Queens’ Street Food Fest Sizzles in Astoria

Astoria simmered last night with Queens’ Street Food Fest, spicing NYC’s spring on April 16. Chef Liam Carter grilled tacos as 400 chowed, a $5 ticket smorgasbord on 30th Avenue. It’s borough bites—pure Astoria vibe, grills hot. A kid nabbed a skewer; a pro flipped arepas. ‘Queens eats—this is it,’ Carter says, tossing spices. The street turned kitchen.

The fest’s fresh—April 16’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing curbs by 6 p.m. Carter’s a LIC cook; last night’s crowd hit max—smoke rose. A latecomer nabbed a plate; steam wafted—NYC grit glowed. Stalls hit 20—flavors ruled. #QueensFoodFest trended; Bronx wants a bite.

Some griped—’Too packed,’ sniped a newbie, dodging lines. A grill flared—doused quick; eats held. A rival’s pitching a Flushing fry, splitting chefs. Still, 500 stayed—tastes reigned. Astoria’s never sizzled so bold.

Carter’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a night market if spring bites. ‘NYC’s plate—this fills it,’ he says, packing knives. The fest’s a Queens win—grit meets zest. It’s a food rush; catch the next. Bring napkins—flavors call.