Thompkinsville, June 26, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Kenneth Mitchell participated in a unique tasting tour of Little Sri Lanka as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d campaign. , Mogan Chinniah, owner of Dosa Garden restaurant, New York City and Company, the Staten Island delegation, Assembly Member Matthew Titone and members of the Sri Lankan community joined the Speaker and Council Member in the tour.<\/p>\n
The day\u2019s event follows an announcement Speaker Quinn made last month with Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC and Company kicking off the campaign, which invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore nine culturally diverse neighborhoods that New York City has to offer. The Speaker first mentioned the idea in her State of the City speech, as a way to support local small businesses during challenging economic times.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s visits included a savory tasting menu of Masala Vada, Rasam, a traditional spiced lentil essence soup and Shrimp Biryani from Dosa Garden, and talking with local business owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nine in 09 campaign highlights the many treasures we have within our five boroughs,\u201d said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. \u201cNot only are these cultural jewels a way to help New Yorkers explore unknown areas, but they will also help tourists maximize their experience here and show off all we have to offer. Together, we at the Council are working as hard as possible to ensure that New York City\u2019s local businesses stay afloat during these tough economic times. 9 in 09 is just one example of those efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sri Lankans have contributed much to our community, and this campaign is a great opportunity to highlight the wonderful restaurants and community of Staten Island’s Little Sri Lanka, said Council Member Kenneth Mitchell. \u201cIt is a great honor to be a part of and support campaigns like the Nine in 09, that emphasize our local cultural gems and bring about local support and interest.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI am greatly honored & delighted that the speaker has chosen my restaurant as the venue for the press conference, said Mogan Chinniah, owner of Dosa Garden. \u201cIt is my privilege to serve the speaker and the elected officials the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. I also want to thanks our Councilman Ken Mitchell for looking after the interest of the minorities in Staten Island. District 43 is lucky to have Councilman Ken Mitchell who has proved his ability within a short period of time far beyond our expectation. God bless America”
\n\u201cStaten Island has a well deserved reputation as the \u2018Borough of Parks,\u2019 but we are quickly also becoming the \u2018Borough of Restaurants\u2019 due to the proliferation of wonderful establishments that reflect the growing diversity of our community,\u201d said Council Member and Minority Leader James Oddo. \u201cThese wonderful restaurants are worth the extra 20 minutes on the treadmill.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle Sri Lanka is on of the City\u2019s hidden gems, and we\u2019re pleased to highlight all the great dining, shopping and cultural offerings in the neighborhood with our Nine in 09 campaign,\u201d said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. \u201cWe encourage all New Yorkers to visit explore Little Sri Lanka \u2013 and all of New York City\u2019s unique neighborhoods this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Sri Lanka
\nIt used to be that Sri Lanka and Staten Island shared nothing in common\u2026except for the fact that they are both islands that start with the letter \u201cs.\u201d But over the years, the South Asian country\u2019s rich culture and delectable Indian-, Dutch- and Portuguese-influenced cuisine have made their way to Staten Island\u2014and the free, 25-minute ferry ride from Manhattan makes it easy for both visitors and locals to take part in the experience. A 15-minute walk from the St. George Ferry Terminal, the hub of Little Sri Lanka is located between Bay Street and Victory Boulevard, where most of the neighborhood\u2019s restaurants and shops are clustered. Be sure to arrive hungry to taste Sri Lankan food like crepes and rice and curry. If the closest you\u2019ve gotten to Sri Lanka is buying an M.I.A. album, Staten Island\u2019s version of the country is well worth the trip<\/p>\n
Nine in \u201909 highlighted neighborhoods and cultures include: Astoria (Greek); Jackson Heights (Indian\/Latin American); Brighton Beach (Russian); Flatbush (West Indian); the Bronx\u2019s Arthur Avenue (Little Ireland and Little Italy); Koreatown; El Barrio; and Staten Island (Sri Lankan).<\/p>\n
For more information on the campaign visit www.nycgo.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Thompkinsville, June 26, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Kenneth Mitchell participated in a unique tasting tour of Little Sri Lanka as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d campaign. , Mogan Chinniah, owner of Dosa Garden restaurant, New York City and Company, the Staten Island delegation, Assembly Member Matthew Titone and members of the Sri Lankan community joined the Speaker and Council Member in the tour.<\/p>\n
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