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May 29-30: Brewers’ PicNyc

20 Apr

Can’t get away for Memorial Day Weekend? Me neither—unless you count Brewers’ PicNyc on Governor’s Island.

Hop on the ferry and get ready to soak up the sun and munch on food from Fette Sau, Jimmy’s No. 43, Luke’s Lobster and Big Gay Ice Cream Truck. Wash it all down with beers from Goose Island, Brooklyn, Sixpoint and Palm while jamming to bluegrass sessions. Best part: A portion of proceeds go to Added Value Farm, a sustainable farm on Governor’s Island. Don’t forget your picnic blanket!

Event and Ticket Info

Pssst …  Thrillist is offering $55 all-you-can eat/drink tickets but they’re going fast.

Barrio Chino: Real Mexican food on LES

6 Apr

I grew up in San Diego and can attest to the fact that most Mexican food in New York is abysmal. Or expensive. Or both. That’s why Barrio Chino makes me happy. This tiny spot where the Lower East Side meets Chinatown serves authentic, fairly priced Mexican specialties. Not many surprises on the menu—guac ($8), tacos ($9), enchiladas ($13), shrimp ($10)—but everything is fresh and delicious. Be sure to order the sincronizadas with oaxacan cheese and spicy mexican chorizo and avocado ($9). Oh, and I almost forgot: the margs! If you like spicy, try the grapefruit jalapeno. If you’re into burn-your-mouth-spicy, brave the grapefruit habanero. Good luck with that.

One more thing: There’s always a wait but the hostess will take your number and call you when your table is ready. Because it’s just that kind of place.

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Lot18 is like Gilt Groupe for wine

30 Mar

Among the glut of invitation-only member deal sites, one of my faves is Lot18, which sells wine at deeply discounted prices straight from the producers. I love being able to try bottles that may not be available at my local wine shop, and the short-term sales often include free or one-cent shipping. Request an invitation from the site, or email me and I will send you one. Cheers!

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Did you hear? Duane Reade selling growlers of craft beer

29 Mar

The ubiquitous Duane Reade drugstore chain has opened a second Brew York City beer counter, this time on Broadway and 72nd. (The first is on Bedford in Wburg.) Buy a growler for $3.99 (or bring your own) and fill it with 64 ounces of craft brews like Brooklyn, Blue Point, Ommegang and Ithaca for $7.99. Selections will rotate; here’s what’s on tap.

See you in line (because you know there will be one).

Jadis Wine Bar on Rivington

22 Mar

Not sure how I’ve lived in NYC without knowing about this place but it’s fair to say my life is now a step closer to being complete.

Jadis is an affordable, spacious and unpretentious wine bar on the LES. Cavernous and comfy, it has small, intimate tables but also deep couches for bigger parties (a wine-bar rarity). Most bottles are under $29; go on Monday to save 30% on bottles over $30. Wines by the glass are half-price from 5pm to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday.

And the cheese, glorious cheese! We had manchego, camembert, brie goat and gruyere and oh, about an entire baguette. They do not skimp on portions. The food was plentiful enough for five people, but delicious enough that the two of us cleaned up. Oops.

Corsino Cantina

4 Mar

I’m often underwhelmed by Italian restaurants and leave annoyed at having spent money on a mediocre meal. Not at Corsino. This spot is warm, welcoming and serves fantastic dishes—and is just far enough from the ewww Meatpacking District. Standouts include risotto croquettes, baked ricotta and heritage brisket meatballs. They also have about 15 crostinis, if that’s your thing. My go-to pasta is so damn simple and good: fusilli, lemon, scallions, chili & pecorino romano. Sit at the huge granite bar in the middle of the action—and don’t leave without ordering the affogatto.

Tip: This is a great pick for out-of-towners: vibrant scene, quality food, zero hype. And they take reservations.

Photos © Corsino

Pour your own beer at Keg 229

28 Feb

At the new-ish Keg 229 you can pour interesting craft beer from taps at your table! But choose a spot wisely—only beers at the two taps nearest you are accessible. Luckily one of ours was dispensing Abita Light. Near South Street Seaport, this place is totally hidden from tourists—and did I mention they serve fried food on sticks? Love a little.

Great wine from last night

18 Feb

I may not be rolling in the dough but I still have good taste. Or maybe just tastebuds. I love wine. Here is a great bottle we tried last night: Bodegas Triton Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo) from Castilla y Leon is a dark, delicious red.

NYC dwellers are in luck! It’s only $20 at Astor Place Wines & Spirits.

Get it here.

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