NYC News

Photo: Fandi Mata

Pride Month Events Continue…

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!