Here Are This Weekend’s Five Best Food Events in NYC – 6/18/2014

Juicy burgers. Ice cream. A taste of the Caribbean. They’re all on the docket of this weekend’s top food events.

National Ice Cream Day, Il Laboratorio Del Gelato, 188 Ludlow Street, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.

As if you need an excuse in the dead of summer, this Sunday marks ice cream’s official appreciation day. To celebrate, this Lower East Side gelateria is offering a special buy one get one free promotion for a new flavor: Ruffino Prosecco sorbetto with clementine. You can also get the flavor in a 20-ounce pint; the offer is available throughout the weekend.

Paul’s Da Burger 25th Anniversary, Paul’s Da Burger Joint, 131 Second Avenue, Saturday, noon

Beloved East Village burger counter Paul’s is celebrating a quarter century of business by offering up free samples and throwback pricing from 1989. Live music will serenade the crowd of meatheads from 1 to 3 p.m., while new menu items will also make their debut for customers to enjoy.

Taste the World: Botanical Brew Fest, Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Queens, Saturday, noon

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first World’s Fair in Queens and the origins of the boro’s botanical gardens, guests are invited to enjoy a sampling of craft beer and food from around the globe. Participating breweries include England’s Sam Smith and Germany’s Lammsbräu, and over 50 purveyors are expected to break open kegs at the event. Participate in home brew demonstrations and tours of the garden; make sure you reserve a ticket.

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, Roy Wilkins Park, Baisley Boulevard and 177th Street, Queens, Sunday, 11:30 a.m.

The city’s largest Caribbean food festival returns with activities like a jerk-cook off between professional and amateur chefs. The festivities include musical performances by reggae stars like Maxi Priest and kid-friendly activities, plus plenty of food beyond the spicy jerk chicken. Tickets are $30.

Butcher Paper Dinner: Summer Eats with Momo Sushi Shack, Brooklyn Grange, 37-18 Northern Boulevard, Queens, Sunday, 5 p.m.

This rooftop sunset dinner showcases Asian bites by Momo Sushi Shack, including wasabi shrimp, pork belly skewers, and octopus tacos, with yuzu curd for dessert. Beer by Queens Brewery and Boundary Breaks wine are also part of the $80 ticket package.