Staten Island’s Food Fair Sizzles in Tottenville

Tottenville steamed last night with Staten Island’s Food Fair, spicing NYC’s spring at a rec lot. Chef Tariq Evans grilled ribs as 400 chowed, a $10 ticket fest of bites. It’s borough flavors—pure SI vibe, grills hot. A kid nabbed a wing; a pro slurped sauce. ‘Staten cooks—this is it,’ Evans says, flipping meat. The stalls turned kitchen.

The fair’s fresh—April 2’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing rows by noon. Evans, a St. George cook; last night’s crowd hit max—smoke rose. A latecomer nabbed a plate; lines snaked—NYC grit glowed. Runs one day—food ruled. #SIFoodFair trended; Bronx wants a bite.

Some griped—’Too smoky,’ sniped a newbie, dodging haze. Trash piled—swept quick; grub held. A rival’s pitching a Midland fry, splitting grills. Still, 500 stayed—tastes reigned. Tottenville’s never sizzled so bold.

Evans hints at a monthly run, maybe a market if spring bites. ‘NYC’s plate—this fills it,’ he says, packing knives. The fair’s a Staten win—grit meets zest. It’s a food rush; catch the next. Bring a napkin—spices call.