The Famous Food Festival hits Deer Park, NY this Columbus Day weekend bringing new and popular vendors to Tanger Outlet for foodies to try. The event offers activations, curated chef demonstrations, and a vast range of cultural foods.
On an unusually sunny Saturday in October, I hopped in the car and headed over to Tanger Outlets in Deer Park, New York to learn all about the food festival. As I entered the usually empty lot spots today were limited, forcing patrons to drive around for spots. Once parking was solidified it was time to head into the festival. After taking an eight-minute walk through the outlet, we finally made it.
As you walk to enter the festival area the aroma of the food takes over your body, cultivating your savory taste buds. Three lines separate — VIP, General Admission, and door sales — luckily we got VIP so we headed straight in. Once down the VIP line, we headed over to the check-in table where we collected our shirts and knapsacks. As you emerge into the festival you’re met with a floral fall friend who snapping pictures with guests at the front. Our first stop was the C4, one of the main sponsors, the tent where we grabbed a free energy drink. As you walk through the festival you’ll notice vehicles lined up courtesy of another title sponsor, King O’Rourke an automotive shop in Long Island.
YAYA’S TEA
As we walked through the festival to see everything they offered we were met with endless trucks of food. From a variety of cultures like Trinidad, Jamaica, Asia, America, Southern, and more. The first stop was a Trinidadian food truck, Caribbean Street Eats, where we grabbed a cultural staple, fried bake & shark. Fried bake is a staple in Caribbean culture typically served during breakfast it consists of flour and is fried in hot oil. We then headed over to the fresh lemonade stand whose line kept flowing all evening long. As we continued our journey, we bumped into the jewelry section of the festival which consisted of vendors selling custom pieces.
Famous Food Festival is even great for families as they have several amusement rides for kids to enjoy. But don’t worry adults there’s more for us like rock climbing and axe throwing. There was even a section for beer and wine enthusiasts to taste test. Near the stage area was a large tent for shade where attendees could gather to hear musical performers, in a gated area held the VIP seating. In VIP we enjoyed a personal waitress, private bathrooms, couch seating, and tents large enough to provide great shade. You could also enjoy a front-row seat to the musical performances in a noncrowded area.
Once we gathered enough shade we headed back into the festivals where I tried my first boba tea. Boba tea is a Taiwanese drink that combines tea with milk or fruit juice and chewy tapioca balls. The festival had several boba vendors we tried YAYA Tea, located in Hicksville, which was amazing. Then we went over to Twisted Potato, a South Korean Street staple formed into a spiral deep-fried potato topped with seasonings. This unique potato can be found at Queens International Night Market every Saturday from 5 pm – 12 am during April – October. Our last stop was a Bahamian bakery serving up delicious and moist rum cake. This cake was absolutely one to die for and was worth the $15 for a pie to bring home to the family.
Twisted Potato
There were foods that we weren’t able to try because we physically couldn’t consume anymore. But if you’re heading out to the festival make sure to follow some simple rules. One don’t eat before you go. Two research the vendors beforehand so you can try your favorite ones. Three surveys the entire festival before selecting which foods to try. If you missed out today don’t worry this food festival is in town until Monday, October 14, 2024, till 8 pm. You can grab your tickets to attend here!