So much fun and food was had at Sarabeth’s today when ten Taste of Tribeca restaurants served up a sneak peak of the dishes they will offer on the big day May 19th. Gourmelle joined the invited members of the media for the ten course lunch and there were plenty of satisfied sighs as each dish was introduced by the chef who created it.

The line up included both some of the newest entries to the annual food fest and some of the founding members.

Food writers scribbled notes and everyone was snapping photos as each delicious dish was brought into Sarabeth’s elegant private dining room.

“I have nothing but food pictures on my phone,” confessed a young diner as she took a picture of the crab cake sliders that Sarabeth’s will serve in their second year with Taste of Tribeca.

Guests’ eyes popped out on stalks when a cookie was added to the same plate. Gourmelle decided early that she would have to pace herself and others too put theirs to one side for later.  This of course is a tried and tested tactic at Taste of Tribeca itself. Eric Torkells of Tribeca Citizen explained that he always makes for the stalls serving dessert first. “ I end up eating lunch backwards but I avoid the lines,” he laughed.

Braised Short Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce from The Palm was the next taste served in a dainty little pie shell, followed by Kutsher’s House Cured Pastrami on Rye which anyone who has read this blog knows is already a Gourmelle favorite. Tre Sorelle like Kutsher’s is a Taste debutante. Gourmelle was fascinated to hear the matriarch of the restaurant was the chef for St Patrick’s Cathedral for 25 years. No doubt she had a hand in the Stuffed Spaghetti Pie. “It’s like Italian Mac and cheese,” declared a young writer who tweeted her way through lunch.

A short digression here to remind everyone of the Taste timeline. Buy your tickets before May 1^st to get the early bird bargain price of $40. One way to achieve this is to stop by the Taste booth at the Tribeca Film Festival’s Family Day this Saturday April 28^th or just click here – even easier.

If by some chance you forget to buy them, all is not lost but the price does go up to $45 on May 1^st and then on the day you’ll need 50 green ones to secure a ticket. Faith Paris, the indefatigable chair of Taste of Tribeca, would like you to know personally that now is the time to buy. She expects 4000 people at this year’s festival.

As diners pleaded for mercy, Grandaisy bakery dished out Roman Style Pizzas, definitely worth stopping by for on the day, while Pane Panelle unveiled their robust Polpette – meatballs to you and me and your kids will love them. Walker’s classic pulled pork sandwich was there to prove that this founding member of Taste is not resting on its laurels even after 18 years of taking part.

And then it was time for dessert. If there was some discrete belt-loosening going on Gourmelle would not have been surprised.  Blaue Gans gave the diners a refreshing surprise that you could drink and spoon, strawberry juice and a creamy elderflower concoction – it had everyone slurping enthusiastically. Meanwhile Bubby's revived the flagging eaters with a spritely Watermelon lemonade and an apple cobbler that any one would have been proud to serve at home. But there was more. Billy’s Bakery, the booth your kids are bound to find straightaway, doled out their delightful mini cupcakes in assorted flavors – some had the most beautiful pale blue icing.

As everyone struggled to stand up from the table there were mutterings about the need for an afternoon nap. But all agreed, the lunch boded well for Taste of Tribeca, we had sampled just ten of the restaurants, on the day there will be 75 to choose from. Gourmelle can’t wait. Thanks so much to all the restaurants who took part today and to all who will be there on May 19^th.