Recap: 2010 NYC Dumpling Festival
If you like eating different types of dumplings, then Sara D. Roosevelt Park was definitely the place to be this past weekend for the 2010 New York City Dumpling Festival, presented by Tang’s Natural. Hundreds of people queued in the unusual late-September heat to sample dumplings from various countries including China, Malaysia, and Poland. The offerings were quite extensive – everything from whole wheat and lemongrass fried dumplings, to chicken and pork-belly dumplings.
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One of the highlights of the festival was the wildly popular 7th Annual Chef One Dumpling Eating Contest, which was ultimately the catalyst for the NYC Dumpling Festival in the first place. Though the contest itself actually originated at the Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing, Queens.
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A total of 48 competitive eaters, 24 men and 24 women, showed up for the eating contest. The winner on the men’s side was Joseph Menchetti. He chowed down 55 boiled, whole wheat dumplings in just 2 minutes. “I will be back next year. I hope Kobayashi comes too,” said Menchetti, referring to the always-favored contestant at the annual July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Menchetti has now won the past six outings on the men’s side. The victor on the women’s side was Floria Lee. She scarffed down 38 dumplings. This was her fifth time winning the contest.
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Both 1st place finishers took home a trophy and a $1,000 prize.
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All proceeds from the event benefit the Food Bank for NYC.
Written by Andrew Cohen