Jeffrey Tastes
I believe food is the greatest medium to communicate and connect. I create accessible, authentic experiences of cultures, designed to open up our minds and palates. I have 2 areas of expertise: Pizza and Roosevelt Avenue, Queens. Here’s the difference with me: I live here. I am not a tour guide, and I am not a company. I am an insider to this community, showing you my bests and my secrets, telling you everything I’ve learned. I will take you through passageways to the cultures that live here, and cherry pick the most eye-opening, heart-warming experiences. You won’t be lectured, you’ll be a participant in the most diverse area on the planet.
- Current City Queens, NY, USA
- Languages English
- Occupation Urban Explorer
Reviews
Lauren Bailey B about Queens Tastes of the World
Great part of our trip!
My mom and I took a weekend trip to New York and we both like doing things that are a little "off the beaten path", so I'm glad we found Jeff's food tour! We got to try some great food, some of which I had never tried before and a lot of variety. Tibetan food, anyone? I also really liked how Jeff brought along an atlas to point out the area where the food we tasted originated from.
Overall, this was a really cool experience and I'm glad we did it!
Kate M about Queens Tastes of the World
Awesome Time!
My boyfriend and I went on the tour in December 2011 and it was great. The weather was awesome so it was pleasant to walk around and the food was delicious. Lots of things I'd never tried before and Jeff was great about explaining the history of the region and the dishes. I would definitely recommend this experience to friends. We had a great time but I think it would be even better with a big group. Thanks Jeff!
Rosemary B about Queens Tastes of the World
Cool experience.
My brother and I went on this tour in late December 2011. We really enjoyed it and took great pride in rattling off a list of the cuisines we ate to interested family members afterwards. Jeff shows a lot of neighborhood pride and has great info about the different kinds of cuisines you are eating. The food was delicious, and the experience was unforgettable! I am very much ready to go back to Jackson Heights. Last note: I think this would be really fun with a big group.
Derric L about Queens Tastes of the World
Tastes of the World Tour in Queens - A Great Experience
We recently went on Jeff Orlick's "Tastes of the World" tour in Queens. The tour was true to its word and a wonderful experience. Jeff personally took a small group of us (four adults and two children) to ten restaurants and food vendors on and near Roosevelt Ave between 72nd and 83rd Streets. Jeff was on a first name basis with many of the proprietors and had them explain the dishes that we were trying and also found answers to any questions that we, the tourists, had as well. Stops along the four hour walking tour included foods from ten countries including the Phillipines, Nepal, Tibet, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Mexico, Equador, Columbia and Albania. The tour also included a number of local markets. Jeff made sure that the tour was casual and tailored to our interests. It was a great experience and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who has a interest in ethnic foods and off the beaten path jewels.
Aaron K about Queens Tastes of the World
New Years 2011-2012
Jeff is incredible! He was so prepared! His tours are a sincere delight to add to one's travels.... I wish we could find a "Jeff" in every city in the world! He took us through all of these imaginary borders through the streets of Queens, and took us into the most UNEXPECTED delightful restaurants! Our palettes were so completely fulfilled from top to bottom and in every way. We arrived with completely open minds, and left with belly's full to the brim. If you have the time... PLEASE CALL HIM! It will truly change the way you see New York!
Andrew L about Queens Midnight Street Crawl
Unique and Tasty!
This tour really opened our eyes about the food scene in NYC. Far from just Michelin starred restaurants, by the pound salad bars in Midtown or 50 different pizzas made by someone named Ray, New York's cultural melting pot is alive and well!
We all owe Jeff a great deal of gratitude in bringing these "hidden" ethnic foods to the surface. His interest and passion in learning about this subject is one of his key strengths. The fact that he continues to learn, ask questions and experiment on each tour makes each one unique and satisfying.
Bring a big appetite, a curiosity for adventure and warm jacket (if you choose to go on a Sunday night in December)... then give this tour a whirl, you will unlikely be disappointed.
Ann R about Queens Tastes of the World
Queens Tastes of the World
We had an amazing Saturday afternoon with Jeff tasting foods from Asia (Tibet, Nepal, India, Thailand and Bangladesh) and South America (Ecuador and Mexico). It was like taking a trip around the world, just by getting on the 7 train! Two families, 11 people and 12+ courses. Jeff was a wonderful guide, handing out maps, orienting us, leading us to exotic authentic locations and telling us what we were tasting. It's exactly what I've always wanted to do - to take advantage of living in New York and explore these many faceted cultures. I have henna on my hand, a full stomach and rich memories from one single afternoon. Highly recommended!
Bob H about Queens Tastes of the World
Delicious food tasting walk
if you want to have an extraordinary food experience in NYC go with Jeff at Queens Taste of the World. Several of our friends munched our way down Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. The delicacies included tomales, cheese guava buns, Tibetan butter tea and fantastic Thai food. A wonderful afternoon and only a subway ride away.
Elise O about Queens Tastes of the World
Food Walk and Chow Down.
What a great way to spend the afternoon, walking, chatting and eating. Jeffrey truely is appreciative of how all the cultures we live with express themselves through food! I would do this again in a second, I just need a little time to digest. This is a great present for any food explorers as well as your basic hungar types.
Adrienne O about Queens Tastes of the World
A Great Birthday!
For my birthday this year I took 8 friends on Jeff's 'Queens tastes of the World' food walk, and it was so much fun! He is a thoughtful, knowledgeable guide to an expansive and delicious neighborhood. My friends loved it too, what a treat!
Ben G about Queens Midnight Street Crawl
The 'Real' New York
Jeff's Queens Midnight Street Crawl was fantastic. A true down on the street experience. The food is real and the people are real. Jeff's intimate knowledge of the area and his enthusiasm for the food and the street vendors means you get great food, meet some great people and see a part of New York you probably wouldn't have seen. Do this before Jeff makes it into the Lonely Planet and has to hire a bus!
Local Expert about Queens Midnight Street Crawl
Super cool!
more than great food, more than culture it was a glimpse into life, a life in queens - after dark! Jeff is open, knowledgable, a guy you feel you have known for years. It was a true travel experience. We loved it!
