Isla & Co in Williamsburg
Isla & Co in Williamsburg is officially opening today! Australian restaurant group Parched Hospitality Group, the team behind New York City’s wildly popular Hole in the Wall restaurants, The Sentry, Daintree and Ghost Burger, is introducing their latest hospitality concept, Isla & Co. which will be housed adjacent to The William Vale in Williamsburg.
Helming the kitchen will be Executive Chef Matt Foley, formerly of two Michelin-starred Marea in NYC, who is best known for his flavor development and visual plating. Foley has crafted a menu that encapsulates specialty dishes inspired by Australian coastal towns by day and a cocktail driven dinner destination by night, Isla & Co. draws influences from Australia, Europe and SouthEast Asia. The menu encapsulates Australian style cooking - creative brunch dishes and a seasonally driven dinner menu with excellent cuts of meat paired with bright flavors alongside vegetable focussed dishes. Isla & Co. is designed to fit the bill for your morning coffee, a mid-week lunch walk-in, an intimate dinner date or a social gathering spot, providing a convivial eatery boasting healthy, always-fresh, seasonal, high-quality ingredients and dishes, alongside an engaging service.
Isla & Co. also plans to open two new locations in Florida and one in Atlanta this year. Their West Palm Beach location at 14 Clare Avenue, across from the Grandview Public Market, will open this Spring in addition to a Miami Beach location and Atlanta's Isla & Co. opening is slated for July.
Food: Brunch, which will be served until 4pm everyday will include Chili Egg Scramble, Brekkie Roll, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Brioche French Toast, Griddled Banana Bread, Isla Burger, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich with cabbage slaw, pickled onion and served with fries. Dinner items include Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, a Signature Isla Burger, Fish & Chips and a Half Chicken with seasonal roasted vegetables.
Coffee: Isla & Co. delivers a specialty coffee program inspired by Australian coffee culture serving Hole in the Wall Espresso. Isla & co will feature two signature house blends suitable for Espresso and drip extraction originating from Ethiopia and the Americas and roasted in Denver Colorado.
Alcohol: Isla & Co will offer an extensive wine list with a large focus on natural and organic wines, craft beers and signature cocktails like the Wizard of Aus - Starward Whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, Shiraz wine float, Isla Old Fashioned -bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, Eucalyptus bitters, and The Taipan - Hiatus Tequila, spicy pepper, yuzu, agave, shiso alongside brunch cocktail favorites like a mimosa and their house blend bloody mary. All beverages are served from brunch through to dusk.
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday from 8am-11pm with brunch from 8am - 4pm and dinner from 5pm - 11pm.
TOP DECEMBER EVENTS
HOLIDAY HOUSE NYC FALL 2021
‘COMING TOGETHER’ TABLETOP EVENT
What: Holiday House NYC is returning to New York City for a LIVE event, which will showcase their beloved design industry members and talented interior designers as they come together to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
A VIP press preview will be held from 5:00pm – 6:00pm prior to the main event to allow the media exclusive access to the designers and conduct interviews with Holiday House founder Iris Dankner.
Who: The event is co-chaired by Amy Lau, Campion Platt, Jean Shafiroff and Andrea Stark.
Over a dozen leading designers will each design their own chic tabletops to showcase cutting edge décor and lifestyle concepts to be viewed by the design industry, Holiday House’s loyal patrons and the affluent NYC community. Designers will include Austin Gray Design Group, Badilla Painters x Rio Hamilton, Beth Donner and Andrea Correale, Eric Haydel, Evan Mason Designs, Kim Seybert, Leeann Lavin, Michele Safra, Mottahedeh, Purvi Padia Design, Sandy Berman, Unlimited Earth Care and Vanessa Deleon Associates. The event will also include interactive experiences including a cocktail making class.
When: Opening Night Preview: December 8, 2021
6pm – 9pm
General Admission: December 9, 2021
11am – 8pm
December 10, 2021
11am -5pm
(Times of events will be announced at a later date)
Where: The Elizabeth Taylor Mansion
10 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019
Holiday House invites the community to ‘Come Together’ for an evening of beautiful tabletop designs with hors d’oeuvres by Elegant Affairs in celebration of being able to reunite after spending a year apart.
Sponsors for the event include Jiun Ho x Cambria, 41 Madison x Waterford, Top Hat Home Services, The Melissa Cohn Group, FJ Hakimian, Sebastian Capital and Stark. Media Partners include Modern Luxury Manhattan and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). To date, Holiday House has raised almost two million dollars for breast cancer research.
Tickets for the opening night preview are priced at $250 and general admission are priced at $50. Tickets can be purchased here.
The annual exhibition and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry returns to New York's Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) for its twenty-first edition.
MAD About Jewelry is open to the public with free admission, December 7 through 11, showcasin more than 40 emerging and acclaimed US-based jewelry artists, including Pamela Love, Of Rare Origin, MoAnA Luu, and Tiffany Vanderhoop.
For collectors, connoisseurs, fashionistas, and all who share an interest in the interplay of art and design, MAD About Jewelry provides an unparalleled opportunity to converse with and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field in support of the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
3. Feliz Cocteleria Holiday Pop-Up
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Garret Bars’ immersive holiday pop-up, Feliz Coctelería, is back and more festive than ever!
The uber-popular, seasonal pop-up (which first launched in 2020) returned to The Garret Coctelería (349 Broome Street) on 11/26. Just in time for the holidays, Feliz Coctelería offers much-needed respite and warming drinks. We’d love for you to keep the exciting news in mind for any December openings coverage or holiday-themed guides.
With Latin-inspired holiday decor, twinkling lights, eclectic ornaments, and colorful textiles, Feliz Cocteleria is a celebration of Navidad and the holiday spirit - channeling the merriment of the festive season. Key design elements include:
Large palm trees adorned with Christmas lights will be scattered throughout the pop-up
Traditional snowflake paper chains will be decoratively strung from the ceiling
Christmas trees will line the walls and restaurant booths
Gift-wrapped tables where guests can enjoy their festive libations
Hanukkah-inspired blue and silver adornments & floating dreidels, menorahs and more will offer an all-encompassing holiday experience
A lifesize floating sleigh with a mariachi band to delight restaurant-goers
And the return of the holiday llamas!
Feliz Cocteleria’s limited-edition holiday drinks are served in delightfully seasonal glassware (think: snowmen, Santas, and other festive trinkets), curated by Beverage Director Max Stampa-Brown. The pop-up’s holiday cocteles combine vibrant Latin American flavors with holiday season nostalgia.
A few fun beverage highlights include:
Epazote Hot Toddy - Epazote Hot Tea, Ginger, Spiced Apple Cider, Lemon, Guajillo-infused Bourbon
Rocco’s Hot Cocoa - Golden Rice Milk Latte, Powdered Chipotle Powder Blend, Chocolate, Mezcal, Green Chartreuse Marshmallow
A Lump of Coal - Blackberry, Mint, Mango Butter, Black Sesame, Tequila, Lime, Egg White, Chilean Red Wine
Rose & Lenny - Babka infused Slivovitz, Cream of Coconut, Clove & Cardamom, Turmeric, Lime
Fig Tree in Nolita - Mexican Gin, Fig, Ginger, Cacao Nib Sweet Vermouth, Lemon
TOP OCTOBER EVENTS
The Bacon and Beer Classic will head to The Lot (at 107 Morgan Street) in Jersey City on October 9th. The event is ditching sample sizes this year and going straight to full course meals with decadent dishes like Pork Belly Banh Mi and Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes on the menu.
That's in addition to 50+ craft beers to sample to toast and celebrate Oktoberfest with.
2. New York Comic Con 2021
Finally back after the postponement of the 2020 NYCC due to COVID. The New York Comic Con is an annual New York City fan convention dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television.
On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, the enCourage Kids Foundation will host Serving Up Smiles, a premier tasting event that will include decadent plates from the hottest chefs and top named restaurants in NYC, VIP Speakeasy Lounge presented by Go Tab featuring Shinju Japanese Whiskey, world-class wines, cocktails, and incredible auction items at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Red Carpet & VIP Reception 6:00pm-7:00pm and doors 7:00pm-9:30pm.
Taste of the Seaport returns to the Seaport for the 11th year of food, fun, and fundraising. Sponsored by The Howard Hughes Corporation, Downtown’s premier food festival brings together over 30 of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan and showcases an array of local vendors, artisans, entertainers, and family friendly activities, making it an enjoyable day out for children and adults alike. The annual event benefits the arts and enrichment programs at Public School 397 (The Spruce Street School) and Public School 343 (The Peck Slip School). This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 16th from 12 p.m.–3 p.m. at Piers 16 and 17.
Ticket packs will be available for purchase at www.tasteoftheseaport.org for $45 for 5 tastes. Guests may also purchase tickets on the day of the festival for $50. VIP tables will also be available for an additional fee, which will provide access to an exclusive seating area complete with table service and complimentary beer, wine and soda.
For more information, please visit www.tasteoftheseaport.org
Planning a party of your own this year or next? The 9th Annual Event Planner Expo presented by EMRG Media returns from October 12th to the 14th.
The expo will have a star-studded lineup of speakers including Shark Tank star and Celebrity Event Planner Colin Cowie. Events will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion, SPIN and Nebula Nightclub.
Tickets, which begin at $69, can be purchased by visiting: www.TheEventPlannerExpo2021.com
Off Broadway actor and producer Matt de Rogatis has announced that his non profit theater organization, Ruth Stage, has formed a partnership with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. The two charities have been informally working together since last May on a variety of projects but have only recently finalized a series of fundraising events through early 2022.
As part of their syndicate, an exclusive gala entitled Theater Saves Lives: An Evening of Hope, will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, October the 26th, 2021. The benefit will be held at Cubico in Soho, New York City located at 433 Broadway in “The Cellar” space. This exclusive event is limited to 100 guests and tickets are available on tier levels ranging from $300 to $800 for individuals and $500 to $1500 for couples.
Attendees can expect a full service open bar with specialty cocktails, a high end, southern inspired pass around dinner, dessert, live music, guest speakers from the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and a charity auction featuring fine art, sports memorabilia and getaway vacation packages. Proceeds will benefit the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and Ruth Stage.
To purchase tickets to Theater Saves Lives: An Evening of Hope, visit www.ruthstage.org or www.theatersaveslives.eventbrite.com.
7. EXXXOTICA 2021
The largest event in the USA dedicated to love and sex is back! Beginning Oct 22, the three-day run at Edison NJ.
Exxxotica Expo is an annual three-day adult-themed event produced by 3XEvents. Billed as a "Celebration of Sexy", Exxxotica Expo shows are held in several US cities, which currently include Edison, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami and Portland, Oregon.
For more information on stars and schedules please visit https://exxxoticaexpo.com/
Join us for a Swing Dinner Dance on Thursday, October 21st, 2021
7.00PM – Midnight
Metropolitan Club
Purchase Your Tickets
9. Halloween Parties
Get tickets to see the long-awaited New York City return of Tiësto, who will kick off Halloween weekend with a FEARHOUSE NYC headlining show at The New York Expo Center (1110 Oak Point Ave.) in the Bronx on Friday, October 29th. The Chainsmokers will headline a Halloween weekend rave the following night with Surf Mesa, Ship Wrek and Zack Bia on Saturday, October 30th. Tickets are on sale now at www.degpresents.com
10. Cocteleria de los Muertos - Halloween Pop-up
Coctelería de los Muertos – from Den Hospitality (the team behind Bandits and the Garret bars) which just launched 10/5 at The Garret Coctelería (349 Broome Street). With custom-built altars honoring artistic icons we’ve lost (think: Marilyn Monroe, The Notorious B.I.G., Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, and more), over 5,000 feet of marigold flowers, an abundance of candles, string lights, and bright blankets to keep outdoor diners warm, this is the ultimate set-up for spooky season.
You can view the full menu here.
11. Loulou Reopening
@Floratorium
Loulou (176 8th Avenue) in Chelsea will reopen on Tuesday, October 12th following an arson attack in August. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this fabulous French Bistro and Speakeasy will debut a beautifully rebuilt exterior with fall florals from Floratorium. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include the Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites featuring a 7oz skirt steak and béarnaise. Pair you lunch, brunch or dinner with a perfectly crafted cocktail and you’ll start your fall right.
11. Slice Out Hunger
Fornino at Brooklyn Bridge Park location is supporting Slice Out Hunger on Sunday, October 17th from 12pm - 4:30pm with an outdoor pizza party featuring some of the NYC area’s top pizza makers. Early bird tickets are $35, which grants you access to Fornino’s pizza patio at Pier 6 for a 90-minute session with all the pizza you can imagine complemented by a cash bar for beer and wine. 100% of proceeds will support local hunger relief. Tickets can be purchased by visiting, sliceouthunger.org.
TOP MARCH NYC EVENTS
Young Patrons believe the performing arts can open your hearts and minds. They formed the Young Patrons group to bring together arts-oriented New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds with mixed artistic interests who strive to make arts and culture a more intentional part of their lives.
2. Winter Ball with School of American Ballet
The event kicks off with cocktails at the majestic David H. Koch Theater, followed by dinner and dancing on the Promenade, which is transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful dining room. SAB’s students make Winter Ball an evening you will always remember with their performance of a piece created for the event by an up-and-coming choreographer. Dessert and dancing at the after-party, hosted by SAB’s Young Patrons, keeps the dance floor packed late into the evening.Your participation will make every aspect of SAB’s ballet training program possible — providing scholarships for our students while supporting our world-renowned faculty, maintaining our studios, and offering vital student programs beyond the classroom.Just interested in the Afterparty? Learn More and buy tickets.
3. SCOPE New York 2020
The 20th edition of SCOPE New York returns to its Chelsea location at Metropolitan Pavilion. Known for presenting groundbreaking contemporary work, SCOPE New York will welcome 60 international exhibitors at its centrally-located venue.
The first fair to run concurrent with The Armory Show, SCOPE New York’s spirit of innovation has consistently forged the way for emerging artists and galleries. Attuned to nuances in the market and itself an influential force in the cultural sphere, SCOPE continues to usher in a new vision of the contemporary art fair.
SCOPE New York opens on Thursday, March 5, 2020, with the Platinum First View and VIP & Press Preview, and will run through Sunday, March 8, 2020.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scope-new-york-2020-tickets-88153197587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) presents the Third Annual Memories Matter Gala.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Doors Open 6:30pm
Dinner to follow
Pier 60
Chelsea Piers
New York City, NY
6. St Jude Gold Gala
Join us for the ninth annual St. Jude Gold Gala: An Evening for St. Jude in New York City, New York.
As a guest at this event, you'll enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dancing, along with a special silent auction and raffle.
Since its inaugural year in 2012, the Gold Gala has fundraised $1 million for the children of St. Jude.
https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/gold-gala.html
TOP FEBRUARY NYC EVENTS
DJ, dancing, casino gaming, raffles, open bar and hors d’oeuvres
🍷 Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
🍷 Olivier Leflaive Frères
🍷 Stéphane Aviron
🍷 Domaine Faiveley
🍷 Château Fuissé
The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala will be held on February 23, 2020 at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall. Maestro Iván Fischer will host the all-Dvořák program: Legend; Evening's blessing, from Four Choruses; Slavonic Dance; Violin Concerto, and Symphony No. 8.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
The Bronx Letters Foundation Food for Thought Benefit brings some of New York's best chefs together in one place for an incredibly delicious evening.Our foundation supports the UA Bronx Academy of Letters, a 6 to 12 public school located in the South Bronx, our country's poorest congressional district, which is a mere 3 miles from Manhattan's Upper East Side.By supporting our foundation, you are making a difference in the lives of our scholars. You are embracing the chance to help to break the cycle of poverty one kid at a time. Thanks to generous donors like you we are able to offer our 600 at-risk, high-needs students a challenging, inspiring, college preparatory, safe learning environment with life-changing enrichment opportunities.Join us and be a part of the solution!
6. The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual
What: The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual Benefit and Awards: Sueños 2020
When: Thursday, February 27th, 2020 | Red Carpet: 6:30 PM | Main Event: 7:30 -10:00 PM
Where: The Mezzanine, Wall Street (55 Broadway, New York, NY 10006)
Theme: Celebrating Dominican Independence and the Independent Dominican Woman
Why: To raise the funds used to operate programs, impacting 8,000 youth in more than 27 disadvantaged communities, closing the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic.
Co-Hosted by: Kathy Romero, Global Entrepreneur and Celebrity Event Planner, Tony Peralta, contemporary artist and community leader, and Michel Zaleski, DREAM Chair and Founder.
Invited Celebrities: Actor Taye Diggs from Rent, Chef Kelvin, Actress Dasha Polanco, Leslie Grace, Misty Copeland and Anthony Ramos
Available for Interviews: Board Members (Pre-Event) . Contact us for Celebrity availability at the event.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suenos-2020-tickets-86122973131
Website: www.dominicandream.org
TOP JANUARY NYC EVENTS
The 10th annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival is going to be EPIC! ……It’s a Southern Fried Good Time! Thank You Manhattan for a decade of outrageous fun – we are now going to spread our wings a bit and head across the river to Brooklyn. It’s time for one hellacious day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
Each Guest Receives a Souvenir Glass and the first 300 VIP get a Souvenir Bag.
BEAST CAGE: The Beast Cage is Back and Serving Up EXOTIC SMOKED MEATS all day: Alligator, Lamb, Bison, Longhorn Rounds, and much more.
The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session. Pork worship at its finest!
Enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters from the deep South.
Dance Or Rock Out to the DJs playing all your favorite tunes.
Browse brewerania, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.
Bacon Eating Contest
Aquarius specialty cocktails and water are complementary to all ticket holders. Full meals will be available for purchase. Tickets begin at $95 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.aquariusnyc.com Guests will also be invited to help save the ocean and the planet by donating $10 to Oceanic Global, AQUARIUS 2020’s official ocean conservation charity and sustainability partner.
The Winter Show is the leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 70 of the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts from ancient times to the present day. The Winter Show is an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The Winter Show maintains the highest standards of quality in the art market, and each object is vetted for authenticity, date, and condition by a committee of 150 experts from the United States and Europe.
Tickets
Art Party Ticket
$250 ($200 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
Artist Sponsor Ticket
$500 ($450 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
The purchase of an Artist Sponsor ticket allows the Whitney to extend a complimentary ticket to an artist of its choosing.
Art Party proceeds benefit the Independent Study Program and other education initiatives of the Whitney.
The Largest Travel Trade and Consumer Show in North AmericaThe New York Times Travel Show attracts more than 35,000 attendees with over 700 exhibitors from more than 175 countries, making it the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America. Join us for the 2020 show on January 24 – 26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.GET MORE INFORMATION
Sotheby’s Wine is hosting the annual Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux—and we’d like to invite you as our guest! This premier event brings together Bordeaux’s leading producers in celebration of the 2017 vintage, for a lively evening of tastings at Cipriani 42nd Street.
TOP DECEMBER NYC EVENTS
WINTER WONDERLAND BALL 2019
Friday, December 13, 2019
8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | #WinterBallNYBG
The Best Holiday Gala in New York!
Black Tie
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-latke-festival-tickets-55945999992
11th Annual Latke Festival
About The Event
One of New York City's most unique and delicious holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event benefiting The Sylvia Center and organized by Great Performances Catering. This one-night affair celebrates the best and most creative potato pancakes in our city.
For its fourth year in a row, the 11th Annual Latke Festival will be held at the stunning Brooklyn Museum and is already on track to be our biggest celebration of latkes yet.
Join us and our panel of celebrity judges on December 16th to ring in the holidays, enjoy amazing food and drink, dance to our live DJ and vote for the Best Latke of all!
www.latkefestival.com | #LatkeFest | #TheSylviaCenter | @GPFood | @SylviaCenter
3. Big Band Holidays
What To Expect
Soulful, big band versions of holiday classics
Holiday cheer for all ages
Brand-new songs added to the JLCO’s holiday repertoire
It’s the most wonderful time of year in the House of Swing! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and music director Marcus Printup continue a beloved New York tradition with Big Band Holidays. Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that plays to sold-out audiences every December.
Big Band Holidays is renowned for showcasing some of the most exciting and charismatic vocalists on the scene, with recent editions including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, Vuyo Sotashe, Veronica Swift, and Catherine Russell. This year we welcome back an old favorite, the smooth-as-silk baritone vocalist Denzal Sinclaire. We’re also thrilled to present a Big Band Holidays first-timer: local teenage phenomenon Alexis Morrast, first-place winner of the nationally broadcast Showtime at the Apollo.
4. LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity Inc. is a multimedia entertainment company that transforms captivating stories into multidimensional experiences. By exploring the intersection of art forms, LuminoCity seeks to blur the lines between virtuality and reality when curating unforgettable experiences for all audiences. In the inaugural year of 2019, LuminoCity proudly presents its signature event LuminoCity Festival, a month-long holiday event with an exhibition of spectacular light art displays, live performances, and a celebration of cultures.
5. New Years Eve Gala at The Metropolitan Opera
New Year’s Eve Gala
STARRING
Anna Netrebko
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019
In an unprecedented program to celebrate the new year, Anna Netrebko pulls out all the Puccini stops, starring as Mimì, Tosca, and Turandot in one gala evening. The star soprano will sing Act I of La Bohème, opposite tenor Matthew Polenzani, and Act I of Tosca and Act II of Turandot, opposite tenor Yusif Eyvazov. Conducted by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and featuring an outstanding cast that also includes baritones Quinn Kelsey and Davide Luciano, and bass-baritones Evgeny Nikitin and Christian Van Horn, this will be an evening not to be missed. Each of the acts will be fully staged and costumed in the respective (and spectacular) Zeffirelli and McVicar productions.
6. New Year's Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance for Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. This free event includes live entertainment followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. This family-friendly fireworks display, now in its 40th year, attracts tens of thousands of revelers to Prospect Park, making it one of the city's most popular celebrations.
This event is free and open to the public, and will take place rain or shine!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-fireworks-in-prospect-park-tickets-71550955835
The 13th Annual Food Film Festival
There is no delicacy better than having flavorful food served to you while watching films about what it is you’re eating. As they say in the art world, you have to know the history of what you’re looking at, in order to understand the piece. The same goes for food. You appreciate it all the more once you know the backstory of the chef and restaurant. The Food Film Festival provides you with that irreplaceable experience.
Upon arrival at AMC Empire 25, VIP guests were shown to the pre-party room, where doors opened at 6:15. The room was detailed with dishes, all prepared by Chef Stephen Yen. As each plate was thoughtfully placed, it enriched the atmosphere of the room, along with the drinks that were served by The Shanty and New York Distilling Company. The food and beverages served at the pre-party represented the diverse neighborhoods that inhabit New York, from lox bagels and roasted nuts to hot dogs, and kimchi fried rice, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. This prelude excited guests, leaving them in cheerful anticipation for what the theater had in store for them.
Afterwards, all GA & VIP guests took their seats, George Motz, Festival Director and co-founder said a few words and then the first film began.
The first film was about Lagunitas Brewery which quenched the guests thirst with Lagunitas IPA. It was the first of seven items to be passed down the rows for all to try. The second film, directed by Liza Mosquito deGuia, featured Erik Ramirez, a chef of a modern Peruvian restaurant. Many of his dishes were showcased, however, when the Tuna ceviche appeared on screen, it appeared in front of the audience as well. This dish filled your mouth with a savory flavor. The third film excited the audience as it centered on a more specialized type of cooking: bugs. While Chef Joseph Yoon spoke about his passion for bugs in the film, everyone else was sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to try the cricket-crusted fried chicken.
The Food Film Festival is such a riveting event that not one but two restaurants revived just for it. The first was Gyro II, which festival co-founder, George Motz, actually directed the film for. The second was Ramen Shack. In between the gyro meat with the famous white sauce being served from Gyro II, and ramen broth from Ramen Shack, carnitas con queso with braised chicken was served. The significant piece in what may seem like a typical carnita is the Piaxtla tortilla. The brothers who now own the company have a family history going back to their father who used to be a driver for the tortilla factory. The concluding dish was a sweet treat: an Indonesian style coconut pancake. The film focuses on their stand that sells this authentic cuisine and how it’s making was due to the lack of its prominence here.
After the films came to an end, the night went on in what was the original VIP party room and the outside terrace. There was a surplus of dishes that were extensions of the Chefs, restaurants, and factories menus shown in the films. With each bite that the attendees took, the food left everyone with radiating smiles.
TOP OCTOBER NYC EVENTS
NYCWFF is considered the largest wine and food festival in New York City with more than 100 events and widely recognized for its tastings in celebration of America’s favorite foods, intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, late night parties, hands-on classes, educational seminars, wine tastings and more. Over 50,000 passionate gourmands and aficionados sip, swirl and savor world-class cuisine, wine and spirits served up by the industry’s finest.
2. New York Comic Con 2019
The New York Comic Con is an annual New York City fan convention dedicated to Western comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, cosplay, toys, movies, and television.
3. American Ballet Theatre – Fall Gala
ABT’s annual fundraising event at the David H. Koch Theater features a performance followed by dinner and dancing. The ABT Fall Gala raises funds for the Company, as well as ABT’s Education and Outreach programs.
Downtown’s premier food festival, Taste of the Seaport, will return for the 10th year of food, fun and fundraising on Saturday, October 19th from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Pier 16 and 17 in the Seaport District of New York City. Taste of the Seaport brings together over 40 of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan and showcases an array of local vendors, artisans, entertainers and family friendly activities, making it the perfect day out for children and adults alike. The event will be followed by a fun-filled Front Street Block Party from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. to keep the party going.
For more information, please visit www.tasteoftheseaport.org
Event: Bon Appétit’s Hot 10 Party
Venue: Industry City, 238 36th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Date/Time: Oct. 19, 2019 6-10 PM
Price: Tickets starting at $199 (GA)
Website: BABestWeekendEver.com/Hot10
Description:The ultimate ticket to party side-by-side with Bon Appétit’s Test Kitchen and the Hot 10—America’s Best New Restaurants.
This October, Bon Appétit will host its annual Hot 10 Party. For one night only, the Hot 10—America’s Best New Restaurants will all be in one place for an over-the-top bash. And we want you there. We’re talking unlimited food and drinks from this year’s Hot 10 restaurants (TBA in September!), hang time with your favorite BA editors, and all the good vibes you can handle.
Tickets for the Hot 10 Party on October 19 in Brooklyn, NY are on sale now atBABestWeekendEver.com/Hot10
6. Angel Ball 2019
As the signature fundraising event of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, the Angel Ball boasts an audience of nearly 1000 high-net-worth supporters, celebrities, influencers, executives and philanthropists at this annual celebration of life, music, and our quest for a cure.
The black-tie benefit hosted by Grammy-nominated songwriter Denise Richand her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstockand Ilona Rich Schachter, is an evening to honor the memory of Gabrielle Rich Aouadand benefits Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, which funds the best and brightest early career scientists whose research focuses on finding less toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other related blood cancers.
Queer Eyehost Karamo Brown emceed the evening, which featured an unforgettable line-up of performances – including an acoustic set by Ashlee Simpson-Rossand Evan Ross; Grammy nominated artist, Julia Michaelswho performed her hits Issues and Heaven. At the end of the night, guests took the dance floor for performances by Daryl “DMC” McDaniels and the legendary Morris Day and The Timeperformed. They then danced the night away to DJ KISS.
Sponsors for the event include celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz,Porsche Cars North America, ALECIA, Casa Noble Tequilaand Pomp & Whimsy. Event décor was provided byBirch Event Designs.
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, the multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens, will host its annual Fall Benefit Event on October 29, 2019. This year the event is focused on Celebrating a Creative Jamaica, honoring a community that has produced a long and diverse list of important artistic contributors.
The Honorees this year reflect the very best in their fields - Obba Babatunde, actor, producer, director, singer, Emmy Award Winner, Tony Nominee, and NAACP Trailblazer Award recipient; Marilyn F. Booker a Morgan Stanley veteran of over 25-years, she is Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and is head of Morgan Stanley's Urban Markets Group; Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of the City of New York and previously served on the City Council representing the 45th District.
JCAL provides important arts programming to the immediate community and the great New York City area. It is a rich resource for individuals of all age and sits at a crossroad of international, national and local importance between two of the busiest international airports (JFK & LGA), and a leading center of finance, business, trade, and the arts - New York City.
To Purchase Tickets/Donate -https://www.jcal.org/annualfundraiser
7th Annual NYC Autumn Wine Festival is our most elegant tasting of the year, conveniently located in Manhattan. It’s an awesome opportunity to sample a large variety of wines enhanced by a light menu of hors-d’oeuvres, cheese, crackers, crudité and pasta. And if that’s not enough, artisanal food makers — many local to the NY area — sample their products, including charcuterie, baked goods, sweets, savory items and more.
VIP Rosé & Bubbly Suite: The event offers a VIP experience in a luxurious area with 20+ Rosés and Sparkling wines. The VIP Rosé & Bubbly Suite will feature exclusive wines, a special food menu, gourmet chocolate and more. The menu will spotlight artisanal cheeses and delights not available in the general admission portion of the event. Ticket holders will be able to go between the Suite and the main tasting freely. **VIP ticket purchase is required for access to the Rosé & Bubbly Suite.
ABOUT THE 2019 NYC AUTUMN WINE FESTIVAL:
In its 7th year, the NYC Autumn Wine Festival showcases 100+ wines curated by our experts. Select other beverages and spirits will also be sampled. Wines range from full-bodied reds to crisp whites to intriguing blends. VIP tickets will offer access to a Rosé and Bubbly Suite with 20+ rosés and sparkling wines.
Participating wineries will show selections from the world’s leading wine regions — France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, California, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and Austria.
A selection of New York State wines will be showcased at the event, with several NY State Farm wineries selling selections by the bottle for guests to take out and enjoy at home. You’ll meet these talented winemakers and hear first-hand about their winemaking process.
Chelsea’s landmark Altman Building will transform into an indoor vineyard, where attendees will taste world-class wine, feast on light hors-d'oeuvres and artisanal snacks.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-autumn-wine-festival-tickets-52897404561?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope
There are very few occasions where one might find themselves helping fight cancer and tasting the most popular dishes of New York City’s best restaurants in the same room. On May 23rd, the American Cancer Society hosted its 14th annual “Taste of Hope” event at the Metropolitan Pavilion to simultaneously celebrate the NYC food scene and fundraise for cancer research. Thanks to nine months of hard work by event co-chairs, Mark D. Friedman and Jamie Koff, many of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors set up tables at the benefit, including chefs from restaurants as famous as Nobu, Tao, Baby Brasa, The Smith, Benjamin Prime, and The Magnolia Bakery. The 14th annual Taste of Hope event recognized Michael Lomonaco, chef and partner of Porter House Bar and Grill, and Ralph Scamardella, chef and partner of TAO Group restaurants, as this year’s Culinary Honorees. The Corporate Honoree was Otto Cedeno, founder of Otto’s Tacos, and the Survivor Honoree was Dana Cowin, former Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine. In the past 14 years, the event has raised over $1.8 million towards its goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
Photo Credit: Hideki Aono
In addition to tasting food from New York’s finest restaurants, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction prizes, donated from esteemed organizations and brands such as Tory Burch, Levain Bakery, Ark Restaurants, and Balenciaga. These extravagant prizes and decadent food tastings were all donated with the intention of raising funds to support the American Cancer Society in their fight towards a world without cancer. The American Cancer Society uses all of its funds to beat cancer from every angle, including research, lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening activists to create awareness. Not only were guests able to experience the finest food Manhattan has to offer, but they were also contributing to a future cancer-free world.
Photo Credit: Hideki Aono
Taste of the Upper West Side 2019
Finding the best restaurants and cocktail venues in NYC may seem overwhelming with over 30,000 options to choose from in Manhattan alone. Perhaps, the Taste of the Upper West Side (“TasteUWS”) can help you narrow that search by showcasing over 80 incredible restaurant and wine vendors to participate in their 12th annual fundraiser.
The two-day festival to returned on May 17 with its "Summer in the City" event and its "Best of the West" event the following night. To keep the bottles flowing, spirit and beer lovers enjoyed two nights of signature cocktails created by mixologists from nine restaurants and bars based in the Upper West Side and Harlem in addition to separate handmade Vodka drinks from Tito’s, White Claw and more.
This year, the Columbus Avenue BID, a 501c3, honored another non-profit organization rooted in the community, West Side Campaign Against Hunger(WSCAH). The acclaimed food pantry, which has been based on the Upper West Side for more than 40 years, is recognized for its “supermarket-style” model, providing fresh vegetables, fruits and proteins to the community, free of charge. Beyond its sustenance-with-dignity credo, WSCAH offers many complementary social services, along with culinary training and nutritional guidance. At TasteUWS, WSCAH will serve tastings prepared by students of its “Culinary Pathways” program, as it has for several years.
Summer in the city kicked off with two nights of festivities including highly-anticipated debuts of popular restaurants and bars included some of the following; Fish on the Fly, Friedmans Restaurant, Melba’s Restaurant, Big Gay Ice Cream, Miznon, Mokum, Mojo Desserts, Solomon & Kuff, and Tacombi Upper West Side. They joined crowd-pleasing favorites such as 5 Napkin Burger, Bodrum, Gabriela’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Playa Betty’s, Sarabeth’s Kitchen, Shake Shack, Olma Restaurant & Bar, Jing Fong, Pappardella, and Swagat, among others. Several of the neighborhood’s most popular bars and lounges were introducing signature TasteUWS cocktails as well, including Da Capo, Jake’s Dilemma, and Prohibition. As always, there was the ultimate confectioners’ corner, along with unlimited wine, spirits and music centered around innovative seasonal fare. Music was provided throughout the night by DJ Svetlana Voice, who promised to be a riveting new attraction.
Back by demand, this year’s Best of the WestPresented by Park West Village Apartments had a dedicated mixology section with one-of-a-kind craft cocktails. Among those participating will be 67 Orange Street, Da Capo, Manhattan Cricket Club, Maison Pickle, Nobody Told Me Cocktail Club, Tiki Chick and distinguished spirit sponsors, including Tito’s Vodka. Elevated cuisine is the Saturday night focus with Elea, Lincoln Center Kitchen, Nice Matin, RedFarm, Cesca, Crave Fishbar, The Leopard at des Artistes, The Loeb Central Park Boathouse, The Milling Room, Shake Shack, The Ribbon, The Smith, Tessa Restaurant, Burke & Wills, Calle Ocho, Salumeria Rosi, Carmine’s, Storico, Tavern on the Green, The Mermaid Inn, and Awadh.
They were joined by TasteUWS newcomers 8th Hill Inspired Mediterranean Restaurant, Boulevard Seafood Company, The Flying Fisherman, Lido, Leyla and Oxbow Tavern. The sweet side of the evening was bolstered by such favorites as Magnolia Bakery, Insomnia Cookies, Mille-feuille Bakery Café and Orwashers Bakery, along with other bold name confectioners. In addition, the super sounds of Project Orange Musicmade their debut this year as well, set the stage and ambiance for the Upper West Side’s most anticipated event of the year.
Bonsai Kakigōri
Merging textured toppings, pillowy soft shaved ice, and seasonal ingredients, Bonsai Kakigōri delivers textured taste that plain ol’ ice cream could only dream of.
Kakigōri dates back to the early 11th century, frozen blocks of ice from Japan’s crisp lakes would be preserved in the early spring months to be finely shaved later. This cold base would be paired with syrups and other desserts and usually served only to japan’s elite class in the summers. With the rise of refrigeration in the 19th century, the ability to preserve ice was less costly and the delicious joy of Kakigōri could be enjoyed by the wider public.
Walking into the shop one is immediately greeted by friendly faces, and a knowledgeable prep team who are happy to indulge curious customers about the history of this frozen treat. When you sit down, expect a bright, pastel-toned environment, and plenty of fresh air circulating from the open-plan storefront. Your Bonsai team prepares your Kakigōri in front of you while providing information on each delicious layer of toppings.
This month, Bonsai Kakigōri has introduced a tribute to Ivan Ramen with their new flavor: Ivan’s Quadruple Coffee Crunch Surprise. Do yourself a favor and skip your afternoon coffee for this instead. The sweet espresso flavor mixed with the robust coffee jelly cubes and espresso mousse are nothing to sleep on. Much like a deliciously-cold cake, this dessert melts into creamy caramel notes punctuated by the crunch of roasted almonds and a cool refreshing coffee-ice base. Get ready for this to be your new summer craving.
Behind this month’s featured Ice there’s a story to be told. From starting as a dishwasher at 15 to opening a top Ramen shop in Japan, Ivan’s journey as a chef has been extraordinary to say the least. Seeing Ivan Ramen as an inspiration, Bonsai Kakigōri set out to create a flavor as unique as his story.
“Ivan’s an amazing chef and we’re proud to honor his work with a flavor inspired by the thoughtful way he approaches food” said one team member excitedly.
TOP MAY EVENTS
PARKINSON’S FOUNDATION TO HOST 2019 NEW YORK ANNUAL GALA
WHAT: The Parkinson’s Foundation will host its annual New York Gala, bringing together more than 300 national leaders in Parkinson’s care and research, business, and the media. The celebratory event features entertainment, dancing, signature cocktails, dinner and auction items, all in support of the organization’s mission to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Master of Ceremonies, Willie Geist of NBC, will act as host of the evening’s events, which will honor Johnson & Johnson and Governor Edward G. Rendell, 45th Governor of Pennsylvania and former Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 2019
6:30 p.m. Cocktails
7:30 p.m. Dinner
WHERE: Cipriani 25 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
RSVP: To purchase tickets for$1,250, the public may visit www.parkinson.org/gala
2. Taste of Upper West Side 2019
FRIDAY, MAY 17
7 PM TO 10 PM
Summer in the City kicks off our annual fundraising food event with the exciting debuts of several restaurants and bars, along with longtime local favorites. Come join us for unlimited wine, spirits and great music centered around innovative seasonal food from approximately 40 of the Upper West Side’s most sought-after restaurants. READ MORE
LIMITED QUANTITY TICKETS AVAILABLE WHILE THEY LAST!
Join us at the 3rd Annual WhiskyX event in Brooklyn, New York on May 17th at Duggal Greenhouse.
Come taste 60+ whiskies led by expert brand ambassadors, distillery reps & some of NYC’s well-known bartenders
Be entertained with a LIVE CONCERT from St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Enjoy NYC’s best food trucks & featured chef to be announced serving up delicious samplings
For more info, visit our website: http://www.TheWhiskyX.com
WHISKEY TASTING BRANDS
Some of our participating whiskies across Bourbon, Scotch, American Whiskey, Single Malts and Rye Whiskey.
Previous participants have included: Aberlour • Ardbeg • Balcones •Bruichladdich • Bulleit Bourbon • Cooper & Thief • Clyde May’s • Crown Royal • Dewar’s • Glen Moray • Glenmorangie • George Dickel • Guinness • Highland Park • High West • Johnnie Walker • Limousin Rye • Powers Irish Whiskey • Q Drinks • Russel's Reserve • Scotch Malt Whisky Society • Westland • WhistlePig • Wild Turkey • And More…
~55 Local and Out of State Brewers serving over 100+ Craft Beers ~ Never Before Tasted Beer and some of your favorites, 2 Live Jam Bands and catered by local restaurants ~
~Come Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2019 4pm - 9pm, at The Well, 272 Meserole St. Brookyn~
One Price for entry includes everything. $75.00
Website: http://www.fiveborocraftbeerfest.com/
5. Billion Oyster Party
Billion Oyster Party
Get treated to the ultimate oyster experience as we celebrate the movement to restore NY Harbor and our local marine environment. Mingle with 50 oyster farmers who will be shucking and serving their delicacies and enjoy bites from 25 of NYC’s top restaurants while learning about oyster culture and restoration. Speak to NY Harbor School students about their work on the Billion Oyster Project. Finally, wash it all down with brews, sodas, spirits and wines from local partners while watching the BOP All-Star Shucking Championship!
Proceeds from the event directly support Billion Oyster Projects restoration and education work. The hands-on science of reef construction and monitoring is executed through community oysters reefs, in-school restoration-based STEM learning opportunities, volunteer programs, community science and research, and restaurant shell collection. Together, we can revive our shared blue space, creating a healthier, happier, and more resilient city—one oyster reef at a time.
On Monday May 20, 2019 at 6:00pm, Harlem Stage, the legendary uptown performing arts venue celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, a period known for a flourishing of art and culture led by Black artists. Guests will be dressed in attire inspired by the roaring ‘20s, to mark the era.
This year in commemoration of the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem Stage’s annual gala celebrates Disrupters: Then, Now, and in the Future; those who shake up the status quo in every field by pushing the boundaries of innovation. The gala is a tribute to artists, activists, and creators, and celebrates Harlem Stage’s more than 35 years as an institution known for commissioning and presenting new, innovative work that reflects and responds to the complex conditions that shape the lives of our audiences, artists, and communities of color.
Zero Food Waste Challenge
** This event is part of the Food Waste Fair, an interactive event connecting the NYC hospitality industry with the resources and knowledge they need to get to #zerofoodwaste. Get your companion ticket here. **
From soup kitchen cooks to Michelin star chefs, New York’s most creative culinary leaders compete at the Zero Food Waste Challenge to fight food waste!
NYC businesses throw away more than 650,000 tons of food annually—but the chefs participating in the Zero Food Waste Challenge know better. Come out to sample dishes from the City’s most creative culinary leaders on May 23rd at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Chefs will make dishes featuring “upcycled” ingredients, ranging from gochujang veggie stem tacos, to cashew & almond milk panna cotta, to cippolini onion dip & chips.
An Exotic Dinner at Utsav
Discard the stereotypes from TV shows and cheap takeouts. After having an exceptional dinner at Utsav, I’d say that Indian cuisine is not only rich in flavor but also in the diversity of culture.
In NYC, restaurants never get tired of branding themselves as “authentic”, but many times it’s just marketing. As a food explorer, it’s my sacred job to go beneath the superficial level. I don’t simply take what’s on the table but ask for the story behind the dish. But at Utsav, I didn’t even have to ask.
What’s on your list if you are dining on a night out? French, Italian, or Japanese? How about try something different this time. If there is a romantic dinner on your calendar, I think it’s time to explore the realm of Indian cuisine. Curry over rice is absolutely delicious, but not everyone can see the sophistication of it.
After being seated, Roob, the manager of Utsav, walked us through the menu with unforgettable hospitality and detailed explanation of each dish. He informed us that “Utsav” means “Festival” in Sanskrit. In India, a land of cultures and regions with abundant festivals to celebrate, each Utsav is a carnival of sounds, colors, rituals, and feasts. Rooted in this concept, Utsav restaurant is known for serving traditional dishes infused by a festival flair. After seeing how overwhelmed I was by the abundant choices in themenu, Roob delightly explained that the diversity of Indian cuisine was adequately represented by Utsav. From the Ganges River area in northern India to southern India, traditional cuisines of major regions of India was served with authenticity as well as innovation.
Beyond the opulence of choices,what won my heart was the caring flexibility that Utsav catered to each of its guests. The chefs are willing to learn about your dining preferences and cater to personalized dishes. So don’t be shy and tell them exactly what you want, from the detailed spice levels, to cooking approaches, you can even explore the secret menu---Utsav got all the ingredients!
Chicken Kali Mirch Kabab, Tandoori Broccoli, and Butter Chicken Kulcha
We were amazed by Roob’s presentation and decided to take all of his recommendations. After a while, a full table of Indian cuisines was delivered. We had Chicken Kali Mirch Kabab, Tandoori Broccoli, and Butter Chicken Kulcha for appetizers. The broccolis were salted with garlic spices which was amazingly appetizing. Then we tried the chicken, which came with crispy golden crusts and homemade green curry sauce on the side. Immediately after the first bite, we already went to grab the next piece, lets just say it was a quick empty plate.
Garlic Naan
Chess Naan
Fish Tikka
Bhuna Mutton
Sea Bass Rasa
Accompanied by the Garlic Naan, Chess Naan, and a bowl of rice, there came the Fish Tikka, Sea Bass Rasa, and Bhuna Mutton as Entrees. The meat was fresh, tender, and juicy. The Naan was so soft and al dente, it tasted like a marshmallow that melted in my mouth. We were already pushed to the limit by the quantity of the food, however, when the delectable desserts showed up, we just had to stuff ourselves a bit more. We had “India’s favorite sweet” Gulab Jamun, the Panna Cotta infused with refreshing mint, and the creamy Mango Mousse that brought us to the peak of satiation. “Unprecedented.” That’s my word for the dinner. As an upscale Indian restaurant, Utsav was unprecedented in its variety and authenticity. Besides, it had elevated the dining experience to another level with Indian’s unprecedented warmth and generosity.
Gulab Jamun, Panna Cotta, and Mango Mousse
Sitting by the glass window and sipping a cocktail, I was intoxicated by the cozy, exotic, and luxuriant dining environment. Capable of accommodating 300 guests at one time, Utsav has one of the most spacious dining lounges you can find in the city. The dining room is surrounded by floor to ceiling French windows, through which you have the overlooking view of a plaza, the Laura Pels Theatre, and street lights at midtown. Utsav has brought India into the city. It has brought the Indian cuisines, culture, festival vibes, romance, and hospitality.
TOP MARCH EVENTS
Staged on Piers 92 & 94, The Armory Show features leading international galleries, innovative artist commissions, and dynamic public programs.
New York Wine Events is pleased to invite you to the NYC Winter Wine Festival, our largest tasting of the year with expansive variety of wines. Join us at The PlayStation Theater in Times Square on Saturday, March 9, 2019 as we savor selections from all over the world, delicious food and amazing music.
Taste hundreds of fine wines, expertly curated by Vintry Fine Wines. Lush reds, crisp whites, intriguing grape blends… and more, from all around the globe.
An array of New York State wines will also be showcased at the event with several NY State Farm wineries selling selections by the bottle for guests to enjoy at home.
See photos and videos from past events.
ABOUT THE 2019 NYC WINTER WINE FESTIVAL:
Discover what satisfied attendees already know: New York Wine Events produces world-class wine festivals!
New York Wine Events is transforming Times Square’s PlayStation Theater into an indoor vineyard. Attendees will taste world class wine, delicious light hors-d’oeuvres and artisanal snacks.
Participating wine importers and wineries source their selections from the world’s finest grape growing regions in France, Italy, Spain, New York State, South Africa, California, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, Japan, Austria and Germany.
3. Good Spirits
Edible Manhattan and Bowery Collective present Good Spirits 2019. Round out the winter season and warm up with a cocktail prepared by one of the many talented mixologists from celebrated local, national and international spirit brands.
This year Good Spirits will showcase innovation and technology in the spirit world. Come see how the entire drink chain is transforming with tech playing a role in distilling, delivering, creating, paying and consuming. Just want a good drink? We can do that, too!
Participants include:
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey • Don Julio Tequila • Finger Lakes Distilling • Ketel One Vodka
Tickets: https://www.ediblemanhattan.com/event/good-spirits-2019/
If you've been meaning to take a trip to the wineries of the Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara region, North Fork or the Hudson Valley but haven't had the time, consider letting them come to you instead.
The 8th annual NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting will offer over 200 wines from almost 50 wineries across the state at The Rainbow Room, high atop Rockefeller Center. A quintessentially New York institution, the Rainbow Room has welcomed guests for over eight decades in an opulent, glamorous and iconic destination.
In addition to wine, there will also be a spread of New York cheeses and charcuterie with artisan breads and sweet butter.
In addition to Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and Long Island wines, you'll also be able to sample some made as far away as the Niagara Escarpment region of Western New York.
Doughnuts dance, strawberries shimmy and coffee beans catapult into stouts from the best breweries in the world at Pastrytown, a new beer festival by Other Half NYC. Join us on March 16th at Industry City for this adjunct fantasyland of sweet and savory flavors baked into your favorite brews like pastry stouts, barrel-aged barley wines and fruited Berliners. Pastrytown is a brewer-owned and brewer-run festival where we’ve rounded up over 30 of our brewer friends who know how to have fun with adjuncts.
And if this isn’t sweet enough, we’re icing this cake with some professional wrestling. NY Wrestling Connection will be there to entertain (with moonsaults and other moves you wish you could do) while you decide which brew to try next.
Come thirsty and ready to have some fun.
Find all event details at: https://pastrytown.otherhalfbrewing.com/.
Sat, March 16, 2019
11am-4pm (VIP) - Tickets $300
12pm-4pm (General Admission) - Tickets $100
NY Wrestling Connection matches throughout the day
festivals@otherhalfbrewing.com
6. NYC Craft Distillers Festival
This speakeasy event showcases specially-selected, premium craft spirits from incredible craft distilleries.
You’ll sample over 60 craft spirits to your hearts content while a 1920′s style jazz band keeps the party lively during this one of a kind experience.
VIP admission means you’ll gain early access one hour before the crowd, so you’ll have more time to sample and meet distillers face-to-face.
Food available for purchase. Complimentary Coat Check.
Modern-Gatsby Attire Suggested (...but not required).
WHO:
On Air Fest
WHEN:
February 28-March 3, 2019
WHERE:
Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave. at N.11th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
WHO ATTENDS:
Where audio makers, artists and storytellers, the podcast industry and listeners gather to network and be inspired by the art of sound.
TICKETS:
Early bird tickets available until February 1st: $60/day pass $150/three day pass
INFO:
PortuGrill NYC
Stopped by Portugrill last night and WOW is all that I can say. This is hands down the best chicken I've had in the area. The staff was welcoming, warm, and greeted me with a huge smile. The menu had an array of mouthwatering choices such as grilled chicken, churasco (skirt steak), and Portuguese sausage, with great prices to match. You literally cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
Before my meal, I stopped to ask the warm man behind the counter for recommendations. As it turns out, the man was Al, the owner of Portugrill. Al, who is probably one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he turned his love for his mother’s Portuguese charcoal broiled chicken into a specialized piri piri chicken dining concept. You can tell he was passionate about the food and the way it’s made - it was a local and refreshing experience.
I went with Al’s recommendation of white meat chicken with sausage and grilled pineapple. The food was beyond good. It almost felt like home cooking because of how fresh and flavorful each bite was.
While there, I took the time to learn about the Portuguese method of cooking chicken. First, the chickens are butterflied and brined overnight. They are put into grill baskets, which rotate over a gas flame and allow the chicken to be slow grilled, while being continuously basted and seasoned with water and piri piri pepper. Then everything comes with the house special green sauce, made with avocado, garlic and yogurt.
Portuguese chicken is unique and hard to get around New York. This new spot is very important to the city and will provide some of the best authentic Portuguese foods you will ever have.
Everything I tried was delectable and the chicken is freshly grilled when you order. The potatoes, lime cilantro quinoa, and black beans were also so good -- basically everything I've tried makes me want to go back, so stop reading and go try it !!!
PortuGrill opened its doors on the Upper East Side on January 9th. PortuGrill serves fresh Perdue chicken and all of the chicken is hormone, antibiotic and blemish free, and all sides are non-GMO, sustainable and locally sourced.
PortuGrill is located at 1215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10028 and will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For further information call (917) 261-4001 or visit www.portugrillnyc.com.
Food Loves Tech 2018
This past weekend, Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn’s all you can eat and drink innovation expo, Food Loves Tech, returned to Industry City. The festival is known for being an experience that brings your mind and your taste buds into the future.
On Friday, the prelude to the expo called the Future of Cocktails took place. Sponsored by Belvedere and Blue Point, this year’s opening night to Food Loves Tech brought together the most forward-thinking bartenders and spirits, taking guests on a bar crawl of the future.
Now in its third year, Food Loves Tech focuses on how technology and innovation shape the way we cultivate and consume food. The two-day festival included immersive installations, tastings, leadership panels, and dining experiences. Guests got to test the technologies of the future impacting the food chain from field and sea to the next generation.
The expo returned with more than 90 food innovators and dozens of experts showcasing their creations as well as many of NYC's most respected chefs, who presented their progressive, awe-inspiring imaginings.
Educational presentation not only included digital technology, but also new alternative ingredients, best practices, sustainability, composting, appliances, and even shifts toward more simplistic approaches of the past. The expo also featured panels on food-related technologies in food genetics, environment, health, homes, restaurants, urban agriculture, and more.
At the two day-long, walk-around event, guests gained an insight into what they will be eating in the future - and how it will be made.
The charity partner ReThink Food will ensure all excess food from the event will provide meals to those in need.
The Food Film Festival 2018
Last week, The Food Film Festival returned to New York City for its 12th straight year! The four day Festival featured a series of events where food and film lovers got to Taste What They See on the Screen...right in their seats! The festival offers a unique experience where guests get to actually taste the foods they see on the screen right in the comfort of their own seats. It was a dream come true for food and film lovers alike. That's always followed by an official Festival After-Party with more food, drinks and fun, served up by chefs and restaurants from New York City and beyond.
The four-day festival which ran from Oct 24th to the 28th and showcased independent films accompanied by different dishes featured in said films. This year, the Festival kicked off with the World Premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown / Lower East Side presented by CNN Original Series.
The episode follows Bourdain on a personal journey through this formerly bohemian New York City neighborhood, as he meets, shares meals and reflects with music, film and art trailblazers including Richard Hell, Deborah HARRY and Chris Stein, Lydia Lunch, Fab 5 Freddy, Danny Fields, Amos Poe, Jim Jarmusch, Kembra Pfahler, John Lurie, Clayton Patterson and Harley Flanagan, whose collective cultural impact in the 1970's and '80's has sustained through the decades. 100% of proceeds from opening night will be donated to the Bronx Letters Foundation, a charity that was supported by Anthony Bourdain.
Thursday night, Guests were treated to an exclusive Eat & Greet with Saxon + Parole Chefs Brad Farmerie and Chef Nicole Gajadhar. Beer, wine, cocktails, films and tastes were all part of the exceptional experience.
Friday night celebrated many dishes of New York City's cuisine in Edible Adventures #16: Stories of New York. An eclectic mix of foods and films made here in New York City were presented to the patrons.
Saturday's festivities featured the magic of cooking meat over fire at Fire and Smoke: Texas BBQ and Beyond, bringing together Black's BBQ from Texas, Izzy's Smokehouse from Brooklyn and more. On scene, were the pit-masters responsible for bringing Central Texas Style BBQ to new spaces and chefs who can harness smokey goodness of fire-roasted meats. Presented were also the world famous brisket from renowned Kent and Barrett Black of The Original Black's BBQ in Austin, Texas.
Finally, the Festival closed on Sunday with All You Need is Brunch!
It has been another amazing year for The Food Film Festival, and they could not have done it without the help of so many - and just to name a few - In The Raw, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CNN Original Series, Schweid & Sons, Mann's, NY Distilling Co., Night Kitchen, and their non-profit beneficiary, The Billion Oyster Project.
Photos courtesy of The Food Film Festival
Areppas 1st Anniversary Celebration
Creative areppas that are fresh, delicious and fairly priced. Areppas, a Venezuelan fast-casual eatery in NYC celebrated its 1st anniversary by showcasing new menu items, including healthy bowl and salad options. Areppas is known for serving fresh, wholesome dishes with the best quality artisan grains, proteins and seasonal ingredients. The Midtown East restaurant and its food carts around town offer signature arepas and the option to create your own.
Owner Celestino Diaz, was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1987 and came to America with his family in 2004 to escape the country’s hardships. Together with his wife, Brooke Carrie Hil, Diaz set out to open a restaurant that would pay homage to his background.
The couple is also committed to giving back by feeding a hungry child in Latin America with every meal sold at Areppas through the UNA X UNA nonprofit. As a result of the initiative, over 40,000 kids have received meals thus far.
The full menu can be found here.
Kellari Fall Tasting Menu
Kellari, the perennially popular Greek hotspot in Midtown West known for its delicious traditional and modern Greek Mediterranean menu, and terrific Greek wine list, welcomed Executive Chef, Themis Papadopoulos to their team this month. Papadopoulos has over 20 years of experience working in fine-dining restaurants and 5-Star hotels in Paris and Greece.
Chef Papadopoulos earned his education from Ecole Lenôtre and as a visiting chef at the Michelin-starred The Kitchen Gallery in Paris and the 2 Michelin starred Greenhouse in London. Papadopoulos' worked as a gastronomy consultant at the Athens Was Design Hotel from 2015-2017 and spent the last seven years as the Chef de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Le Mavromattis in Paris. Papadopoulos is now continuing his journey with a big move to the United States, helming the kitchen at Kellari.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests were welcomed and made to feel like a regular — in a part of midtown where most places treat you like a tourist even if you’re a local.
Chef provided the press with a first look at a new five course tasting menu, which will debut this fall at the restaurant with Greek wine pairings from Santorini and beyond. The tasting began with pickled beetroot salmon with mango and fresh turmeric root coulis followed by a Cannelloni bean soup with mastiha extract. A stand-out avocado cannelloni with smoked almonds, crab meat, red peppers and squid ink tuille followed. Seafood dolmades with pan seared langoustines and fresh herbs was served over a lobster bisque and then came a picture-perfect Branzino Tart with tomato concasse, yellow zucchini and a watercress pesto. The perfect ending came in the form of poached figs in Mavrodafni sweet wine with salep cream and walnuts.
Kellari Hospitality Group owner Stavros Aktipis continues to grow his restaurant empire which boasts Kellari, Cesca on the Upper West Side and a new Greek restaurant called Lefkes in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Kellari is located at 19 W. 44th Street and has a sister location in Washington DC. https://www.kellariny.com/