Monday's event, Queens: A Taste of the World didn't disappoint in delivering excitement, drama and, of course, exquisite food and drink. This annual tasting soiree, organized by the Queens Economic Development Council and Discover Queens was held at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center. This year, over 20 restaurants, bakeries, and beverage suppliers in our dearest borough got together to represent the very finest in food and drink.

The atmosphere was boisterous, the sangria was flowing, the plates of food were disappearing in the blink of an eye -- it was a foodie's dream.

The Standouts:

• Austin Steak & Ale House of Kew Gardens: The buffalo fried shrimp was exceptional and highly memorable. The breading was the best part -- a thick, pancake-like texture that surrounded the entire shrimp. It was oozing with sweet and tangy buffalo sauce but no so much that it got messy. A lot of people (me included) went back for more. (82-70 Austin Street, Kew Gardens, NY, 718-849-3939)

• Steinway Restaurant of the LGA Marriott: The steak and fried polenta was a super combination. The coolest aspect of this station was the way in which the dish came together. You almost felt like you were on the set of Bravo's Top Chef as you watched the line cook hand the steak and polenta to the sous chef who put the finishing touches on it, including sweet plantains and a special steak sauce. (10205 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY, 718-533-0417)

• O'Lavrador Restaurant of Jamaica: This Portuguese restaurant offered the freshest and fruitiest sangria I've had in a long time. Despite the popular red sangria, O'Lavrador went for the white. They made sure that everyone got a generous amount of fresh fruit in their cups, which for a large event like this was a commendable standard to uphold. The flavor of the sangria was sweet but not artificial -- it was au naturale. (138-40 101 Avenue, Jamaica, NY, 718-526-1526)

The Winners:

• Best Appetizer: Steinway Restaurant of Elmhurst for their mushroom and spinach gnocchi. (10205 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY, 718-533-0417)
• Best Entrée: Pasticcio Restaurant of Ridgewood for their mushroom, spinach and ricotta cheese cappaletti. (Atlas Park Mall, 80-28 Cooper Ave, Glendale, NY, 718-417-1544)
• Best Dessert: Cascon Baking Company of Whitestone for their cheesecake. (7-04 149 St, Whitestone, NY, 718-767-5700)
• Best Alcoholic Beverage: Steinway Restaurant for their pomegranate margarita.
• Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Coca-Cola Distributors "because Coke is it."
• Taste Master's Award: Steinway Restaurant

Learn more about the winners as well as other participating restaurants at Discover Queens.

-- Photo (c) and report by the Foodista