BWW Previews: TASTE ASIA 6/26 to 6/27 and Best NYC Asian Restaurant Contest

The Taste Asia Food Fest makes its grand return to New York City for a second installment. The month long celebration honors the deep culinary arts of Asian and Asian-inspired cuisine and flavors.

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."

The festivities kick off on June 1st, where New Yorkers and visitors alike can cast their votes for the inaugural Best NYC Asian Restaurants contest (http://BestAsian.NYC). The contest will give voters the chance to weigh-in on their favorite Asian eateries in the city. Voters who participate will automatically be entered to win some incredible prizes including round trip tickets to Asia*. With the ability to vote across dozens of different categories, there will be various opportunities to help highlight a favorite dining destination before voting closes on June 20th.

The celebration will lead up to a 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 don't miss New York great Chef David Bouley (Bouley, Brushstroke), and Japanese Iron Chef Yuji Wakiya (KOA), as they demonstrate their superior culinary skills and revive Asian culinary traditions side-by-side live in the Taste Asia kitchens.

On Saturday, June 27th China¹s five major regional cuisines are still waiting to be discovered at the 7th International Chinese Culinary Competition. Get an insider¹s look at the competition spanning from Sichuan¹s fiery-tingly plates to the Northeast¹s most hearty dishes. Watch the world¹s best authentic Chinese food chefs fire up their woks and battle it out in Taste Asia¹s 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 Taiwanand The Art of Eating In. Watch as New Yorkers compete for the "Dumpling Master" crown live on the Taste Asia stage.

The Food Fest will close on June 28th at the James Beard House with two ticketed feasts: a luncheon highlighting authentic Indian dishes and dessert from Chefs Hemant Mathur & Surbhi Sahni and the Awards Dinner for the 2015 International Chinese Culinary Competition featuring authentic cuisine by Chef Zizhao Luo, winner of the 2011 competition. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.tasteasia.org.

* The trip to Asia includes all locations except Japan and Korea.

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