Every spring, the streets of TriBeCa come alive for one of downtown New York’s most-loved community events, Taste of TriBeCa. Founded in 1994, this outdoor food festival celebrates the neighbourhood’s vibrant culinary scene while raising funds for arts and enrichment programmes for local students.
Now in its 31st year, the festival brings together more than 50 of TriBeCa’s most celebrated restaurants, transforming Duane Street and Greenwich Street into a lively open-air celebration of food, creativity and community. Guests spend the afternoon moving from table to table, sampling dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, while enjoying live music, local businesses, family activities and the unmistakable energy that makes TriBeCa so special.
This year, we were delighted to take part in Taste of TriBeCa for the second time on Saturday 16th May, bringing a touch of English charm to the festival. Inspired by the warm, welcoming tradition of afternoon tea served at Warren Street Hotel, The Whitby Hotel and Crosby Street Hotel, our team served freshly baked scones alongside a selection of classic English tea sandwiches and savoury bites. From cucumber sandwiches to smoked salmon and cream cheese, every detail was designed to reflect the understated elegance of a traditional afternoon tea.
Adding to the atmosphere, our Warren Street Hotel team served guests wearing aprons made in our signature Lost and Found fabric, bringing a colourful and playful Firmdale touch to the streets of TriBeCa. The beautifully presented table, paired with our Tall Trees china, fresh pastries and warm conversation, created an inviting and relaxed setting throughout the afternoon.
At Firmdale Hotels, food and design have always gone hand in hand, shaping spaces and experiences that feel thoughtful, comfortable and full of character. Taking part in Taste of TriBeCa felt like a natural extension of that approach. More than a food festival, it is a celebration of connection, creativity and the strong neighbourhood spirit that defines TriBeCa.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event is the community effort behind it. Organised by parent volunteers from PS 150 and PS 234, Taste of TriBeCa directly supports arts and enrichment programmes for local students. Funds raised help provide weekly classes in instrumental music, science, chess and dance, alongside educational trips and additional classroom support that encourage creativity and learning.
Each year, on the third Saturday in May, the heart of TriBeCa fills with local restaurants, bakeries, businesses and even the firefighters from Hook and Ladder Company 8, all coming together in support of the community. The sense of generosity and collaboration throughout the day is what makes the festival so memorable.
We were delighted to be part of such a well-loved TriBeCa tradition and are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.