Celebrating Unique Flavors of Downtown Nabe

By [Robby Ritacco]

 Taste of the Village returns for its ninth edition and packs a savory and sweet punch Greenwich Village restaurant workers and foodies alike gathered at the north end of Washington Square Park Wednesday, Sept. 14 to support their neighborhood and its eclectic dining selection. For this year?s Taste of the Village festival, a $50 ticket bought interested patrons the opportunity to scarf down hors d?oeuvres and sample-sized delights prepared by over 30 participating local restaurants. In the nine years since its founding, the annual event has not only become a celebration of neighborhood pride but an important source of funding for Washington Square Park. Upon passing through the Washington Square Arch, armband-wearing patrons were greeted by an assortment of foods fit for any occasion, all prepared by individuals who devoted their time and portions of their menus in the name of neighborhood spirit. No great dining event has truly started until someone passes out the pigs in a blanket. On this occasion, the essential appetizer was prepared and provided by the 8th Street Wine Cellar (28 W. 8th St., at MacDougal St., 212-260-9463) whose miniature pigs? tenderness was surpassed only by their flaky blankets. The 8th Street stand also dished out their meatballs marinara: warm, hearty meatballs covered in a thick red sauce (or ?gravy? to most Italian-Americans). Knickerbocker Bar & Grill (33 University Pl., at E. 9th St., 212-228-8490) went for a less-is-more approach with their hanger steak sliders. These simple sandwiches packed copious amounts of taste into only two ingredients, juicy strips of steak on a miniature warm bun. But as meats go, nothing compared to the sweet and savory flavors of the braised pork belly by One if by Land (17 Barrow St., betw. W. 4th St. & 7th Ave., 212-255-8649). Covered in an apple glaze and served atop a sweet apple slaw, the tender meat presented a tartness no average chop could dare challenge. Interspersed throughout the numerous food stands were eight beverage tables, four of which served exclusively wine. These stations were great for a quick tasting of delightful vinos, both foreign and domestic, but one table?s hosts made a critical observation: these people were going to need some brews to wash things down. In response to such a demand, Brooklyn Brewery (79 N. 11th St., betw. Berry St. & Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, 212-486-7422) accepted the job, handing out cup after cup of their Oktoberfest beer. Giving the Brooklynites a run for their money in popularity was the signature roast coffee from Financier Patisserie (multiple locations in Downtown Manhattan), whose steaming cups could be found alongside every plate, especially in the final hour of the festival. The patisserie was the only stand offering java, and rest assured this was no serial sludge obtainable at the end of the grocery aisle, but a namesake blend that simply commanded the drinker to indulge in a pastry. Thankfully, Financier Patisserie had the kindness to provide a plate of their crunchy choquettes and mini almond and chocolate financiers. A perfect complement to a fresh cup o? joe. Yet one stand seemed to have a particularly alluring hold on the crowd. Countless diners seemed to find themselves unable to stave off the intriguingly sweet call of the toasted marshmallow milkshake offered by burger shop Stand 4 (24 E. 12th St., betw. University Pl. & 5th Ave., 212-488-5900). Garnished with whipped cream and one lightly toasted, jumbo marshmallow, the shake made an appropriate nightcap for the evening and was most likely the cause of several broken diets and some short-lived shame, though it was instantly replaced by sinful delight. Described as a ?food and wine tasting extravaganza? by host organization The Village Alliance, Greenwich Village?s BID, the evening was indeed a mouth-watering celebration of Downtown cuisine made sweeter by the philanthropic mission of the event. The Taste of the Village festival has contributed over $400,000 to support Washington Square Park?s horticultural and cleanup services. This roughly $50,000 annual contribution has played a pivotal role in the alliance?s ability to maintain the flora, foliage and inviting quality of the park. ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Check out Robby Ritacco?s coverage of  the 85th Annual San Gennaro Festival in  Little Italy, going on through Sept. 25th, at [www.otdowntown.com](http://nypress.com). [photosmash id=12 layout='gallery_view_layout']