The foodiot gorgefest known as Choice Eats returns for its seventh year on March 25th, bringing a bunch of hip and lesser-known outer borough restaurants together under one roof for an evening of overindulging. Each year we attend the insanity and each year we leave with our top pants button undone; it's an occupational hazard. This year they've upgraded their venue from the rather dour 69th Regiment Armory to the shiny courts of Basketball City at Pier 36, which boasts an enormous deck overlooking the East River.

The diabolical calorie demons at the Village Voice have yet to reveal the full lineup but an early preview includes veggie delights from Dirt Candy, South African dishes from Kaia Wine Bar, smoked meats from Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue and sweet treats from Robicelli's. Also on hand, food fest stalwarts like Luke's Lobster, The Meatball Shop, Jimmy's No. 43 and Red Hook Lobster Pound. There's also plenty of booze at these things, though specifics haven't been revealed yet.

As with all of these packed out tasting events, it's good to go in with a game plan to maximize the munching and cut down on the inevitable struggle as the venue fills up. We've been over this territory before, but here's the basic gist:

  • Arrive early and be in the front of the line. (Baller version: get VIP tickets)
  • Hit up the super trendy spots first if you're into that kind of thing (anything with the word "lobster" in the name is going to go fast)
  • On the flip side, don't be distracted by "name" restaurants; some of the best bites we've had have been from a restaurant that wasn't covered to death in the press. Keep an open mind and you'll be rewarded.
  • While it's tempting to make a beeline for the hooch, it's a better plan to load up on eats and then relax with a brewski or two (or three). You'll have made a nice base to enjoy all the alcohol and you won't be stuck trying to juggle a plate and a glass simultaneously.

Tickets for Choice Eats go on sale at noon today with GA admission setting you back $60 and VIP (read: getting in an hour early) going for $85.