WQLN Hosts Erie Eats Special Screening at JRs

Monday, Jan. 6

From hole-in-the-wall haunts to high-end kitchens with avant-garde dishes, WQLN's new digital series "Erie Eats" takes a look at the different eateries around town and what each one has to offer.

"In recent years, Erie's dining scene has enjoyed a renaissance, with diverse and creative fare that tempts the palates of a growing population of local foodies," said Traci Teudhope, marketing manager at WQLN.

Starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, the recently re-opened Jr's Last Laugh will host a tasting event that includes Erie's ethnic restaurants and markets, followed by a screening of WQLN's "Erie Eats" pilot episode, featuring Samurai Kitchen + Sushi.

Other participating restaurants include Give A Crepe. La CrepERie, Larry's Central Market, and PalmTree Market & Café. The tasting allows guests to experience Middle Eastern, Japanese, Italian, and French foods.

This event is in support of the PBS program No Passport Required, where celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson takes viewers along for a journey of famous ethnic food joints across the country. Stops cover several cities like L.A.'s Armenian food and culture, Houston's West African soul food, Philadelphia's Italian American food scene, Las Vegas' deep-rooted Chinese community, and the Portuguese-speaking world in Boston. There will be a preview of Season Two of No Passport Required shown at the event.

With "Erie Eats" providing a localized version of No Passport Required, Erie residents can connect with the various cultures that make up the community.

"WQLN always takes the community along for the journey whether on TV, radio, online or at events like this," Teudhope commented. "The tasting event Jan. 6 is a sneak peek at what our followers will see as the series takes shape." — Chloe Forbes

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. // Jr's Last Laugh Comedy Club, 1402 State St. // Free // wqln.org