Eating & Drinking

Discover the best places for eating and drinking in NYC with our blog. From trendy bars to classic diners, we’ve got you covered!

Languedoc Wines bring Flavor and History to NYC Restaurants

Languedoc Wines bring flavor and French history to NYC, led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, with the goal of more restaurant exposure and happy diners.

Langeudoc is a postcard perfect area of sloped hills, lush ocean views and deep horizons in Southern France nestled along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the famous Rhone river and Provence in the east.

Curious wine drinkers eyes just perked up.  Why?  Those who understand, know the area has a lot of magic.

While the land is not as known as illustrious neighbors Bordeaux and Rhone, its quality is competitive and its price tag is far more attractive.  

The Languedoc region produces conversation bottles.  

It’s the bottle someone reaches across the table for –  because it’s different, it’s more of a mystery –  and that person’s palate is in the mood to investigate a playful pairing.   

All these curious reasons led me to NYC’s The Winery for a masterclass of learning and tasting.

Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum

Luckily we were led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, who has more than 30 years of experience, was named Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 and 40 Tastemaker.

 

Beyond the credentials, what makes Erik great for today’s class is his unique approach.  

See, Langeudoc hopes to get their wines in more restaurants:  in today’s class more than half the people in the room work in NYC restaurants and wine bars and Erik understands that territory very well.  He has been Beverage Director, Head Somm, Wine Director at restaurants around the country – so he knows how to explain to the restaurants how to get these bottles onto their wine lists and how to sell them – smart move by Languedoc!

The History of Languedoc Wines

Languedoc has a robust and varied history with winemaking proving their villages keep innovating and the world follows.

The story starts back in the 1200s (when they were discovering wine fortification) and fast-forwards to the 1700s when a twist of fate forced the vineyards to move up the hillside – which became an unexpected blessing as the grapes flourished even better in their new, windier climate.   

We keep going and in 1903, the area was a pioneer launching the world’s first organic expo.  Something that even today, over a 100 years later, many competitors around the world are still behind on.

Some wines with bold, chewy tannins? Yes.  Others with refreshing acidity? Yes.  

We’ll get to tasting shortly.  

But let’s spend a brief moment understanding the area that’s creating such vibrant flavors.   

Languedoc wine region

Languedoc Land

Five large areas with over 20 AOPs  and those twenty are grouped in three very different climates:  Mediterranean Coast, Atlantic Coast, Hills and Mountains. 

Mediterranean, as you might imagine, offers long, warm summers with heavy sunshine and mild  winters harvesting grapes Piquepoul, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Muscat. 

Atlantic is quite different with consistent chills and cross-winds that deliver Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay grapes.

Pacific, as you’d expect from the pattern emerging, is even more different.  It’s intense.  Dry and hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Warm days,  cool nights.  And this vigorous energy delivers rich, tannic reds like Mouvedre and Syrah.

Languedoc Wines Future

Much like the wines themselves, Langedoc’s future continues to open up more and more showing a sense of depth, complexity  – while, yes, also being ready to go today.  

Nine of their wineries are less than 20 years old.  They are a leader in the “Old World” turning toward organic and eco-friendly treatments.  They’re excited to reach a new generation of younger wine drinkers with their message and their culture.

So, let’s have a taste.

There were over 20 wines being poured, showcasing varieties from sparkling to light white to big, bold reds.  Everything from pairing with fresh oysters to gamey pheasant.  

Here are my tasting highlights:

 

Domaine Saint-martin D’agel Le Pèlerin 2020

On the nose: juniper and fresh spices rise from the glass. 

Mouth: soft, supple mouth feel, with relaxed tannins 

The finish had an invigorating acidity. 

Delicious to pair with grilled herbs.

 

Gerard Bertrand AN 825 Cremant de Limoux Brut Rose 2019

On the nose:  effervescent, gushing with red fruit

Mouth: gush of strawberry; 

Finish is crisp and refreshing. 

Pair with citrus-dressed salads or even spicy BBQ,

 

Villa Noria La Serr Picpoul de Pinet

Nose: zesty, floral and refreshing

Mouth:  lemony and citrus aromas with a lovely texture

Finish: bright, uplifting finish.

Pair with mussels and fresh oysters 

 

Domaine de brau Cuvee Etymologie 2020 

Nose: Aromas of red and black fruits

Mouth: A delicate mix of vegetation and spices

Finish: A clean, crisp finish

Pair with tri tip and roasted pheasant

Oryx Desert Salt supports !Xaus Lodge community

Oryx Desert Salt supports !Xaus Lodge community

Transfrontier Park Destinations (TFPD) has a long-held vision of partnering with communities to commercialise their tourism assets, create sustainable job opportunities and encourage sustainable economic activity.  It is with the invaluable support of homegrown, global companies that it’s been possible to build on this vision.

One of TFPD’s projects is !Xaus Lodge, (pronounced Kaus, with a traditional click) a now thriving 4-star graded and Fair Trade Tourism certified community-based tourism initiative, offering a unique Kalahari desert environment experience for visitors.   It has recently championed the !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park, the ancestral home of the ǂKhomani San and Mier communities, being declared an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

!Xaus means ‘heart’ in the Nama language and the lodge is built on a dune overlooking a large heart-shaped salt pan. Born out of the !Ae !Hai Kalahari Heritage Park land claim settlement of 2002,  it is owned by the local ǂKhomani San and Mier communities.

Glynn O’Leary, co-founder and CEO of TFPD, says:  ‘ the ǂKhomani San and Mier communities are some of the most  marginalised communities in South Africa so we are always delighted to channel funding from local businesses towards upliftment in these communities.”

He goes on to say, “I am excited that the historic multi-million rand global Rooibos industry has recently made its first annual pay out to the National Khoi and San Council and the South African San Council in a world-first, landmark agreement.” The Rooibos industry has pledged its commitment to environmental stewardship and protection of biodiversity, which is in alignment with TFPD’s own values of responsible environmentalism and tourism.

Similarly, Oryx Desert Salt  supports !Xaus Lodge on an ongoing basis.  O’Leary says, “We’re proud to be associated with Oryx Desert Salt as they sustainably harvest their sun-dried salt from 300 million-year-old underground rivers in a pristine area in the Kalahari Desert as well as package their product in a sustainable way.

It was their generous sponsorship that enabled our head chef, Lientjie Isaks, to travel to the UK for a once-in-a-lifetime UK- chef exchange experience.”  Lientjie was able to bring back her freshly acquired skills to !Xaus Lodge, improving recipes and menus.

 

Your Summertime Adventures Deserve a Refreshing Taste, Here’s the drink for you

Your summertime adventures deserve a refreshing taste, with healthy results and supporting a good case, taste CaliWater.

This summer many families are going on adventures – from a fun night out, to local road trips to traditional vacations and everything in between.  Families are looking for flavor, looking for healthy options, when possible choosing to support social good.

Recently we tasted a solution that solves all of this and more.

CaliWater's Vanessa Hedgens and Oliver Treveno

CaliWater is the latest celebrity-driven brand on an already crowded grocery shelf to promote flavor, fun and health.

Before you judge it, have you tried cactus water?  If not, honestly it’s worth a taste. 

Open your mind (and your mouth) to the world of cactus water. Try the taste of CaliWater.

The Flavor

CaliWater comes in two subtle, but very different flavors:

Ginger + Lime

It’s a drink that adds a pop to your tongue.  

Tasting-wise, on the nose is heavy lime that for me became a palette cleanser.  Got a funky taste in your mouth?  This can will save you.  The lime notes carry over on your palette and the ginger adds a refreshing zing.   The linger lasts, leaving a pleasant and refreshing taste.

Wild Prickly Pear

Tasting-wise, on your nose its a bit sweet and even floral.  As you taste, it’s giving your mouth a sweet, refreshing bath similar to a bite of watermelon.  

CaliWater's Vanessa Hedgens and Oliver Treveno

But How Healthy is CaliWater?

The simple answer is: very healthy.  

Caliwater contains 5 naturally occurring electrolytes to boost hydration and is packed with skin fortifying antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and 200mg of Prickly Pear Extract which is a proven hangover relief. 

Prickly Pear Cactus has shown to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and provides natural anti-viral properties. Known as a “superfruit”, the Prickly Pear Cactus has been the health solution go-to for many all over the world.

Proven Hangover Relief

Let’s repeat an important part.  The drinks include 200mg of Prickly Pear Extract which is a proven hangover relief. 

Cali water also serves as a fantastic mixer for your favorite cocktail.

Created with passion, love, and a clear mission in mind

Earth-friendly activists Vanessa Hudgens and Oliver Trevena bonded while enjoying a prickly pear margarita.

They launched CaliWater, California cactus water that goes beyond just hydration. 

Created with passion, love and a clear mission in mind CaliWater hopes to promote healthy eco-friendly lifestyles and to make the world a better place. 

With up to 75% of Americans being considered chronically dehydrated CaliWater offer the tasty yet healthy alternative to water that also presents benefits for health and well-being. 

Giving Social Good

CaliWater’s goal is not only to provide health benefits to their customers, but also to raise awareness about the fight against childhood hunger. 

Partnering with No Kid Hungry a charity working to stop hungry children, Cali Wter pledges to donate $0.05 for every can purchased with the goal of donating $1,000,000 by April 2022.

Read for a Taste?

You can shop CaliWater here: https://drinkcaliwater.com/

You can also browse your local Erewhon, Alfred, Bevmo,  Blueys Market & Cafe, Sunlight Organics, The Pie Hotel, Vintage Grocers.

 

 

Oryx Desert Salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

Oryx Desert Salt Taste

In the crowded world of salts and condiments,  Oryx Desert Salt is working hard to separate itself from the crowd and more and more people are noticing.

Come have a taste and a closer look….

Oryx Desert Salt has a heightened taste, even when compared to other gourmet options.  Subtle, yet bold.  It adds a zest to the bite while being gentle on your palate.  A finishing salt who’s magic is pulling out an extra bit of dimension from most dishes.


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I tried it on poultry, rib eye and salmon.  Bringing out the juice and flavor.  Each time the taste was noticeably enhanced.  

With its distinctive flavor profile using less salt will achieve that enhanced flavor and Oryx is still going, creating more exclusive flavored salts for exciting new taste experiences

Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

So far I’ve only sampled their white salt, but judging by that experience, I’d LOOOVE to try their variety.

“Salt is the smallest ingredient in any meal yet it has the biggest impact”

Oryx Desert Salt’s Flavors

SMOKED SALT –  cold smoked over French Oak shavings

WINE SALT – soaked in Shiraz red wine and sundried

BRAAI/ BBQ SALT – free from additives, flavourants, preservatives, wheat or gluten fillers.

Oryx Desert Salt’s Health Benefits

Oryx Desert Salt has all the essential minerals and trace elements that exist naturally in salt, including magnesium, zinc and potassium.  

 

It’s 100% pure, crystal-white, natural desert salt.   Sun-dried, unrefined, no additives, no anti-clumping agents, no preservatives. Dried by the hot African desert sun. 

Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

Why is this important? To really understand, let’s put on our science lab coats and get into the specifics.

There are two elements of salt – sodium and chloride – and they each play vital roles to your healthy body.

Sodium helps your nervous system, controls your taste, smell and touch, helps your muscles (and heart) work and helps your brain talk with the rest of your body.

Chloride is key for digestion and helps keep your blood moving.

 

Okay, science class is over.  

 

But, yeah, that’s how important salt is to us.  And how important Oryx Desert Salt recognises their role. 

 

Some of us, honestly, haven’t put that much thought into what kind of salt we’re using.  And now we know we should.

 

The Oryx Desert Salt Story

 

Back in the Summer of 2020 inspiration struck CEO / Founder Samantha Skyring when she took a 7 day walk through South Africa’s Namib Desert.

 

During the journey, she had several up-close encounters with Oryx Gazella (large antelopes) and learned the Oryx go a lifetime without drinking water.  

 

How do they survive it?  

 

The salt plays a big part.  The animals get the necessary minerals and trace elements vial by licking native salt. 

 

If you look on Oryx Desert Salt’s packaging, you’ll notice the Oryx, with its striking coloring and presence, because became the symbolic icon for Oryx Desert Salt.

 

Oryx Desert Salt Cares About Our World

 

They support small, local businesses, build partnerships and advocate for eco-awareness.

 

Oryx Desert Salt believes in impact sourcing which is choosing to source locally where  possible and supporting small, often women-owned businesses.

They also work to build collaborative relationships (from their chefs, cooking schools and beyond) seeing them as valued ambassadors.

Their cotton bags, aprons and shopper bags are manufactured by a women’s home industry community group.

 

They partner with organizations like the Ukama Foundation, Macassar Pottery,    Khomani San and Mier communities who own !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari Desert.  

Where To Buy

Available at Whole Foods throughout the county, on Amazon and on their website here.

Love a Quality Martini? Whiskey Old Fashioned? Knox & Dobson RTD Superior Cocktails are your answer

Love a Quality Martini? Whiskey Old Fashioned? Knox & Dobson Introduces Superior Ready-To-Drink Bottled Cocktails

Knox & Dobson toasts to their new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails that are expertly designed to be shared with friends, so simply…

Open, Pour, and Enjoy!


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Knox & Dobson’s new bottled cocktail collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson President Rob Levy and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar) who heads Knox & Dobson’s formulation and product development.

Knox & Dobson Ready-To-Drink Bottled Cocktails

Featuring a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Rye Manhattan, Knox & Dobson uses the highest quality ingredients including hand-selected barrel aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.


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From the award-winning design of the bottle, these superior bottled cocktails were solely created so expertly handcrafted cocktails could be shared and effortlessly enjoyed anywhere.

 

“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better, “

says Levy.

Pete was Head Barman at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and he was also behind the stick at Everson Royce Bar for several years, so his experience is invaluable, and his passion and creativity make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”

Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street is where Levy spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and 70’s hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends.

Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go craft beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.

Each Knox & Dobson bottled cocktail is 200 milliliters and features two servings. Whether you are a classic Martini drinker (34% ABV), this is a take on the classic combining gin with dry vermouth to create a flavor profile of an aromatic gin martini that is slightly earthy and refreshing to drink. Lloyd Jones recommends serving this cocktail up or over ice, garnished with olives.

Old Fashioned aficionados (38% ABV) can savor this cocktail which consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil and Angostura Bitters with tastes of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.

The Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV) – made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and Angostura bitters – has a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, along with bright and deep cherry notes.

This is a whiskey cocktail that is meant to be sipped and savored.

Finally, the Rye Manhattan (36% ABV) is made with straight aged rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The tantalizing pairing of the aged whiskey combined with the aromatic Italian-style vermouth creates a spice, citrus and charred oakwood profile that will have anyone asking for another round.


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Who’s ready for happy hour? And, if your go-to cocktail isn’t on the menu just yet, don’t worry. The Knox & Dobson bar cart will be rolling this Summer with more cocktails on the way and no shortage of inspiration.

Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice and each cocktail features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply chill, OpenPour, and Enjoy!

 

Knox & Dobson is available for delivery anywhere Nationwide, so visit www.KnoxandDobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today. Knox & Dobson is now available at 15 Total Wine & More California stores – Brea, Daly City, Long Beach, Northridge, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, Roseville, San Diego, San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, Temecula, Thousand Oaks, Tustin and soon to be in all 28 Total Wine & More California stores; Bristol Farms South Pasadena and soon to be in all 14 Bristol Farms California stores; Bar Keeper Los Angeles; Cypress Liquor Los Angeles; Everson Royce Bar Pasadena; Gerlach’s Pasadena; Highland Park Wine; K&L Wine Merchants in Los Angeles and San Francisco; and The Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. To see the full list of locations, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Find a Stockist.

Bryant Park’s Fever Tree Porch Offers a Mid-City East Oasis of Cocktails, Menu and More

Bryant Park’s Fever Tree Porch Offers a Mid-City East Oasis of Cocktails, Menu and More

Bryant Park’s “Movie Nights” series started on June 13, marking the second year they returned to the Manhattan greenspace for weekly films since the pandemic started.

Anyone looking to catch a free movie and enjoy the surrounding nature this summer can relax on the lawn in Bryant Park and watch the movies, which will feature the 10 traditional screenings but only on Monday nights.

This year marks the 29th season for the series but unlike last year, it will only run on Mondays, with the traditional 10 screenings.

The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking, and event organizers recommend visitors be prepared to claim their spot. The films start at 8 p.m.

The Porch at Bryant Park

Outdoor lounge at Bryant Park offering laid-back seating & a basic menu of American fare & drinks.

Bryant Park Café

This informal outdoor cafe, open during warm-weather months, serves creative American meals.

 


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Iconic Eatery Offers Legendary Vibes and Tastes: Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

The historic Oyster Bar at Grand Central Terminal is over 108 years old and was closed for 17 months because of the pandemic.

The Oyster Bar’s executive chef Sandy Ingber continues:

“The vaccine is our lifeline out of the pandemic and the best way to prevent further shutdowns,” said Ingber.

“Our business depends heavily on both tourist commuters and business people and we look forward to having everybody come back to the office so they can come by for a great meal.”

The oldest restaurant in Grand Central, this landmark has one of the largest and freshest seafood menus in the city.

Here, you’ll find 25 types of fish and up to 30 varieties of oysters, along with other seafood specialties, including the world-famous pan roast.

All of this is matched with an award-winning wine list featuring 80 selections by the glass. Open Monday thru Friday for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. Come on in. The seafood’s fine.


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Love a Quality Martini? Whiskey Old Fashioned? Knox & Dobson Introduces Superior Ready-To-Drink Bottled Cocktails


 

NYC Vegetarian Food Fest May 21-22 set to Debut Delicious Dishes

NYC Vegetarian Food Fest May 21-22 set to Debut Delicious Dishes at Metropolitan Pavilion

The 10th annual NYC Vegetarian Food Fest includes plant-based food and products, speakers, chef cooking demonstrations, mind/body/fitness classes, kids activities & much more. 

Who is NYC Vegetarian Food Fest for?

People who love to eat and who love to learn more about what they’re eating.  Secondly, people who want to find some ways to bring vegetarianism into their life.


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See, that’s what we’ll learn about (while we’re eating).  Vegetarianism isn’t just what we eat.  It’s how we live, cook, recycle, even travel.  There’s many ways to practice it and this weekend we’re gonna learn more about it.

I love steak and BBQ, is this really for me? 

 

If you walk in looking for tasty food, this is for you.  Simple as that.  If you’re looking to find something that tastes and feels just like steak, maybe the better question is… are your tastebuds adventurous enough to try something new?  

 

There will be world-class chefs at the event cooking for you, answering questions and ready to explode your mind and your mouth.

So, open wide and enjoy!


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Saturday’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest Events

Shair Gorgiiss is a singer, actress, and entertainer. She’s sung with illustrious musicians such as Chas West (Bonham), Patti Rothberg, and fronted all-female bands like Van Helen and The Heavy Metal Video Darlings. She’s also MC’d the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival for many years.

12-12:45 –Doctors Who Heal With Plants

Wendy Sax (PPMNY Board Member – Moderator); Michelle Loy (Pediatrician/Weill Cornell Medicine); Saray Stancic (PCRM); Shivam Joshi (Nephrologist/Bellevue Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program)

1-1:45 –The Changing Landscape of Restaurants

Diana Edelman; Sarah Ellen; Yesenia Ramdass & Chef Guy Vaknin

1:50-2:20 – Sustainable and Healthy Homes

John Oppermann Esq. (Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative)

3-3:45 – Building Resilience Among Black Women through Plant-Based Nutrition

Chef Rebecca Johnson, Founder of The Plant Rich Life and PPMNY Culinary Organizer (Moderator); Aisha Smith (NP) & Genny Mack (Nutritionist)

3:45-4 –Escape Artists: The Tale of Mike, Mike Jr. and Freddie

Directed by Nancy Siesel

A short documentary about two cows that escape slaughter and the Harley riding truck driver turned vegan advocate who rescues them.

4-4:45 – EATING PLANTS Episode 1. AMERICA

Host: Katie Cleary; Cast: Will Schafer, Cris Sanchez, Dr Neal Barnard, Amy Jean Davis, Shaun Monson, Ravi DeRossi, Eric Adams, Eric Brent, Miyoko Schinner, Miles Woodruff, Daphne Jade Cheng

5-5:45 – Let’s Talk Cannabis…

From THC to CBD, Terpenes, Industrial Hemp and more.. learn from industry experts… get answers to your questions about this amazing plant… – Doc Rob (Moderator); Lev Kelman; Sephida Artis-Mills & umi

And there’s more!


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Mind/Body Zone

Take some time out of the day and visit the Mind/Body Zone to get your mind and body centered by participating in Yoga, Meditation, and Wellness Activities throughout the weekend from The Noble Touch, Stretch Zone, wellnessDAO and more!

Kumquat Kids Area presented by Coalition for Healthy School Food

Families with children, be sure to visit our Kumquat Kids Area for fun arts and crafts, animal yoga, playacting, and more!

The Food World is Big.  NYC Vegetarian Food Fest opens the door for you.

In over a decade of eating my way through food fests, I’m always shocked by how many more bites there are to discover.  New cuisines.  New cultures.  This year’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest promises to deliver on big flavor.

Hint:  There’s a lot of food out there.  And you probably haven’t tried it all.  So, come over and discover some new tastes.   Your mouth and your belly are going to thank you.  

I’m already a pretty serious Vegetarian.  Is this more beginner stuff?

I bet you’re joking, but I’ll answer anyway.  Nah.  At this year’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest, chefs, doctors, foodie authorities are premiering new books, new recipes, new kitchen tools.  It’s gonna be amazing.

Will it be a Fun Show?

One of NY’s premier event producers, Nira Paliwoda, co-founded and produces the fest.  So, yeah. It’s gonna be amazing.  A few years ago, there was a party in the admission line itself.   Paliwoda knows how to host a good time and keep her friends entertained.


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​​This weekend May 21-22, the 10th annual event includes plant-based food and products, speakers, chef cooking demonstrations, mind/body/fitness classes, kids activities & much more. 

The 2-day festival will be a showcase of 100% vegan innovation, with revolutionary plant-based food, products and fun for kids and adults alike.

For more info: https://www.nycvegfoodfest.com/

NYC Parks Celebrate the Opening McCarren ParkHouse café in Historic McCarren Park House

NYC Parks Celebrate the Opening of New Cafe in Historic McCarren Park House

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue will join the operators of the new McCarren ParkHouse Aaron Broudo and Belvy Klein, and community members to cut the ribbon on a new café in North Brooklyn’s most popular park.

The new eatery is located in the historic McCarren Park House which benefited from more than $3M invested by the operators to expand and upgrade the space to accommodate dining, parks staff operations offices, and new public bathrooms.

McCarren ParkHouse café features four unique vendors operating in unison, offering sandwiches, ice cream, coffee and more, seven days a week.

The planned venue, to be called McCarren Park House (with an address of 855 Lorimer St.), was first announced in January 2020.

It will be operated by the team of Aaron Broudo and Belvy Klein, who were awarded the business by the Parks Department.

They formerly ran Greenpoint’s Brooklyn Night Bazaar venue, and currently operate both the Jacob Riis Park and Rockaway Beach boardwalk concessions.

Appearing in front of Community Board 1’s SLA Review Committee on July 27, where the duo was recommended for a liquor license, additional details surfaced. They will serve coffee in the mornings, from 8 am until 11 am, which is when the restaurant opens. It will close at 11 pm on weekdays and 1 am on weekends, which is when the park itself closes.

The upgraded facility includes more than 100 outdoor seats at picnic tables and 30 seats inside of the building.

Thanks to $3 million in improvements, the building was redesigned to meet the needs of the general public, café patrons, and Parks staff in a seamless space that encourages circulation and access for all.

Taste History and Enjoy Finger Lakes Most Delicious Wineries

Most Delicious Finger Laker Wineries

If you enjoy wine – especially white wine – a visit to the Finger Lakes should be your next trip.

The region, which includes 11 lakes in New York, makes a great escape from New York City and other Mid-Atlantic and New England areas for a weekend or more – the Finger Lakes is also a great cross-country flight.

The Finger Lakes is also an especially popular destination for romantic getaways and girls trips like bachelorette parties.

The best Finger Lakes for wineries

Look for wineries on Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes.

The heart of Finger Lakes wine country, these lakes each have a designated wine trail – though new growth and wine tasting rooms are popping up elsewhere in the region too.

Boundary Breaks

Grapes will grow almost anywhere. But to make the finest wines, you need to choose the grape varieties that are suited to the climate of the region and to your vineyard location.

In the cool climate of the Finger Lakes, the best place to grow grapes is close to the lake. And the deeper the lake, the better.

Seneca Lake is the deepest of the eleven Finger Lakes in Central New York. Even though winter temperatures can fall below zero, Seneca Lake rarely freezes over.

Cool-climate varieties include Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Franc.

At Boundary Breaks, they grow each of these varieties and produce wines that express the full range styles that are possible from such classic grapes.


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Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States.

Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention.

Their philosophy is to maintain the legacy built by our founder by continuously producing the highest quality wines from our vinifera vines.

Varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and most recently, Gruner Veltliner are prized and beloved at our winery.

Our pioneering spirit pushes us to build upon our traditional foundation constantly innovating our methods.


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O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards

Hemlock Lake is home to O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards.

Nature inspires their wine making today.

They honor each unique cool-climate harvest, producing unadulterated local wines at a fair price. Amidst 6,684 acres of State Forest Land, come find their vineyard and winery, home to New York State’s oldest Bald Eagle nests.

A spirit of good stewardship informs their vineyard practices and packaging choices today. Eagle Crest wines are perfectly preserved and packaged in recycled glass, with soy-based inks and resealable Stelvin® closures.

They hope their wines bring Joy to your daily life and increasing discernment and appreciation for Balance and Beauty.

Varietals include chardonnay, riesling, red blends and more!

Element Winery at F.L.X. Provisions

Made by Christopher Bates—Winemaker, Master Sommelier & Executive Chef

Element Winery is a small production winery founded in 2009 with a mission to create high quality wines that are distinctively Finger Lakes.

With over 25 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry, Master Sommelier and restauranteur, Christopher Bates is pushing the limits of expectations and expanding the definition of what is possible in the Finger Lakes.

Working with grapes from different soils, sites, and growers, Element aims to create world-class wines that are wholly representative of the extreme climate and terroir.

In addition to producing white wines, Element is focused on producing red wines that have the potential to redefine the Finger Lakes region.

Fox Run Vineyards

Long before the hundreds of travelers, wine-tasters, and oenophiles graced the tables and tasting bars of Fox Run, it was cows that explored the property.

Fox Run was a dairy farm for more than a century.

It wasn’t until 1984 that the first grapes were planted. Fox Run founders, Larry and Adele Wildrick, transformed the Civil War-era dairy barn into a winemaking facility in 1990.

In 1994, Scott Osborn and his first business partner, Andy Hale, purchased the winery from the Wildricks. Now with 50 acres of east-facing vineyards on glacial soils, the winery produces a remarkable range of limited-production, estate wines.

Since those early days, Scott has been working closely with winemaker Peter Bell.

Peter brings a science-based, rationalist approach to winemaking. His team aims to achieve full creative expression within each variety of grape, giving Fox Run an abundance of delicious and refreshing wines.

This wouldn’t be possible without the prowess of Vineyard Manager, John Kaiser, who has worked the land at Fox Run since the first grapes were planted in 1984.

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