Around Town - Pride Events, Oyster Farming, Collabs and Pop-ups
June 7, 2023, 7:11.19 pm ET
Photo: Fandi Mata
Pride Month Events Continue…
In celebration of Brooklyn Pride this weekend, Fandi Mata – the lush Mediterranean restaurant in Williamsburg – will be hosting a drag brunch on Sunday, June 11th. Featured performers include Shequida, Baby Love, Serena Tea, and Virginia Thicc. Performances will be accompanied by Fandi Mata’s crave-worthy brunch menu and unique cocktails. For this Sunday and the remainder of the month, $5 of each one-liter cocktail pitcher sold will go to the Trevor Project.
Photo: Isle of Us
Isle of Us (1481 3rd Ave) is known for its made-to-order, healthy foods. It is also an LGBTQIA+ owned business. For pride month, it will be serving up the "Big Gay Bowl” ($16) with kale, roasted peppers, sweet carrots, turmeric chickpeas, and charred broccoli with puffed rice crunch, and "Big Gay Iced Coffee” ($6) made with cold brew, raspberry rose oat milk foam, and glitter. The cafe will donate $2 from each bowl and $1 from each cold brew to Born Perfect, a survivor-led campaign created by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Photo: Trust Bae
At Trust Bae (1204 Broadway), Chef Frances Tariga, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, is marking pride month with a Rainbow Sapin Sapin. Sapin Sapin is a filipino mochi comprised of coconut milk and freshly grated coconut. The dessert is garnished with pulled sugar and gold. A portion of proceeds from the dessert will go to The Center, a community in New York that provides programs for health, wellness and community connection.
Photo: Manhatta/Body Language
Mijenta Tequila is partnering with Manhatta and Union Square Café to celebrate Pride Month with two new cocktails. At Manhatta, you can enjoy Body Language crafted by head bartender Cameron Winkelman. This lavender colored cocktail features White Cacao Mijenta Tequila, ume plum, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, lime, London Essence Grapefruit Soda, and grapefruit jelly.
Photo: Union Square Cafe/Rock Steady
At Union Square Cafe, Danny Meyer’s flagship restaurant, Rocksteady Slay, pays tribute to Rock Steady Farm, a queer-owned and operated cooperative vegetable farm rooted in social justice, food access and farmer training. Created by head bartender Peter Goitom, it combines Mijenta Blanco, Giffard Pamplemousse, Cappelletti Bitter Aperitif, lime and thyme sourced directly from Rock Steady Farm. For the entire month of June, a portion of proceeds from both cocktails will be donated to the Ali Forney Center, an organization dedicated to supporting NYC’s LGBTQIA+ youth.
Elsewhere...
Photo: Chef John Fraser
The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens, a modern brasserie helmed by acclaimed Chef John Fraser within The Times Square EDITION, is launching a brand-new ultimate Brunch Party in tandem with the 2023 summer season. Offered every Saturday starting June 10th, the elevated culinary experience features a handcrafted welcome cocktail followed by a raw bar, smoked fish & charcuterie boards, a gourmet egg station, and a sweets display inspired by the garden. After brunch, guests are invited to venture to Garden East where live music and more libations await. $90 per person. Reservations via Resy
Photo: Nami Nori
Nami Nori, known for its open-style temaki, will be offering an oyster temaki special this month to help raise awareness and funds for the Billion Oyster Project, a non-profit organization that works to restore the oyster reefs of the New York Harbor. From June 7th–30th, Nami Nori will feature an exclusive Fried Oyster Temaki, made with green garlic hollandaise and ume pickled onions. The oyster temaki special will be available at all Nami Nori locations (West Village, Williamsburg and Montclair, NJ). Reservations are available via Resy, and walk-ins are welcome.
Image: Baar Baar
Baar Baar is continuing its Guest Chef Pop-Up Series with Native Noodles. Baar Baar is welcoming Amy Pryke, the founder and chef of the popular Singaporean eatery, Native Noodle on Monday, June 12 at 7pm. As a first-generation immigrant, Pryke saw an opportunity to bring the crave-able Singaporean flavors she grew up with to New York City. The idea for Native Noodles began while she was in business school at Columbia University, which she then piloted at the Queens Night Market to much success. The 4-course dinner will feature the bright, bold flavors of Singaporean and Indian cuisines, and how they beautifully complement one another. $90 per person (includes tax + gratuity), reservations via Resy.
Photo: Cool World
Cool World is hosting a Sunday pop-up dinner in Greenpoint with Corima, a progressive Mexican restaurant opening this fall. On Sunday, June 11th, Chef Fidel Caballero will be collaborating with Cool World chef Quang Nguyen ("Q"). Fidel and Q became friends while working as sous chefs at Contra and Wildair. The a la carte menu will feature dishes like the Quesadilla (squash blossoms, queso menonita, summer truffle); Qsito’s Locos Tacos (spiced crunchy tortilla shells, potatoes, Tex-Mex vibes); Whole Grilled Porgy (fermented habanero and pumpkin seed hot sauce, flour tortillas); and Tres Leches Kakigori (shaved ice, tres leches, pineapple). Dinner begins at 4:30pm. No advanced reservations needed, walk-ins are welcome.
Until next time, We'll be seeing you Around Town!
Get a Front Row Seat to NYC Fireworks
June 7, 2023, 5:22.23 pm ET
Photos: Front Row Fireworks
Fourth of July is fast approaching, and Front Row Fireworks has the prime vantage point for New York City's 47th Annual Macy's Fireworks Spectacular!
This year, the unforgettable experience will take place on the East River at the East 34th Street Heliport from 6pm - 10pm, which gives Front Row Fireworks attendees exclusive access to coveted, private riverfront real estate and a front-row view to the country's most renowned fireworks display.
Ticket Holders will have exclusive admission to this epic July 4th celebration replete with live music, delicious food and cold beverages. Visitors can expect fun and games at the Heliport, including life-size versions of Jenga, ping pong, chess, and more courtesy of Clinton Hall and Slate. Additionally, there will be kid-friendly entertainment like face painting and balloon animals.
Early bird tickets begin at $35 for this rain or shine event can be found by visiting www.frontrowfireworks.com.
NY Rangers Fans to Get Exclusive Access to their Favorite Players
June 6, 2023, 6:38.33 pm ET
Photos: Mustang Harry's
On Sunday, June 25th, Mustang Harry’s (352 7th Ave & 30th St, next to MSG) will host another wildly popular installment of its NYRFans Player Meet & Greet event featuring Mike Rupp, Stanley Cup Champion and former center; Joey Kocur, 3x Stanley Cup Champion and former right wing; and Brian Boyle, NHL Network Analyst and former center; and Colton Orr, former right wing and legendary enforcer.
NYRFans Player Meet & Greet offer Rangers fans exclusive access to their favorite Rangers players and personalities, complete with signed memorabilia and a Q&A panel with the players, giving fans a chance to ask their burning questions, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and get an insider’s look into the world of hockey.
Tickets Includes ($199):
Player Q&A Panel
Your choice of signed puck or signed 8x10 player photo
Photo opp with players
Reserved seating
3 hour open bar
Live DJ
(Sun. June 25th | 3pm-7pm).
Continuously ranked at the top of NYC’s ‘Best Sports Bars’ lists, Mustang Harry’s has served as a go-to NY Rangers pre & post-game headquarters for over 25 years, and a popular spot where Blueshirt fans can meet their favorite players (Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, Jacob Trouba) and also attend official pre & post-game parties. The venue’s sweeping 7,500-sq ft space–complete with two floors and 20+ TVs–is decked out in Rangers blue, team flags, and lifesize cutouts of players.
To purchase tickets visit www.mustangharrys.com
Paley Center for Media to Celebrate Will and Grace
June 6, 2023, 6:05.35 pm ET
Photos: Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center for Media (25 West 52nd Street) will host “Paley Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Will & Grace,” an immersive must-see exhibition in honor of the hit television series, through July 9.
The exhibit will highlight costumes from some of the series’ most famous episodes, and original props, including the original "Sad Man" painting which fans will instantly recognize as an iconic feature of the show’s apartment set. Social-media friendly interactive installations will also highlight the show’s warmly remembered settings, including Café Jacques.
As part of the celebration, the Paley Museum will also host “Will & Grace” trivia challenges, screenings of classic episodes, and arts and crafts for the entire family.
For more information, visit paleycenter.org
Inside Slava, the new Ukrainian Spot, in the former Pegu Club
June 6, 2023, 5:34.13 pm ET
Photos: Slava
Nazar Hrab, Travis Odegard, Matt Sylvester, and Josh Spiezle know a thing or two about the New York City restaurant scene. They own the East Village’s Pineapple Club and Bee’s Knees Cocktail Bar in Williamsburg. Now, they have come together again to create Slava, a new Ukrainian spot with a high-end cocktail bar in the former Pegu Club space which shuttered during the pandemic.
Nazar Hrab (above) is from Lviv, Ukraine and worked as a doctor, delivering over 50 babies before coming to America in 2013. Starting over in New York and yet to learn any English, he eventually landed at Jean Georges’ Mercer Kitchen, where he met his future business partners Matt Sylvester, a former chef and bartender, and Travis Odegard, a manager.
Their relationship flourished over after work cocktails at the Pegu Club, never dreaming that the space would one day be theirs. They opened their first venture, Pineapple Club in 2020 to great success, where they met and joined forces with tech entrepreneur and designer Josh Spiezle, together opening Bee’s Knees and Slava in November 2022.
Slava was conceptualized in 2021 to be a restaurant that celebrates Ukrainian cuisine and culture. It is named after Nazar’s mother Yaroslava and has taken on a second meaning as a reference to the phrase “Slava Ukraini”, which means glory to Ukraine.
At Slava, diners will find elevated Ukrainian classics like Varenyky, Ukrainian potato dumplings, Duck Leg, Confit with potato gratin; a Fried Chicken Kyiv Sandwich served with porcini mushroom mousse on the side; and Borscht, with a dollop of sour cream and two large pork ribs protruding from the bowl. Brunch includes Cheese Pancakes topped with caramel, sour cream, and raspberry sauce; and Salmon Crepes with spinach, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.
Cocktails range from its bright green Slava Apple-tini with vodka, melon liqueur, apple, and lime to its Clarified Borscht Cocktail fortified with vodka. 20% of the proceeds from the drink are donated to Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which has been providing medical treatment to wounded Ukrainian soldiers, as well as delivering medical equipment, supplies, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since 2014.
Visitors will also find a series of Vodka Infusions made with ingredients like horseradish and honey, beets, and cherry infused in vodka for up to 20 days, available as individual shots, flights of three, and 20-ounce bottles for the table.
Slava is located at 77 West Houston Street, New York, NY (929) 531-9779. For more information, visit www.slavanyc.com
Review: Days of Wine and Roses
June 5, 2023, 9:07.42 pm ET
Photo: Ahron R Foster
By Brian Scott Lipton
It’s almost irrefutable that one will step into the Atlantic Theater Company’s production of “Days of Wine and Roses” wondering why JP Miller’s shattering source material about a couple battling alcoholism – first presented on television in 1958 and then memorably filmed in 1962 – has been musicalized.
And full truth be told, you’ll leave this unusual show 105 minutes later without a truly satisfactory answer, yet unbearably grateful to have heard the clarion, celestial voices of the wonderful Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James – as the naïve secretary Kirsten Arnesen and the more worldly PR man Joe Clay – as well as the often-gorgeous melodies created by the prodigiously talented Adam Guettel. Continue reading...
The 47th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Return to East River This Year
June 5, 2023, 7:31.36 pm ET
Photo: Macy's
The nation’s biggest Independence Day party will fill the night sky with jaw-dropping sparkles as the 47th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® caps off Independence Day with an explosive celebration! On Tuesday, July 4th at approximately 9:25 p.m., Macy’s will begin its signature pyrotechnic salute to America, featuring an array of dazzling shells and effects that will captivate spectators live in New York City and on television from sea to shining sea. This year’s revelry will launch 60,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned between E. 26th and E. 40th Streets along the East River with prime viewing from three boroughs in New York City. See more
New Brunch & Dinner Menus, Plus Summertime Concerts at The Turk’s Inn in Bushwick
June 5, 2023, 6:21.48 pm ET
Photos: The Turk's Inn
The Turk’s Inn, the kitschy Bushwick restaurant by way of Wisconsin, is shaking things up just in time for summer.
Executive chef Joshua White is debuting new brunch, dinner, and late night menus. Brunch includes classic Turkish dishes like Menemen with baked eggs in spicy tomato sauce, goat cheese and homemade lavash; Döner Hash with kebab shop chicken, fried potatoes and red sauce; and Sujuk Eggs & Cheese (a bacon egg and cheese variation with Chef’s housemade sujuk— a spiced Turkish sausage). Cocktails include Bloody Margie, (a spicy Bloody Mary, served with a beer back as per Wisconsin tradition) with dill aquavit, vodka, harissa, szechuan, and black cardamom; and the Calabrian Spritz with “red hot” amaro prosecco, lime, and tonic, among others.
For dinner, guests can enjoy dishes like Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Curds with Turk’s hot honey; Steak Frites with NY Strip with harissa butter and garlic parsley fries; Spatchcok Game Hen with red pepper marinade, mint gremolata and potatoes; and Whole Fried Bass with garam masala, sauerkraut and herbs. Drinks include the Turkish Delight (a middle Eastern gin fizz that is a drinkable version of the sweet Turkish candy) with gin, campari, lemon, and rosewater; and Salty Apricot (an adult appletini) with apricot vodka, blanc vermouth, and eau de vie.
For more casual dining, Döner Kebab at Turk's Inn is open from Tuesday - Sunday from 2pm - 11pm (and 1am on Fridays & Saturdays). Counter service features Berlin-style döner kebabs, fry boxes, rice plates and döner salads with choice of lamb & beef, chicken shawarma haloumi, and/or falafel.
Summer programming on the rooftop features the “Sultan Series” with live musical performances including jazz, rock, pop, electronic, world music and more. Additionally, The Sultan Room, Turk’s Inn adjacent music venue and event space, will be hosting featured events this summer including the following:
6/10 — NYC debut of Selcouth Quartet featuring Joe Russo, Stuart Bogie, Jon Shaw, and Jonathan Goldberger [Tix]
6/20 Paris Paloma [Tix]
7/6; 7/13; 7/20; & 7/27 Delicate Steve: July Residency [Tix]
7/16 When Chai Met Toast [Tix]
7/19 Rich, Linda Diaz [Tix]
8/4 Argonaut & Wasp [Tix]
The Turk’s Inn is located at 234 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY. For more information, visit turksnyc.com
Flavorful Changes at Chef Salil Mehta’s South-East Asian Spots
June 5, 2023, 5:24.56 pm ET
Photo: Singapura
At Singapura Gramercy, Chef Mehta’s new menu is devoted to roti canai, a humble street food dish. Although, it may have its roots in India with strong Tamil influences, roti canai was unmistakably born in Malaysia and Singapore. The fluffy, flattened, disc-like shape flatbread can be mixed and matched with an array of homemade curry dipping sauces. Other hawker delights include char koay teow (stir fried flat rice noodles cooked with dark soy sauce, chilli, bean sprouts, egg and chives); Singapore laksa (thin rice and egg noodles in a spicy rich curry coconut milk broth); and Singapore chilli crab. Reservations via Resy
Photo: Kebab aur Shebab
Kebab aur Sharab is unveiling a private dining room named “Chupa Rustam” where the signature dish will be a “double roll.” It was created in homage to Bollywood and famed actors who have played “double roles” in films such as Deepika Padukone in Chandni Chowk to China and Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. “The Double Roll” is made with fine minced mutton meat, egg, potato, paneer, mixed vegetables and thinly sliced crunchy onions, wrapped in a freshly baked, layered pratha roti/bread. The Chupa Rustam private dining room opens the week of June 19th. Minimum of four persons; maximum of 10 persons with a minimum spend of $500.
Photo: Way
At Wau, chef Mehta is transforming the Upper West Side restaurant, into a full-fledged Indonesian eatery with modern touches and locally-sourced ingredients. Here you will find signature dishes such as “Ikan Pepes,” a Chilean sea bass steamed in fragrant banana leaves and served with a spicy Sumatran sambal sauce and tomatoes. There is hearty “Rawon,” an Indonesian beef soup that originated from Surabaya, East Java. Wau’s version is composed of oxtail, buah keluak sambal (from the pangium tree) topped-off with beansprouts, lime and chillies on the side. A Tasting Menu is available Mondays-Thursdays for lunch and dinner priced at $55 per person with an optional Wine Pairing for an additional $25 per person. Resevations via Resy
Dragon Fest, NYC's Largest Chinese Food Festival, Kicks Off This Month
June 5, 2023, 10:08.36 am ET
Photos: Dragon Fest
Taste the rich, vibrant flavors of China and immerse yourself in its captivating culture as New York City presents Dragon Fest, the first and largest outdoor Chinese food and culture festival. Slated to run on four different dates and locations, Dragon Fest is the perfect platform for gastronomic enthusiasts, art lovers, and the culturally curious.
The rise of a new generation of Chinese restaurants in NYC over the past decade has made the city's food scene more diverse and exciting than ever. Yet, until now, there hasn't been a large-scale festival dedicated to Chinese food and culture. Dragon Fest fills this gap by offering a stunning array of food, art, and cultural traditions from China.
The festival will take place on the following dates and locations:
6/24/2023, 10 am-6 pm, Washington Square North (5th Ave - University Pl)
8/26/2023, 10 am-6 pm, Broadway (12th - 13th St)
8/27/2023, 10 am-6 pm, 4th Ave (12th - 13th St)
9/17/2023, 10 am-6 pm, 6th Ave (29th - 30th St)
Visitors can expect over 100 varieties of traditional, popular, and rare Chinese foods, including soup dumplings, dan dan noodles, sugar painting, candied hawthorn sticks, stinky tofu, and bowl pudding cake, among others. Participating vendors include MáLà Project, Kopitiam, Pecking House, Nom Wah, Lady Wong, and Nan Xiang. For those with an artistic eye, there will also be Han-style clothing and Miao embroidery and jewelry on display.
For more information, visit www.dragonfests.com
Fast 10: Ten Places to Try Around Rockway Beach in 2023
June 4, 2023, 4:33.26 pm ET
Photo: Margie's/Kyle Knodell
While enjoying a day at the ocean here are some places ranging from beach bites to a full meal.
Margie’s – Located inside the Rockaway Hotel, Margie’s is run by third generation Rockaway residents with a seafood-centric menu and beachfront décor. 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Queens, NY
Tacoway Beach - Fill up on fish tacos, guac and chips, and Mexican corn, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. 302 Beach 87 St, Rockaway, NY
Photo: Rocco's of Roc Beach
Rocco’s of Roc Beach – This spot is known for its coal-fired brick oven pizza along with Italian specialties like baked clams, fried calamari and shrimp parmigina. 115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway, NY
Rippers – This burger shack features grass-fed burgers, pasture raised hot dogs, vegan burgers and frosty smoothies. Need we say more? 8601 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway, NY
Whit’s End - While known for its pizzas, visitors will also find lots of seafood options like bluefin tuna & scallop tartar, and pan-seared swordfish. 97-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway, NY
Photo: Whit's End/Cititour.com
Bungalow Bar – Waterfront dining and drinking. Look for things like crab cakes, shrimp taco, tuna poke and jerk chicken empanadas. Larger plates bring grilled salmon, BBQ ribs and more. 377 Beach 92nd Street, Rockaway, NY
UMA’s – Borscht by the beach. This Central Asian spot also features “manti,” handmade dumpliings and grilled kebabs featuring marinated meats and seafood. 92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Far Rockaway, NY
Photo: Tap That/Cititour.com
Tap That – This self-pour beer garden features 10 taps, outdoor lounging along with inventive bar bites like buffalo tater tots, steakhouse burger and the P.B.L.T with thick cut pork belly. 111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park, NY
La Cevicheria – Nothing says summer like ceviche. Several types are offered from the Classico made with the fresh fish of the day to “Mixto” with mixed seafood and a vegan variety. 97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Queens
Sayra’s Wine Bar – A perfect spot for a glass of wine and small plates ranging from pulled pork sliders, kale Caesar and grilled cheese sandwiches. There’s also a lovely backyard. 91-11 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway, NY
Marcus Samuelsson’s Hav & Mar Launches Gallery Brunch
June 2, 2023, 6:36.55 pm ET
Photos: Angela Bankhead
Hav & Mar is now offering a Gallery Brunch where guests can sit down before strolling through the galleries in Chelsea or walking along the High Line. Hav & Mar, which stands for Ocean in Swedish and Honey in Ethiopian, reflects Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s roots. The restaurant also draws on the diverse culinary influences of its team, led by Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi.
Brunch options include Ocean Salad, a mix of baby kale, shrimp, crab, with injera herb crumble; H&M Charbroiled Oysters with berbere garlic butter and bread crumbs; and Swediopian Pizza topped with smoked salmon, fennel, dill cream and berbere spread.
Larger plates bring Tibs and Grits with harari stewed beef, creamy grits, and timatim selata; Hav E&C with fried egg, halloumi, tomato jam, and bacon; Herbie’s Hot House Sandwich with honey glazed chicken and lemon garlic aioli; and Kolo Crusted French Toast with toasted barley crumbs and bananas foster.
Signature drinks are designed to complement the menu with offerings such as the Bunna Martini with coffee vodka, cold brew, mole bitters and Ethiopian coffee beans; and Bloodi Mari with horseradish aquavit, tomato, awaze, lemon oil and dill.
Hav & Mar is located at 245 11th Ave (on West 26th St and 11th Ave), New York, NY. For more information, visit https://www.havandmar.com
Cocktail Time: noreetuh's New Hawaiian-Inspired Tiki Drinks
June 2, 2023, 6:09.15 pm ET
Photos: noreetuh
After six years, noreetuh, the innovative Hawaiian restaurant in the East Village, continues to make waves. Executive Chef/Partner Chung Chow (Thomas Keller’s Per Se, Lincoln Ristorante) and Managing Partner Jin Ahn (Per Se, Jungsik), continue to work tirelessly to refine the restaurant and have now launched a long-awaited cocktail program. It features unique twists on Hawaiian-inspired, tiki cocktails like Hawaiian Firefly (above) with muddled jalapeños, Casamigos Blanco, Aperol, lime juice, passionfruit purée and agave syrup, shaken and served in a short tiki glass topped off with a sprig of rosemary; and Hawaiian Rose with Roku Gin, Lillet Rosé, rose syrup, lime juice, and lychee juice that is shaken and strained into a coupe glass that is dusted with dried rose petals.
nooretuh is located at 128 First Ave, New York, NY (646) 892-3050. For more information, visit noreetuh.com
Sonic Sphere to Come to the Shed
June 2, 2023, 5:50.56 pm ET
Photo: The Shed
Visitors to The Shed at Hudson Yards will be able to experience music as never before inside Sonic Sphere, a vast, 65-foot-diameter spherical concert hall suspended in air with immersive sound and light, creating a true multisensory experience. The installation will run June 9 until July 7.
Within the sphere, you will be surrounded by more than 100 speakers that move sound above, below, through, and around your body.
Ticketholders can attend transformative listening sessions featuring new mixes of The xx's self-titled debut album and Steve Reich's “Music for 18 Musicians”. One can also dive into electronic music's family tree with a playlist including J Dilla, Sun Ra, Derrick May, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and others curated by Carl Craig, as well as a playlist of Yaeji’s songs and musical influences.
In addition, one will be able to experience electrifying live performances by Madame Gandhi, yunè pinku, UNIIQU3, and Igor Levit collaborating with visual artist Rirkrit Tiravanija.
For more information, visit www.theshed.org.
Market 57 to Host Pride Events
June 2, 2023, 5:31.18 pm ET
Photo: Pier 57
Market 57, the new food hall located at Pier 57 in Hudson River Park, will be hosting several events for Pride Month in New York City. They include:
· Friday, June 2 (6pm–8pm): Party: Cheers Queers!
· Tuesday, June 6 (6pm–7pm): Talk: What Makes a Queer Restaurant?
· Wednesday, June 7 (7pm–10pm): Dinner: Restaurants Shaping New York: HAGS
· Friday, June 9 (7pm–9pm): Queer Speed Dating with Friends and Family
· Saturday, June 24 (1pm– 3pm): Pride at the Pit: Bourbon & Brisket BBQ Brunch
· Thursday, June 29 (7pm–10pm): Dinner & Show: Sea Queens Drag Show
Market 57 is curated by the James Beard Foundation and features 15 kiosk vendors with a focus on women-owned business and people of color. Cititour recently profiled many of those businesses which you can see here.
For more information, visit pier57nyc.com
NYC Bites - The Scoop on NYC's Food Scene
June 2, 2023, 1:38.26 am ET
Photo: Piggyback
Piggyback, from the team behind Leah Cohen’s Pig & Khao, is launching its brunch menu on Saturday June 3rd. Look for hard-hitting Pan-Asian cuisine like The Breakfast Sandwich with Thai sausage patty, fried egg, brioche, green chili mayo, served with togarashi tots; French Toast with brioche, peanut butter, condensed milk, bananas and candied peanuts; Nyonya Dhal Curry with fried eggs, smoked tomatoes, chili oil, served with roti; and the Longganisa Bowl with sausage, fried egg, garlic rice, cucumber and tomato. Brunch at Piggyback is also avaialble with $22 bottomless mimosas for 1.5 hours.
Photo: La Goulue
La Goulue, the popular French bistro on the Upper East Side, is launching its new brunch prix fixe menu on June 4th. Look for things like Tempura De Crevettes with rock shrimp and ginger piquillo aioli; Brioche and Mascarpone French Toast with blueberry compote; Saucisse Maison en Croute with home-made pork sausage, puff pastry, balsamic jus and mixed greens; Moules Marinières, steamed mussels in white wine, shallots, Pommery mustard and cream; and House Smoked Salmon with capers, chopped eggs, salmon caviar and crème fraiche. It’s available Sundays from 12pm-3pm for $39 per person.
Photo: Greenpoint Fish & Lobster
On Thursday, June 8, Spearfisherwoman and Author, Valentine Thomas, will pop-up at Greenpoint Fish & Lobster at Threes Brewing in Greenpoint, to showcase a few dishes from her brand new cookbook, Good Catch, including her Messy Sushi Board, and Fish Puttanesca. The dishes will be served a la carte for the evening, and Valentine will be on hand to mingle and sign cookbooks. The cookbook is described as the “absolute FISH BIBLE.” Diners are encouraged to make a reservation via Resy for this one-night only event, which will run from 5-9PM.
Three-time James Beard nominated chef and owner of Balaboosta restaurant in NYC, Chef Einat Admony, will bring her famous Middle Eastern & Israeli cuisine to the Catskills with a one day pop-up dinner on July 8th at the Starlite Motel in Kerhonkson, NY from 4-8pm. The Israeli/Balaboosta-style Summer Picnic will feature local meats and produce, and live music. Look for traditional dips like hummus and eggplant salad, along with Catskill Wagyu Shish Kebab, Cauliflower Shawarma and Grilled Fish. For dessert, there is Havla Chocolate Cake Jars. Tickets are $75 pp via Evenbrite. (In case of rain, it will be pushed to Sunday, July 9th)
Quick Bites:
- Our friends at Pecking House, led by Chef Eric Huang, now have a snazzy new website to match their snazzy chicken.
- Upside Pizza is now offering access to private concerts and exclusive events to people who join its Upside Pizza Club. @unclewaffles is up next on Tuesday, June 6. Membership ($199) also includes a slice a day for one year at Upside Nolita.
- Trust Bae is celebrating Pride Month with a special dessert. The rainbow sapin sapin is a layered filipino mochi that has coconut milk and freshly grated coconut.
- Brooklyn-based Yemen Café is branching out. The popular Middle Eastern restautant now has a location on Staten Island at 1816 Hylan Boulevard.
- Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa has opened its first location in Brooklyn at 157 Wythe Ave in Williamsburg.
Finally, some sad news to report...
NYC pizza legend Andrew Bellucci, dubbed the “Don of Dough,” has died. The New York Post reporting Bellucci collapsed and died from an apparent heart attack inside his pizza place in Astoria on Wednesday night. It comes lass than a year after he settled a bitter business dispute. The news was announced by Bellucci’s Family in this heartfelt Instagram post.
Andrew Belluci dead at age 59.
RIP
Review: Grey House is Both Dark and Dull
June 1, 2023, 8:05.35 pm ET
Photo: MurphyMade
“I know this movie,” remarks the bloodied-up Henry (the ever-fascinating Paul Sparks) to his frantic wife Max (Claire Karpen, more-than-ably filling in for an ailing Tatiana Maslany) as they enter the somewhat creepy mountain cabin that provides the setting for Levi Holloway’s dark yet dull play “Grey House,” now at the Lyceum Theatre.
Henry and Max ended up there after she hit a deer during a massive snowstorm, wrecking their car. And since he has a broken ankle, the phone in the cabin doesn’t work, and the snow won’t stop. Grey House becomes their temporary home. Or is it their last one? Continue reading...
The Great Outdoors Returns to Blue Ribbon Sushi
June 1, 2023, 7:42.16 pm ET
Photos: Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
Just in time for the warmer weather, Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya on the Lower East Side has reopened its spacious 2nd floor patio. The patio is open daily, starting at noon. The izakaya is located inside the SIXTY LES Hotel (187 Orchard Street) featuring a cocktail bar, main dining room with communal tables and large booths, as well as a sushi counter.
Diners will find a wide range of traditional Japanese cuisine, from sushi, sashimi, and maki, to elevated Japanese small plates like Filet Mignon Teppan Yaki and Tiger Shrimp Tempura, and of course, its famous Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun with Lower East Side vibes.
Photos: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
Also opening for the season is the roof deck at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (308 W 58th St) at Columbus Circle. It is open Monday-Saturday, 5-11pm offering spectacular city views from the 15th floor with comfy outdoor seating, and a chill vibe.
The menu features Blue Ribbon’s acclaimed traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as upscale American grill fare, along with an assortment of beer, wine, sake, and cocktails.
For more information, visit https://www.blueribbonsushibarandgrillnyc.com/
The Migrant Kitchen opens at the Ballfields Cafe in Central Park
June 1, 2023, 6:32.57 pm ET
Photos: The Migrant Kitchen
Central Park now has a café as diverse as the New Yorkers and tourists who visit the park daily. The Migrant Kitchen, known for its American food inspired by immigrants, now has an outpost inside the park at the Hecksher Ballfields Cafe x The Migrant Kitchen.
The restaurant issuing this statement,” At The Migrant Kitchen, we are passionate about redefining American food to reflect the vibrant diversity of cultures in New York City. Central Park, an iconic gathering place for people from all walks of life, provides the perfect backdrop for our offerings.”
This is The Migrant Kitchen’s fourth restaurant location. It already operates on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side and Brooklyn. Visitors can expect to find everything from The “Corn” Dog and Mac & Cheese to Chicken Shawarma and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
To reach the Heckscher Ballfields, guests can enter from either East 65th Street and Fifth Avenue on the East Side or West 66th Street and Central Park West. The café is located mid-park adjacent to the Sheep Meadow and not too far from Tavern on the Green. Hours are from 8am to 8pm. For more information, visit https://www.themigrantkitchennyc.com/
Fat Ham, Kimberly Akimbo, Titanique Earn Major Theater Awards
June 1, 2023, 5:48.04 pm ET
Photo: Kimberly Akimbo/Joan Marcus
Three more major awards for New York theater have been announced.
The first annual Dorian Awards for theater, presented by GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Criticism, were announced. “Kimberly Akimbo” picked up four awards: Outstanding Broadway Musical, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Broadway Musical for Victoria Clark, Outstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway Musical for Bonnie Milligan, and Outstanding Broadway Ensemble.
James Ijames’ audacious new play “Fat Ham” won Outstanding Broadway Play and Outstanding LGBTQ Broadway Production. J. Harrison Ghee, star of the musical “Some Like it Hot,” was bestowed the LGBTQ Theater Trailblazer Award. The group’s trademark Broadway Showstopper Award, for a standout production number or scene, went to the rousing “Independently Owned” sung by Alex Newell in “Shucked.”
Photo: Titanique/Emilio Madrid
In the Off-Broadway arena, the musical “Titaníque” was named Outstanding Off-Broadway Production, while its star and co-creator Marla Mindelle—who essays Celine Dion in the show—received a Best Performance nod.
The Drama Desk Awards will be given out on June 6, with “Some Like It Hot” taking top honors in eight categories, including Best Musical. “Life of Pi” won four awards and “Leopoldstadt” was named Best Play. Actors who will be honored for their work this season include Annaleigh Ashford, Jessica Chastain, Jodie Comer, J. Harrison Ghee, Sean Hayes, Alex Newell,Z Miriam Silverman and Brandon Uranowitz.
Photo: Fat Ham/Joan Marcus
Meanwhile, the Off-Broadway Alliance has announced its top honors for the 2022-2023 season. “Fat Ham” was named Best Play; “Titanique” was named Best Musical; “Endgame” was named Best Revival of a Play; “Merrily We Roll Along” was named Best Revival of Musical, “Walking with Bubbles” was named Best Solo Show, and “Asi Wind’s Inner Circle” was named Best Unique Theatrical Experience.
Queens County Farm Museum to Celebrate Milk & Honey Month
June 1, 2023, 5:32.28 pm ET
Photos: Queens County Farm
The Queens County Farm Museum is celebrating Milk & Honey Month in June, which brings farm-fresh programming and delicious treats to museum visitors.
Free programming includes daily Cabot Cheese Samples, the after-school Milk & Cookie Hour on Fridays sponsored by Hudson Valley Fresh, Cowabunga Storytime in the Con Edison Reading Room and A Taste of History featuring butter churning, honey tasting and historic farmhouse tours in the Adriance Farmhouse.
There are also a variety of fee-based programs including Cheesemaking 101, Celebrate the Strawberry Moon and Max & Mina’s Ice Cream Pop Up.
Admission to the Museum is always free. For more information on Queens County Farm Museum, visit www.queensfarm.org.
Court 16 Opens at 28 Liberty
June 1, 2023, 5:14.43 pm ET
Photo: Court 16
Fosun Hive has announced that Court 16, an acclaimed contemporary tennis company, has opened an expanded, 12,000-square-foot indoor tennis facility at 28 Liberty, the iconic, landmarked office tower in Lower Manhattan. The facility is Court 16’s third club in New York City and first in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. It is the only facility in Manhattan to feature permanent indoor pickleball courts, which will be used for clinics, open play and recreation leagues.
Court 16 also features specialized courts for Court 16’s Kids Tennis Academy, as well as programs for adults including swing analysis and target training. The Kids Tennis Academy offers classes for players aged three and up on USTA-sanctioned kid-sized courts, where a progressive curriculum provides students with a strong technical foundation.
The club will also feature an exclusive Babolat pro-shop, showcasing premium tennis and pickleball racquets, footwear and a demo program for trials and purchases. Court 16 FiDi has also entered into a partnership with a fellow 28 Liberty tenant Alamo Drafthouse to offer exclusive catering for events, complete with a specially curated menu for Court 16 members.For more information, visit www.court16.com
