'Taste of Lynbrook' Serves Community

Lynbrook never tasted so good.

Fifteen local food establishments set up shop in the ’ hall on Monday night as part of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce "Taste of Lynbrook" event.

In addition to vying for the hearts and stomachs of those in attendance, restaurant owners were also competing for awards. 

“We wanted to gather as many restaurants as possible in the [village] of Lynbrook and give everybody a chance to taste a little bit of what they offer,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Denise Rodgers said. “The chamber is always looking for ways to promote businesses”

Organizers could not have envisioned a better community response. Not a parking spot could be found 20 minutes after doors opened, but that didn’t stop hungry residents who parked across the street in order to be part of the gourmet event.

“This is a great turnout,” Rodgers said shortly after the night began. “We have more than one hundred [patrons] and might be getting close to two.”

Those in attendance sampled offerings at each table and then cast votes for the best appetizers, entrees, dessert, plate presentation and table presentation. 

Lynbrook newcomer Swingbellys BBQ took home the award for best entree. Recently opened at 97 Broadway at Sunrise Highway, Swingbellys offers traditional southern-style barbecue. Their menu includes such items as pork ribs, beef brisket, chicken and pulled pork.     

“Something like this allows us to meet people,” Swingbellys owner Dan Monteforte said of the evening. “You get to meet other restaurants in here. It’s a good way to help the [chamber] and get our name out.”

The award for best dessert went to . Operating on Atlantic Avenue, Chef Allison Shapiro offers specialty cakes, cupcakes and a boutique bakery. 

"There's nothing too big or too small," Shapiro said of the kinds of cakes she can produce. "We cater to all dietary restrictions. It's edible art."

Shapiro also won the best table presentation award.

"It's nice to be part of the community," she said.

won the award for best appetizer and was runner up for the best dessert award. 

on Stauderman Avenue took home the award for best plate presentation and was runner up for the best entree award.

A portion of the event's proceeds went to the chamber's scholarship fund and the Lynbrook VFW. The chamber will hand out three $500 scholarships to members of the graduating class later this month, according to Rodgers.