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Festival | Island Inspired Fare
- 42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101

Caribbean restaurant ★2.0·$$

42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

2.0
This was legit the worst food I’ve ever received. I ordered because it was the only “Jamaican” restaurant that would deliver to me. I wish I didn’t. The food was terrible. Almost $80 to be completely disappointed. I ordered * Mac and cheese that they didn’t even bother to sprinkle a dash of pepper or salt on but sprinkled some breadcrumbs * curry goat with rice and peas, a coconut kale salad and plantains…. Nothing was flavored how it was supposed to be. I grew up on Jamaican food and none of this even tickled the spot. They added raisins to the coconut kale salad WHY?! The rice and peas did not even have a sprig of thyme so I KNOW they didn’t make it correctly. The curry goat was awful. That entire plate was awful. I ordered my husband the oxtail and he was also disappointed. No flavor no browning and he said it tasted sweet! Idk who they got their recipes from but they need to get an AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN to cook their food because this was NOT IT. - Ariel Williams
Festival | Island Inspired Fare Overview Intro Detail Photos Location Reviews

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Introduce

For New Yorkers with a taste for the sun-soaked flavors of the Caribbean, Festival | Island Inspired Fare offers a casual and inviting spot right in Long Island City. Located at 42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101, this establishment is a Black-owned restaurant that aims to bring a slice of the islands to the urban landscape. It’s a place designed for a quick and easy meal, whether you're grabbing a bite during your lunch break, having a laid-back dinner, or just looking for a spot to dine alone.

The restaurant's focus is on "Island Inspired Fare," a culinary approach that blends traditional Caribbean elements with modern interpretations. The menu is built around comfort food and small plates, which are great for sharing or for creating a diverse meal for one. The atmosphere is deliberately casual, creating a relaxed and unpretentious environment where you can enjoy your food without any fuss. The inclusive nature of the restaurant is also a notable feature, as it is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly.

While the culinary experience may be a matter of personal taste, the intent behind Festival | Island Inspired Fare is clear: to provide accessible and flavorful food in a welcoming space. The restaurant caters to various dining needs and is equipped to handle everything from a solo visit to a family meal. Its presence on Vernon Boulevard contributes to the diverse and evolving dining scene of Long Island City.

Location and Accessibility

Festival | Island Inspired Fare is situated at 42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101. This part of Long Island City has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential buildings, small businesses, and a growing culinary scene. The restaurant's location on Vernon Boulevard places it in a prime spot to serve local residents and visitors alike.

Accessibility is a key feature of the establishment, with a wheelchair accessible entrance ensuring that everyone can easily access the restaurant. For New Yorkers using public transit, the location is a short walk from the Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave station, which serves the 7 train, providing a direct link to Manhattan and other parts of Queens. The area is also well-served by buses and is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, making it a convenient stop for a meal.

The surrounding neighborhood has a lively, friendly feel that complements the restaurant's casual atmosphere, making it a great destination for a spontaneous outing. The mix of old and new buildings in Long Island City provides an interesting backdrop for enjoying a meal.

Services Offered

  • Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides a casual, seated dining experience where you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed environment.
  • Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to eat at home, Festival | Island Inspired Fare offers both convenient delivery and takeout options. This includes no-contact delivery, which provides a safe and easy way to receive your food.
  • Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it a potential option for events, parties, and office lunches.
  • Flexible Dining Times: The menu is available for both lunch and dinner, and they also offer late-night food, catering to the varied schedules of New Yorkers.
  • Accommodations: The restaurant is good for kids and accepts both credit cards and debit cards, making it a convenient option for all types of patrons.

Features / Highlights

  • Island-Inspired Fare: The restaurant's main highlight is its focus on "island-inspired" cuisine, offering a creative take on Caribbean flavors. The menu includes classic dishes and unique interpretations.
  • Healthy and Vegetarian Options: Festival | Island Inspired Fare offers healthy options and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. This makes it a great choice for groups with diverse needs.
  • Black-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as a Black-owned business, which is a key part of its identity and a reason many New Yorkers choose to support it.
  • Casual and Welcoming Atmosphere: The casual atmosphere and status as an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment create a comfortable and inclusive space for all.
  • Small Plates and Quick Bites: The availability of small plates and a focus on quick bites makes it an ideal spot for a light meal or for trying several different items.

Contact Information

Address: 42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101

What Is Worth Choosing

In a crowded and competitive food scene like New York's, Festival | Island Inspired Fare is worth choosing for its specific niche and its community-focused identity. For New Yorkers in Long Island City, it provides a convenient and accessible option for Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The restaurant's status as a Black-owned business adds another layer of value, allowing patrons to support a local, minority-owned establishment.

The menu's emphasis on comfort food and small plates makes it a flexible dining option. Whether you are looking for a full, hearty meal or just a light snack, the menu has something to offer. The inclusion of vegetarian and healthy options is also a significant plus, demonstrating a commitment to serving a diverse clientele with varying dietary needs. The availability of late-night food is a practical benefit that serves the needs of a city that never sleeps.

While some customer reviews may express strong opinions on the authenticity or flavor of the food, it is important to remember that culinary tastes are subjective. The restaurant's core mission is to provide an island-inspired experience in a casual and inclusive setting. For those seeking a relaxed and friendly environment to try new dishes, Festival | Island Inspired Fare provides a solid and accessible option in the Long Island City neighborhood. Its dedication to providing delivery and takeout services also makes it a practical choice for a New Yorker's busy lifestyle.

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as Black-owned
  • Service options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Crowd

  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Photos

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Picture 1Festival | Island Inspired Fare Picture 2Festival | Island Inspired Fare Picture 3Festival | Island Inspired Fare Picture 4

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Location

Festival | Island Inspired Fare

42-25 Vernon Blvd Unit C, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

Festival | Island Inspired Fare Reviews

An average rating of ★2.4 from 8 user reviews.

jamaican foodrice and peasshrimpoxtailpeppersaltcurry goatjerk

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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