BWW Interviews: TASTE ASIA Takes Over Times Square, 6/26-27

The "Taste Asia" Food Fest will return to New York City this weekend for a second installment. Culinary All-Stars will fire up their Woks for the largest Asian food festival in North America on June 26th and 27th .

Starting seven years ago, Taste Asia began in a single Manhattan restaurant, where the first International Chinese Culinary Competition was held. Today, Taste Asia has grown into the largest Asian food festival in North America with over five hundred notable chefs participating throughout the years and drawing thousands to the heart of New York City.

"This festival is the perfect way to bring the tastes and traditions of Asia to the general public," said Jan Jekielek, Co-curator of Taste Asia. He continues; "Times Square is the ultimate backdrop for this outdoor foodie festival as we are bringing visitors from all walks of life together to celebrate great food and culture."

As the excitement builds for the event, Broadwayworld.com spoke with two of New York City's most renowned Asian chefs and asked them why Taste Asia is so distinctive.

"Taste Asia is one of the leaders in bringing Asian food to the forefront. They have been a key player in talking about Asian food as well as getting Asian chefs the respect they deserve." said Chef Hemant Mathur of the Fine Indian Dining group. http://www.fineindiandining.com

"The Chinese culinary arts have a 5,000-year history. Actually Westerners do not have a real understanding of these traditions yet. The International Chinese Culinary Competition presents these traditions to the world." commented
Chef Zizhao Luo of Radiance. http://www.radiancenyc.com

The free two-day foodie extravaganza on June 26th and 27th in Times Square boasting the incomparable talents and expertise of culinary geniuses including Michelin-starred chefs Hemant Mathur (Haldi, Chola), Joe Isidori (Chalk Point Kitchen, Black Tap Burgers), Terry French (Food Network's World Extreme Chef 2012), Beat Bobby Flay veterans, Brian Tsao (Mira Sushi) and Esther Choi (Mokbar), Top Chef winner Hung Huynh (Catch, The General), Anthony Ricco (Spice Market) and Barret Beyer (Hell's Kitchen 11, Cutthroat Kitchen).

On Friday, June 26th, New York great Chef David Bouley (Bouley, Brushstroke), and Japanese Iron Chef Yuji Wakiya (KOA), will demonstrate superior culinary skills and revive Asian culinary traditions side-by-side live in the Taste Asia kitchens.

On Saturday, June 27th China's five major regional cuisines are still waiting to be discovered at the 7th International Chinese Culinary Competition. Get an insider's look at the competition spanning from Sichuan's fiery-tingly plates to the Northeast's most hearty dishes. Watch the world's best authentic Chinese food chefs fire up their woks and battle it out in Taste Asia's fully equipped, outdoor kitchens.

Throughout the festival, Taste Asia will offer tastings from local restaurants including The Handpulled Noodle, Totto Ramen, Nyonya and Obao Noodles & BBQ. The two day event will also play host to live cultural performances and demos including a special Dumpling Making & Eating Contest hosted by Cathy Erway, celebrated author of The Food of Taiwan and The Art of Eating In. Watch as New Yorkers compete for the "Dumpling Master" crown live on the Taste Asia stage.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.tasteasia.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Taste Asia