Comestiblog: August 2012

Has Flushing's superior Asian fare ever really been a secret? The cognoscenti have raved about it for decades. Just to emphasize the point, however, the Downtown Flushing Business Improvement District held a food festival celebrating the cuisines of China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, and India. The event took place Friday, 27 July 2012, in the ballroom of the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel. Below are some of the highlights.

Video: Introductions and Culinary Highlights

Tianjin Pancakes (Chinese): Chive Dumpling (left) and Beef Pancake (right)

Since I skipped breakfast for this festival, the egg in the Chive Dumpling afforded an appropriate first taste.

Chive Dumpling with Pork, Egg, and Cellophane Noodles

Next, the Grilled Pork "Vietnamese Sandwich," better known to you and me as Bánh Mì. It was accompanied by a Summer Roll with shrimp, roast pork, bean sprouts, carrots, and lettuce.

Pho Hoang (Vietnamese): Roast Pork Bánh Mì and Summer Roll

The sushi looked so yummy! I sampled the California Roll and the House Special Salad.

Yummy Sushi House (Japanese): Sushi Platter

House Special Salad and California Roll with accoutrements

The highlight of the afternoon was the Curry Chicken with Potato over Coconut Rice with Home Style Roti Canai. The harmonious blend of the chicken's curry, coconut milk, and spices, together with the matching sweetness of the sticky rice, and the delicate Malaysian bread, achieved a sort of nirvana on the palate.

Curry Chicken with Potato

Home Style Roti Canai

Curry Leaves (Malaysian): Roti Canai with Curry Chicken over Coconut Rice

Corner 28 (Chinese): Peking Duck

I tried a few Chinese offerings at the next table.

Corner 28 (Chinese): Roast Pork and Barbecue Ribs

To Korea: Jap-Che (stir-fried cellophane noodles with vegetables, mushrooms, and beef) and Hae Mul Pajun (mixed seafood-and-vegetable dumplings).

Bitgoul Tofu & BBQ (Korean): Jap-Che and Hae Mul Pajun

Deluge (Asian Fusion): Korean BBQ Short Ribs

A pleasant surprise came from the Sheraton's Deluge restaurant. The Korean-style Braised BBQ Short Ribs were tender, succulent, and flavorful. Despite my satiety, I returned in a minute for seconds.

Deluge (Asian Fusion): Chicken Satay

More fusion, sort of …

Savory Fusion (Chinese): Assorted Pancakes

Onion-Chive (left) and Plain (right) Pancakes

And some con-fusion. Because it's so difficult to improve upon the French original, a fused adaptation should offer something superbly unique. Though beautiful in its presentation, the Foie Gras Terrine with Berry Compote failed to overthrow Gallic rule.

Mulan (Asian Fusion): Foie Gras Terrine