Savor the Taste of Far Rock at the Rockaways Restaurant Crawl

By Kami-Leigh Agard

This Sunday, August 4, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) beckons all food travelers to their Second Annual Rockaways Restaurant Crawl happening along Beach 20th Street in the heart of downtown Far Rockaway’s business district. From Caribbean, Latino, Italian, Mediterranean and other food genres—more than 10 restaurants dotting the peninsula will showcase what they do best—making Rockaway a food traveler’s day-cation. Attendees will be treated to free food samplings, major discounts at restaurants of their choosing and live music.

Founded in 1978, the mission of RDRC is “to promote the revitalization of the Rockaways’ economic base and neighborhoods, and to secure an improved quality of life for its residents.” For RDRC’s president and chief executive officer, Kevin Alexander, the restaurant crawl, co-sponsored by NYC DOT, The Green Fund and local restaurant, Jerk Chicken—achieves just that.

“The RDRC is the only hyper local community corporation representing the Rockaway economy. This restaurant crawl highlights the amazing food businesses that employ people living here in Rockaway. Waiters, retail clerks, bussing staff and more. Plus, food travelers from all ends of the peninsula, across the Atlantic Beach Bridge in Nassau County and beyond come to this district just for the food options. Plus, this restaurant crawl is about promoting culture, community spirit and a safe inclusive environment,” Alexander said.

Alexander shared that the inspiration for the restaurant crawl was conceived during the pandemic when many businesses struggled to keep their doors open and keep staff employed. So, the idea for a pop-up restaurant crawl was a goal that was breathed into a reality with last year’s first annual crawl, and NYC DOT and The Green Fund’s collaboration.

He said, “The Green Fund is part of the City Parks Foundation, and they are so supportive of outdoor public spaces, events and activities as a part of developing community and bringing people together. They’ve been very supportive of RDRC and so, we are really proud of that relationship. With the NYC DOT, RDRC manages a public pedestrian space on Beach 20th Street, and they’re really good partners, always bringing added value to anything that we do. We really appreciate these relationships as well as our elected officials.”

As we go to press, more than 10 restaurants and counting will be participating in this year’s Rockaways Restaurant Crawl, including: Rockaway Bakery (formerly known as Golden Crust), Gino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Cuisine By Claudette, Johnny’s Classic Quizine, Jerk Chicken and more.

For RDRC’s Business Service Coordinator, Jose Santana, himself a former business owner, this year’s restaurant crawl is a celebration of Rockaway’s culinary spirit.

“This event is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse and delicious flavors that make the Rockaways unique. And at the same time, supporting our local businesses. And we invite everyone to join us for a day of food, fun, and community,” Santana said.

The Rockaways Restaurant Crawl (RRC) is this Sunday, August 4, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Far Rockaway. RRC route: RDRC will be giving out free food sample tickets, (1) ticket per restaurant, at two tables: one located at the corner of Mott and Central Avenues, across from the newly opened Far Rockaway Library. The RDRC’s second table is located at the Beach 20th Plaza, one block from the Mott Avenue A-Train station. The block-and-a-half long crawl will feature brick-and-mortar restaurants, as well as pop-up food vendors and live music along Beach 20th Street. Plus, attendees will also be given the option for discounts at participating food businesses they wish to patronize. For more info, call RDRC at (718) 327-5300.