A Taste of Fifth 2019
A Taste of Fifth has seen yet another successful year, marking its highest ticket sales to date. More than 600 tickets were sold and a whopping $15,000 raised for the 15 benefitting non-profits. The excitement and merriment was undeniable throughout the evening as guests indulged in a myriad of local food and beverage selections on and around 5th Avenue. Returning veterans like Calexico (5th Ave. between Garfield Place and 1st Street) shared its famed Gringo Taco in adorable, colorful mini shells along with its delicious vegan Beet Tacos. Blue Sky Bakery, (5th Ave. between Bergen and St. Marks; 8th year veteran) showcased its token daffodil décor with platers of dairy-free veggie muffins such as Pumpkin Apple Cranberry and Zucchini Strawberry Chocolate Chip.
There was an impressive number of first-timers joining the fun this year. New businesses such as Simple Loaf Bake House (5th Ave. between 2nd & 3rd streets; opening May 2019) shared delectable treats such as Lemon Bars, Caramel Blondies, and Fudge Brownies. Also, Lizzy King Parlor (corner of 5th & Prospect Place) has joined the Fifth Avenue family boasting menu items which are sourced solely from New York purveyors including Fleishers on 5th, from where their meat is purchased for the signature pork sliders which were featured at the event. The Shaking Crab (corner of President Street & 5th Ave.) was on deck, marking its second participation. Guests sampled the spicy crawfish and head-on shrimp in a pool of ‘Shaking’ sauce: a savory mix of cajun spices, butter, and garlic with a kick.
With all the scrumptious tastes, there were many thirst-quenchers to pair along. Zula Wines & Spirits, (5th Ave, between 11th and 12th streets, opened late 2018), had a constant line as guests enjoyed three wines – a Portuguese Rosé, an Austrian Grϋner, and a Montepulciano – and is co-owned by couple Amy Miles and Mike Robertson, and friend/comedian Amy Poehler. The featured wines are available for $12 or less. Brooklyn born Breuckelen Distillery (77 19th street; first time participant), stirred Manhattans and Gin and Tonic sippers through the night along with tastes of its whiskeys in the Grand Ball Room’s speakeasy as Hot Club of Flatbush regaled visitors.
Zula Wine 
A Taste of Fifth, 2019 
Fogo Azul Drumline
The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another.
The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another. Owners of SkyIce (corner of 5th Ave. & St. Marks) were very excited about returning to A Taste of Fifth (7th year participant) and spending time with fellow industry comrades. The dine serves provincial Thai cooking and all-natural homemade ice cream, and offered Krapraw Gai Sub( a dish with minced chicken in a chili basil sauce), along with Thai Tea and Roasted Thai Coconut ice creams – just two out of the 300 flavors offered in-house. Prospect Bar and Grill provided its best seller Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, and a Roast Pork Slider with pickled cherry pepper, broccoli rabe, and mozzarella.
All entertainment, including members from Fogo Azul, an all women Brazilian drumline, was spot-on for the festive occasion. Congrats to all participants, restaurants, charities, and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District for a job exquisitely done!
Photography by Emily J. Davis