World's Fare Tied Soccer Finals to a Tasting Tour of Dozens of Countries

Eater filled Pier 36 with thousands on the eve of the soccer finals

Eater staged World's Fare on Saturday at Pier 36 in New York City, drawing thousands of attendees the day before the world soccer finals. Over 30 of NYC's most in-demand restaurants — joined by out-of-town guests — served signature dishes representing dozens of countries. Rain hit the event but failed to dampen the mood: guests arrived in their favorite teams' jerseys and kept the energy high throughout the afternoon.

Shota Nakajima's ramen trio sparked a three-way vote

Seattle chef Shota Nakajima prepared a trio of ramens inspired by Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Guests could taste all three and cast a ballot for their favorite — and the competition stayed neck-and-neck through the event. Nearby, a giant Maruchan ramen cup installation with faux noodles overflowing drew a steady line of people posing for photos.

Ghetto Gastro's founders debuted Gourmega at A Taste of NYC

A Taste of NYC, presented by Square, gave attendees free bites from Gourmega, the new restaurant from the founders of the Ghetto Gastro collective. It was one of the event's marquee showcases. Over at Edible's station, guests picked up cheesecake bites, brownies, and chocolate-covered fruit, and Morton Salt handed out tote bags that saw heavy use hauling leftovers home.

Calvin Eng made Hong Kong-style French toast live for Cathay Pacific's Asia section

A Taste of Asia, presented by Cathay Pacific, ran as a travel-themed zone with a popular photobooth and a live cooking demo. Chef Calvin Eng of Brooklyn hotspot Bonnie's prepared Hong Kong-style French toast in front of the crowd. The section also featured Filipino beef adobo short rib and Thai massaman duck croquettes.

The VIP lounge stacked Dominique Ansel, Sushi Noz, and an open bar

Cathay Pacific's VIP lounge served exclusive bites from Dominique Ansel, South Philly Barbacoa, Jose Andres's Mercado Little Spain, and Sushi Noz. An open bar kept glasses full. S. Pellegrino offered caviar-bump and Parmesan tastings in the lounge, along with spritzes and Aqua Panna seltzers.

Dole fruit cups, Milagro cocktails, and a Manhattan beer lineup kept the crowd going

Dole served fruit cups and a pineapple-juice mocktail to counter the summer heat. Manhattan Beer Distributors brought a selection of beers, and Milagro tequila anchored the cocktail menu.

Bánh Anh Em, Vato, and two New Haven pizza heavyweights all showed up

Among the restaurants serving signature dishes: East Village spot Bánh Anh Em brought banh mi, Park Slope's Vato served burritos, and Sally's Apizza and Frank Pepe traveled from New Haven to hand out slices. The roster underscored how far the event's reach extended beyond Manhattan.