Posts Tagged ‘Queens’

Foodie Events for Labor Day and the Weeks After

Labor Day weekend and the weeks beyond means all sort of fun foodie events in New York City.  Here is a compilation of some that you might want to sample:

Pig IslandPig Island, September 6, 11:30am-4:30pm; Showcasing the best of New York State local farmers, chefs, brewers and vintners all dedicated to bringing home the bacon, Pig Island returns to the Red Hook waterfront, a.k.a. home to exclusive beer provider, Sixpoint Craft Ales.

Pig Island pairs NY State hogs with NYC chefs to bring the best of New York State to NewYork City. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/pig-island-2014-tickets-11423697587 , Waterfront at Erie Basin Park, 1 Beard Street, Brooklyn

TASTE Williamsburg GreenpointTaste Williamsburg Greenpoint, September 7, 1pm-5pm,; TASTE Williamsburg Greenpoint is an outdoor celebration of North Brooklyn’s local flavor. Featuring more than 40 of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries, along with live music and more all with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. http://tastewg.com/ , East River State Park, Brooklyn

Vendy Awards, September 13, 12:39pm-5pm; The Vendy Awards presents the 10th annual Vendy Awards at Governors Island. Cheer on and sample from New York City’s best food trucks. http://www.vendyawards.streetvendor.org/newyorkcity

Beer for Beasts, September 13, The 4th annual Beer for Beasts charity event hosted by BeerAdvocate and Sixpoint Brewery will take place at the Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. The celebration will feature dozens of exclusive beers, some of New York City’s best food vendors, and creative entertainment to promote compassion toward animals. All net proceeds go to the Humane Society of New York. A day session and a night session are offered.  http://www.beeradvocate.com/b4b/ 149 7th Street, Brooklyn

Exploring Latin American Jewish Cuisine, September 14, 2:30pm-5pm; Latin American Jewish cuisine is heating up restaurants and kitchens throughout the Americas. Hear a lively and mouthwatering conversation about the cuisine’s journey from early Sephardic influences to the Jewish food landscape of today. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, https://webformsrig01bo3.blackbaudhosting.com/898a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=a5870498-401e-4ac7-a135-287ffbe9eb16

Nordic Hot Dog ChampionshipsNordic Hot Dog Championship (part of the North Food Festival), September 15, 6pm-10pm; This is your chance to have some of the best chefs in the world cook up delicious Hot Dogs for you in the comfort of the bar at Brooklyn Brewery. At this first ever Nordic Hot Dog Championships, Chefs battle it out for the prestigious title of Nordic Hot Dog Champion.

Wash down the delicious dogs with equally delicious craft beer courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery and their Swedish sister brewery Nya Carnegiebryggeriet – and vote for your favorite creation. May the most creative, delicious and exciting dog prevail! 1 Brewer’s Row, 79 N 11th St., Brooklyn, http://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-festival-hot-dog-championships-at-brooklyn-brewery-tickets-12434009457 Tickets include sampling of all participating hot dogs and open beer bar.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Beer Festival Takes on NYC: August 23-29

One Mile Bar

One Mile House

From August 23 – 29, Third Rail Beer will be introducing their craft brews throughout the city in a brew-centric party. Beer lovers should not miss these events which not only give you great drinks but also take you to some of the city’s finest watering holes.  Third Rail Beer is a New York City-based craft brewery. http://www.thirdrailbeer.com/about-us.html

The itinerant schedule of events:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 | OFFICIAL THIRD RAIL BEER LAUNCH PARTY |  5pm on

One Mile House on the Lower East Side is the setting for Third Rail’s official launch party. Both Bodega American Pale Ale and Field 2 Farmhouse Ale will be tapped that evening. 10 Delancey Street (between Bowery & Chrystie Street).

The Pony Bar

The Pony Bar

MONDAY, AUGUST 25 | THE PONY BAR UES – 6pm

Move on up to the Upper East Side for day two of launch week at the Pony Bar. (1444 First Ave. at 75th Street).

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 | THE JEFFREY NYC -  6pm

Third Rail’s Midtown launch takes place at one of the best beer curators in NYC, The Jeffrey (311 East 60th Street).

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 | TOP HOPS BEER SHOP – 7pm

The launch takes on a different twist on its fourth day, as it meanders back to the Lower East Side.  Enjoy Third Rail Beer and melt bakery ice cream sandwich pairings at Ted Kenny’s Lower East Side beer palace beginning at 7pm. Top Hops is located at 94 Orchard Street.

Pacific Standard

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 | PACIFIC STANDARD – 7pm

Third Rail Beer’s launch party ventures into Brooklyn at one of the County of Kings’ finest, Pacific Standard (82 Fourth Avenue), starting at 7pm.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 | JUDY & PUNCH – 7pm

The final event of Third Rail Beer’s aunch week takes to Queens to visit NYC’s newest beer bar, Astoria, Queens’ Judy & Punch (34-08 30th Avenue), also beginning at 7pm.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Hotels Offer Valentine’s Day Specials for Valentine’s Day

New York City excels at creating romantic experiences for lovers all year round. On Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s Arrow knows no limits. Here are some choices for consideration to wow your sweetheart.

Andaz at the HyattFrom 8pm – midnight on Valentine’s Day, you can search out a love target or murmur sweet nothings to Miley Cyrus’s tune while you sip Bar Se7en5ive’s signature red-tinged “Wrecking Ball” vodka-and-champagne cocktail at the Andaz Wall Street’s fun, love evening.  Spot a perfect valentine, summon the Cocktail Cupid to deliver a “Wrecking Ball” along with a vintage valentine provided in the Connection Caddy, and take your chances.  Anyone who participates will be entered into a drawing to win a night at the hotel with breakfast in bed, drinks on the house, or a cooking lesson for two. 75 Wall Street, Manhattan, 212-590-1234 www.andazwallstreet.

Wolcott Valentines Day PackageNot single but not necessarily happy?  The Wolcott Hotel wants couples “On the Mend” to enjoy a getaway to resolve marital tensions.

Snuggle and rekindle in a two-room suite – so you each can have your own space if you need it – and read up on counseling literature provided for you, or take advantage of discounted activities like yoga or an aphrodisiacal wine-and-chocolate dinner to get you back on track. 4 West 31st St., Manhattan, 212-268-2900 www.wolcott.com

zhotelTo quote Beyoncé, “all the single ladies” have an option, too: the “Insider Shopping Package” at the Z NYC Hotel, with deluxe accommodations overlooking the Manhattan skyline from the Queens side.  Shop ‘til you drop with a customized three-hour shopping tour with a fashion industry pro, followed by cocktails and “show-and-tell” in the Z Lounge. 11-01- 43rd Ave., Long Island City (Queens), 212-319-7000 www.zhotelny.com

Over-the-top is something you can certainly find in Manhattan. And, if money is no object, this one’s for you. The Hotel Plaza Athénée on the Upper East Side has a Valentine’s Day package for $7400 per night that will put you in one of the hotel’s deluxe suites with a private dining room, granite kitchen and townhouse furnishings. Plaza Athenee Valentines PackageFlowers will surround you throughout as you sip your special bottle of 1999 Cuvée Louise Pommery champagne in your own gold engraved champagne glasses. For even more decadence, you’ll also receive a gift of an original Picasso lithograph. And, there’s more. You’ll enjoy a “Suite Heart” couples’ treatment at Spa Valmont in a private treatment suite, starting with a full-body exfoliation and romantic candle-lit steam shower, and ending with a 90-minute massage with rose aromatherapy oil or a Valmont facial. Your breakfast will be served in your suite’s dining room, with Valentine’s Day red velvet waffles highlighting the opulent menu. Call for availability. 37 East 64th Street, Manhattan, 212-772-0958 www.plaza-athenee.com.

Ink48The Kimpton Group is at it again with ultra-sexy two-night packages for a New York City Valentine’s Day getaway (or hideaway).  At the Ink48 hotel, you’ll pick your desired level of “heat” — low, medium or high — and pick the amenities that are best suited for you. “Low Heat” encourages you to be a “devil with a halo” and visit the Museum of Sex, followed by a retreat to your room to enjoy an aphrodisiac-filled basket of almonds, seeds, bananas, strawberries, red wine and absinthe.  Or turn up the flame to “Medium Heat” and be a “devil with a conscious,” reading your gift of “Go Green between the Sheets and Make Your Love Sustainable,” or using an array of eco-friendly massage oils after your private in-room wine tasting which includes two bottles of sustainable wines. For the full effect, the “High Heat” package transforms you into a “devil in the centerfold.”  Are you a closet exhibitionist? With this package, you’ll get a one-hour photo shoot with make-up and styling with a magazine-style book of boudoir photos. In your room, you’ll find an iPod pre-loaded with sexy tunes to get you in the mood, along with red wine, chocolates, and two disposable cameras.  Prices for the packages range from $399-$899 per night. To book, info@ink48.com. 653 11th Avenue, Manhattan, 212-757-0088 www.ink48.com.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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2014 Chinese New Year — Celebrate in Flushing This Year

The Chinese Year of the Horse has arrived.  One of the best places to celebrate is among the Chinese community in Flushing, Queens, a quick hop from Manhattan on the 7 train.  One of the three largest Asian communities in New York City, along with Sunset Park (Brooklyn) and Chinatown (Manhattan), Flushing will embrace the Lunar New Year with their annual Lunar New Year Parade, starting at 10am on Saturday, February 8. Join the crowds enjoying dragon dancers, steel drummers and fireworks.  People line the route which begins at Union Street and 37th Ave. and ends near Main St. and 39th Ave. Viewing stands are placed at Flushing Library (Main and Kissena streets) and at the parade’s end. For more information about the parade, Queens, and other NYC neighborhoods, NYC & Co. provides information through its Neighborhood x Neighborhood site, nycgo.com/neighborhoods.

What to do after the parade:

Flushing is a lot more than LaGuardia airport.

Go shopping at The Shops at Queens Crossing, sampling dim sum and bubble tea in-between store visits.  (Main Street and 39th Ave., http://www.queenscrossing.com/index.php/shopping)

Eat, eat, eat – Joe’s Shanghai (136-21 37th Ave, http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/flushingstore_eng.html) still has, in my humble opinion, the best soup dumplings in New York City. The no-reservations policy guarantees a wait, but it’s usually fairly quick. Cash only. Save room for dessert at Tai Pan Bakery (37-25 Main Street, www.taipanbakeryonline.com)‎ – just point to what you might like to try and explore. Spicy & Tasty (39-07 Prince St., spicyandtasty.com/) is rated as one of the most authentic and least inexpensive restaurants in Flushing.  I suggest that you bring a large group so you can try a variety of dishes, from tame to killer Szechuan hot.

Bring the kids – the New York Hall of Science (47-01 111th St., Corona, nysci.org) ‎ is a favorite for hands-on exploration, as is the newly renovated Queens Museum of Art (www.queensmuseum.org/) with its mammoth panorama of New York City. If the weather isn’t too chilly, you can also walk through the Queens Botanical Garden (43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org/‎) for a taste of winter vegetation (and a beautiful park setting).  For more outdoor fun, Flushing Meadow Park is always a favorite with its imposing remnant of the 1964 World’s Fair, the Unisphere.

History and the Arts – The Voelker Orth Museum (14919 38th Ave., www.vomuseum.org/‎) is an 18th-century house and museum, bird sanctuary and Victorian garden.  Another landmark home, the Kingsland Homestead, depicts farmhouse life of the 18th century and also houses the Queens Historical Society (http://queenshistoricalsociety.org/).

Feel like making a “getaway” of it?  Several neighborhood hotels area available including the Hotel de Point in College Point (http://www.hoteldepoint.com/), a contemporary property with eco-friendly amenities, and The Parc Hotel in Flushing (http://www.theparchotel.com), an upscale boutique hotel which opens in March.  More choices lie closer to LaGuardia Airport.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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September Street Fairs, Parades and Concerts in NYC

Fall weather means the return of street fairs, outdoor music, and parades to the city.  Here, in one place, we compile a listing of some of the most interesting ones happening throughout the city this month.  Plan your travels accordingly as street closures mean slow going in places.

92 Street Y Lexington Avenue Festival – food, music, activities and family entertainment, along one mile of Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side.  Try rock climbing courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders (86th Street), food offerings from around the world, dance and entertainment at the main stage (85th Street), activities for the younger ones at the 92Y KidCentral area (84th Street), and much more.

Sunday, September 15, 12pm-5pm
Lexington Avenue from 96th to 79th Street, Manhattan

www.92y.org/streetfest

87th Annual Feast of San Gennaro – Italian specialties, parades, music in Little Italy, Manhattan

Through Sunday September 22, 2013, into the late hours

Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston St
www.sangennaro.org

A spate of localized neighborhood fairs pop up over the next two weeks.  All basically offer American and international merchandise and food, art, crafts, antiques, merchandise, crowds and entertainment. Bring cash and a spirit of fun as you meander through the streets and enjoy the roasted corn, fried dough, sock stands, street art, and more.

  • Broadway Autumn Fair, Manhattan
    Saturday, September 21, 10am-6pm
    on Broadway from Waverly Place – 14th St.
  • Jerome Avenue Festival, Bronx
    Saturday, September 21, 12Noon -6pm
    on Jerome Avenue from Moshulu Parkway to Gun Hill Road
  • Bleecker Street Festival, Manhattan
    Saturday, September 21, until 6pm
    on Bleecker Street from 8th to 7th Avenues
  • Broadway Astoria Festival, Queens
    Sunday, September 22, until 6pm
    on Broadway from Steinway Street to Crescent Street
  • Grand Central Fall Fest, Manhattan
    Friday, September 27, until 6pm
    on 41st Street from Lexington Ave. – 3rd Ave.
  • Sixth Avenue Fair, Manhattan
    Saturday, September 28, until 6pm
    on 6th Avenue from 42nd St.- 56th St.
  • Forest Hills Austin Street Festival, Queens
    Sunday, September 29, until 6pm
    on Austin Street from 69th to 72nd Road

Two slightly different events in Staten Island will appeal to art and music lovers:

Staten Island Museum’s 63rd Annual Fence Show – a neighborhood art exhibition and sale.

Saturday, September 21, 11am – 5pm
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (Front Lawn)

The St. Luke’s Subway Series presents a free outdoor music concert by the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble.

Saturday, September 28, 2pm
Snug Harbor, Richmond County Savings Foundations’ Tuscan Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island

Also not to be missed is the colorful oompah-ness of the Steuben Day Parade in Manhattan, with its music, dance, costumes and floats celebrating more than three centuries of German–American friendship.  Tickets available for $15 for Grand Stand seats, www.SteubenGrandStand.eventbrite.com.

German-American Steuben Parade of New York

Saturday, September 21 – 12 Noon
Fifth Avenue, 68th Street to 86th Street
Grand Stand at 79th Street

As part of the celebration, kick off Oktoberfest in Central Park at 1:30pm at Rumsey Playfield, entrance at 72nd Street. Enjoy brews and entertainment featuring “Die Schlauberger,” “Spitze!” and other bands.  Tickets: $20 at www.SteubenOktoberfest.eventbrite.com.