Smorgasburg Queens Launches on Saturday

Filipino stingray sandwiches, Hong Kong mango pomelo soup, and Venezuelan patacón are some of the ethnic food options that are available in Queens, the world’s most diverse borough. However, adventurous eaters will now be able to try all of these treats — as well as Colombian arepas, Korean redneck tacos, and Taiwanese popcorn chicken — in the same spot.

On Saturday, Smorgasburg Queens will hold a grand opening at its 7,500-square-foot lot, which is attached to a 10,000-square-foot indoor space, at 43-29 Crescent Street in Long Island City. About two dozen vendors will sell their appetizers, entrées, beverages, desserts, and specialty products from 11 am to 6 pm on a weekly basis.

Though a sister market to the original Smorgasburg in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, this bazaar will have a distinctively Queens flavor. Joe DiStefano, who gives local food tours and blogs about restaurants, is the curator, and he’s recruited a diverse group of purveyors from such neighborhoods as Astoria, Elmhurst, Flushing, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, and Woodside.

It won’t all be ethnic, though. Tina Stipanovic from Rèst-âü-Ránt (RaR) plans to serve Bloody Mary doughnuts and s’mores with stout, a mix of chocolate insides with a salty crumb finish and stout reduction. Queens Kickshaw will go with a new version of its famous grilled cheese sandwiches. And the Michelin-rated Forest Hills eatery Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen will spin off as Brine by Danny Brown and peddle lobster roll, duck confit, and a brioche hot dog roll.

Photo by Smorgasburg