Updated: Aug. 08, 2021, 12:45 p.m. | Published: Aug. 08, 2021, 12:45 p.m.
By Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Food enthusiasts can sample food and beverages from Staten Island’s South Shore restaurants during a trolley tour at the fourth annual “Taste of the Towns,” starting next week.
The South Shore Business Improvement District (BID) and Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) are hosting the event on Sunday, Aug. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The event will allow participants to sample food and beverages from participating locations within the towns of Annadale, Eltingville and Great Kills — with trolley service available to shuttle guests to and from each town.
“This is one of my favorite events,” said Borelli. “I encourage people to attend not only to sample the delicious food, but also so that they can see how much the South Shore has to offer and support our local businesses.”
There will be two trolleys available running nonstop to shuttle patrons from town to town. Guests are encouraged to visit all the locations in one town and then hop on the trolley to be taken to the next town. And those who want to use their own means of public transportation can do so.
The current list of participating businesses includes: Annadale Bakery, District, The Pizza Parlor, Mona Lisa, Annadale Terrace, Alfonso’s Bakery, Campania, Joyce’s Tavern, Giovanni’s Trattoria, Holiday Beverage, Richmond Republic, Juicy Lucy, Sofia’s Taqueria, Flanagan’s Tavern, Mimmo’s Restaurant, Nonna’s Pizzeria, Village Maria and Top Tomato.
“It’s a great way to get out and support local businesses during these trying times,” said Gary Fleming, president of The South Shore BID. “This year, we’re also pleased to announce that each participating location will be receiving $500 from the BID to help them offset the cost of additional staffing and food needed to participate.”
Given the coronavirus (COVID-19) struggles recently faced by restaurants and small businesses, the South Shore BID will provide, this year, each location with a $500 stipend to offset any costs each location may incur.
For the most up-to-date list of restaurants, and to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.SouthShoreBID.org.
Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Ticket holders will receive a complimentary tasting at each participating location and be granted access to the trolley.
There will be three separate registration locations where guest can check in — at Richmond County Savings Bank in Annadale, 820 Annadale Rd.; Richmond County Savings Bank in Eltingville, 4523 Amboy Rd; and Richmond County Savings Bank in Great Kills, 3879 Amboy Rd.
Upon check-in, guests will be given a map highlighting participating locations, as well as a booklet to be used to redeem the complimentary tastings.
Guests will also be able to cast their vote for their favorite participating location. The winner will be presented with a “Best of The BID Award.”
In 2019, the winner was Flannagan’s Tavern.
For questions, tickets, and more information, call (718) 490-5023, visit www.SouthShoreBID.org, or text the word “SSBID” to the number 313131.