Stuff to Do

AllNY.com's look at things to do in NYC written by New Yorkers for New Yorkers and serious New York tourists.

More Manhattan Cocktail Madness – May 19-21

Foodie alert!

Manhattan Cocktail Classic has announced three more exciting events for the next week:

Smokin’ Boozy Bacon-Loaded Brunch with Top Chef Dave Martin – 2 sessions:

Sunday, May 19, 11:00am-1:00pm (Session 1) and 2:00pm-4:00pm (Session 2)

Top Chef alum Dave Martin shows how eclectic brunch can be, pairing sweet and savory brunch specialties with his signature cocktails. Quirky concoctions spiked with The Perfect Puree and Double Cross Vodka accompany bite-sized versions of Martin’s classic brunch dishes. The treats at this event are meat-based for the most part, featuring Nueske’s smoked meats, so carnivores are in luck. But a few meatless options are available for all the vegetarians out there. Full menu:

Cocktails:

Smokin’ Mary: Dave’s Homemade Spicy Mary Mix, The Perfect Purée Chipotle Sour, Double Cross Vodka and Nueske’s Pepper Bacon

Spring Thyme & Lime Cooler: Fresh Squeezed Limeade, The Perfect Purée Thyme & Citrus, and Crushed Ice

The Bruised Pineapple: The Perfect Purée Carmelized Pineapple, Double Cross Vodka and Orange Agave Nectar

Food pairings:

Monte Cristo’s Nueske’s Smoked Ham & Smoked Turkey, Gruyere inside Malted French Toast and Blackberry Sauce for dipping

Mini Veggie Frittatas: Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Tomatoes, Wild Mushrooms & Goat Cheese

Duck Quesadillas: Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast, Apricot & Mango Chutney and Asiago Cheese

Hanger Steak Bites: Smokey Rubbed CAB Hanger Steak with Groovy Gorgonzola for dipping

Nueske’s Wild Cherrywood Bacon & Dried Cherry Shortbread Cookies: Bacon, Tart Cherries & buttery goodness

Chocolate Truffle Cakes: Mini versions of the classic with Dave’s Salted Caramel Sauce

Location:

Guggenheim Studio, 250 West 54th #405 between 8th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan

Tickets: $65

“An Afternoon of Chocolate and Cocktails”:

Sunday, May 19, 3:00pm-5:00pm

Celebrate the best of both indulgences at a walk-around tasting sponsored by Valrhona Chocolates. Nibble on delectable desserts, courtesy of NYC’s premier chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Then head to the bar for a glimpse into how chocolate-friendly spirits are made, all while tasting your way through Valrhona’s signature line of chocolates. Once you narrow down your favorite dessert, the mixologists will make a custom drink for a decadent pairing.

Location:

Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street at East 4th Street, http://www.astorcenternyc.com/

Tickets: $45 (purchase directly on the Astor Center website: http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-an-afternoon-of-chocolate-and-cocktails.ac

Perfect Pairings:

Tuesday, May 21, 6:00pm-10:00pm

Want to indulge for a charitable cause? Enjoy an evening of cocktails and food pairings to boot at The Bowery Hotel, located in Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side neighborhood. At the end of the evening, you’ll leave with a full stomach and the good feeling that comes from knowing that your money is going to a great cause. Tickets will be available soon, with proceeds benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Location: The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery between Great Jones and Bond Streets, www.theboweryhotel.com

Tickets: Check the Manhattan Cocktail Classics website for updates: tickets.manhattancocktailclassic.com

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Get Ready for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic – May 17-21

manhattan cocktail classicThe Manhattan Cocktail Classic is back in its fifth year, uniting NYC’s boroughs in the name of great cocktails and culture from May 17-21. Last year’s Classic attracted more than 8,000 attendees, and this year’s nearly 100 events will once again bring delicious concoctions from around the world to the Big Apple.

Events during the five-day celebration are independently organized and held at unique venues, so you won’t have to travel far to imbibe. Take your pick of parties, tastings and tours at notable bars, restaurants, art galleries, museums, barber shops, theaters and libraries across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. This year’s 100+ events are selling out quickly, so check out these events and grab tickets before they’re gone. Tickets range from $25-$395; all event attendees must be 21 or older and prepared to present a valid photo ID.

The Gala: Friday, May 17 from 9:00pm-1:00am

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicks off opening night with this black-tie optional soiree, spanning four floors and over ten million cubic feet of space in The New York Public Library’s main branch. Last year, guests sipped more than 30,000 cocktails, courtesy of 150 of the world’s top mixologists. Get ready for more unlimited cocktails this year, and come hungry to enjoy delectable finger foods from meatball sliders to oysters and jumbo shrimp. Mingle with 3,000 fellow cocktail enthusiasts to the tunes of live jazz bands and DJs providing the evening’s entertainment. Buy tickets asap — the Gala will likely sell out soon.

Location:

The New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street,

Tickets:

Regular admission ($195) offers entry to the Gala at 10pm;

VIP Access ticket ($295) offers entry to the Gala at 9pm, plus a free ride to or from the NYPL for new users to Uber (up to $50 credit);

Uber VIP Package ($395) offers entry to the Gala at 9pm, plus a free ride to and from the NYPL courtesy of Uber (up to $100 credit), plus a three-day pass to the Industry Invitational, to be held at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel.

An Afternoon of Aperitivi: Saturday, May 18, 3:00pm-5:00pm

Relax for the afternoon as Joe Campanale, Executive Beverage Director at L’Apicio, and Adam Schuman, Spirits Portfolio Manager at Michael Skurnik Wines, introduce you to the world of aperitivi. You’ll learn the rich history of one of the original Italian vermouths, whose recipe dates back to the 1890s. As you learn about the evolving history of the Vermouth and its role in today’s cocktail culture, you’ll have the chance to taste the Vermouth on its own, followed by a few original cocktails paired with L’Apicio snacks.

Location:

L’Apicio, 13 East First Street (between Bowery and 2nd Avenue).

Tickets:

$50

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Escape from Manhattan: Drive a Race Car in April or May

SCC ExoticsI’m thrilled that I got to experience the VIP “before-the-show” tour of the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center for the past two years.  It’s a fabulous way to see all the new models and concept cars…without all the crowds.  If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to one of the prestigious cocktail events that surround the launch of the new cars.  My favorites of these pre-parties?  Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are the consummate hosts with their pear martinis and chocolate-covered strawberries, and their gorgeous cars and SUVs.  If you missed the show, which ended on April 7, you still have another way to get your fix of exotic cars and even try one out yourself.  

For as low as $275, Signature Car Collection will put you in the driver’s seat of a Lamborghini, Audi, Ferrari, or Maserati, on April 30, May 14 or May 28 at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, breakfast or lunch included.  Four laps of pure ecstasy.  I did it as a passenger in a race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but this is a heck of a lot closer, and you can be the driver.  It makes for a wonderful way to escape Manhattan and you’ll be able to smile in silent understanding the next time you see those cool cars cruising down Park Avenue. Still not enough for you adrenaline junkies?  You can drive nine laps for just $450.  Book this by April 21 – you don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 877-511-1876 www.signaturecarcollection.com

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Village Voice Choice Eats — March 19

I can’t wait.  Village Voice’s Choice Eats event on March 19 is my go-to event for NYC foodies.    This year marks the sixth version of this annual tasting event, which takes place at the 69th Armory at 68 Lexington Avenue (26th Street) from 6:30-9:30pm.  The 2013 line-up includes an amazing 86 restaurants from the five boroughs (including Brooklyn, of course), all hand-selected by the Voice’s food critics Robert Sietsema and Tejal Rao.  New as well as established restaurants are represented, including the delightful Qi Thai Grill from Pichet Ong and Sripraphai, a welcome newcomer in Williamsburg.  Some of my other favorites making repeat appearances are Luke’s Lobster (hopefully with lobster rolls, instead of shrimp rolls this year) and Txikito, Alex Raj’s Basque-Mediterranean tapas emporium from Chelsea.  As those of you who have attended in the past know, the evening isn’t only about food.  There’s also a great selection of craft beers, wines, and other alcoholic libations to sample.  Bring a valid i.d., as only 21 and older are admitted.  www.villagevoice.com/choiceeats

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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How to Enjoy New York City like a New Yorker

Whether you live here or not, you’re certain to get a more local experience if you “blend,” as Marisa Tomei said to Joe Pesci in “My Cousin Vinny.”  To blend is to fit in, so to speak.  And, in New York, putting forth your best New York City sensibility counts for a lot.

Let’s start with some of the more obvious “not to do’s” that immediately destroy your New York coolness.

Don’t, under any circumstances, walk the streets of New York City wearing socks and sandals, no matter what the season.  Sandals can be fine, but use your judgment as flip flops may be more appropriately left for your beach visits.  And, please observe the socks-and-sandals corollary if you’re a male: never wear sandals into fine restaurants, theater, or any other upscale venue.  Women have it a bit easier here, as sandals (not flip flops) are acceptable as long as a pedicure has been recently enjoyed.

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Valentine’s Day Dining Choices – Manhattan

Manhattan is teeming with great Valentine’s Day dining options.  My suggestion?  Grab a reservation, pick up some flowers, and consider a great card and small gift as well.  A perfect evening that’s priceless, although not without a price.

For the 14th of February, take a look at 14 of these delicious and varied choices:

Sfoglia — A restaurant that’s a tough reservation to score even on non-holiday evenings, Sfoglia sits across from the 92nd Street Y and offers a “cupid’s arrow” four-course prix fixe celebration for $95.  I love this restaurant on a cold night.  It’s cozy with its white curtains, homey with its convivial vibe, and always pleasing with wonderful cooking from Chef John Carr.  On Valentine’s Day evening they’re only serving couples, no matter whether you’re sitting at a two-top or at the communal table, so you might actually have a better chance at scoring a table.  Both restaurant favorites and specials are on the menu with the likes of Maine uni with brown bread and house-made butter, buckwheat crespelle with celery root cream and caviar, and spaghetti and ruby red shrimp with Meyer lemon.

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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