to buy the early ticket if your goal is to try as much food as you can, go to the restaurants you really want to try first as some of the booths ran out and packed up earlier than the rest, and fast for the day leading up to the event—scratch that; make it the week.

If you missed out and can’t wait an entire year to eat like you’re the Ghost of Christmas Present, not to worry. The Village Voice Choice Streets Third Annual Food Truck event is taking place on May 7 at Pier 86 on the Intrepid, and they’ve lined up more than 20 food trucks.

For more info, see: http://villagevoice.com/choicestreets/2014/

More pics from the Seventh Annual Village Voice Choice Eats Tasting Event

Berkshire Pork Ribs with Ginger Glaze from Martha

Broccoli Hot Dogs with Broccoli Sauerkraut from Dirt Candy