Taste of LIC - Great Food, Gorgeous Setting

Last Wednesday, I had the great fun of attending the third annual Taste of LIC. And while I was expecting a standard tasting event, it was so much more because of its spectacular location in LIC's luxurious East Coast Tower. The event was held on the rooftop of this magnificent building, located on Center Boulevard on LIC's waterfront. The view was incredible and the food was divine. Here are some of my favorite food stops of the night. I'll definitely be hitting these places up in the future.

Café Henri - This low-key French café is in a prime spot just off the 7 train. Pastries and bread are clearly its area of expertise. An absolute stand-out was the pretzel croissant--salty and pretzel-like on the outside, and soft, chewy and croissant-like on the inside. They went like hotcakes and were unlike any pretzel I've ever tasted--and I even took some home with me!

10-10 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY, 718-383-9315

Tournesol - Another Frenchie spot, this one is on the south end of Vernon Boulevard. Its Taste of LIC station was a fine start to the evening with a hearty egg, bacon, and onion quiche, paired with sweet Domaine Brut champagne. They had an olive and onion focaccia, which was also good but didn't stand a chance next to the quiche.

50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY, 718-472-4355

Communitea - This organic country-style tea and pastry shop provided a sweet finish to the night. The treats were bite-sized and my favorites included the toasted oat scone, served with a smooth clotted cream. I also went back for a homemade chocolate chip cookie, which was chewy and super light.

47-02 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY, 718-729-7708

Blend - I was excited to see some Latin fusion and had the chance to try their chicken croquettes with avocado chili. They were good but could've been a little creamier. The chicken arepas were solid though and overall their booth featured some interesting flavors, which I'd like to try for dinner sometime. I checked out their menu and the prices are inexpensive.

47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY, 718.729.2800

Proceeds from the event benefited a local arts center, The Chocolate Factory. There was funky music on-site too, courtesy of The Vintage DJ.

I was sad to leave this lap of luxury where food was at your every disposal and booze flowed freely. Not a bad way to spend a summer night. Not bad at all.