Cheers to an amazing Manhattan Cocktail Classic!  Five days and evenings of parties, seminars, tastings, luncheons, dinners...and of course, lots of cocktails.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to ask many of the notable bartenders, chefs, panelists and event hosts in attendance about their favorite things to do in New York City during the summertime.  

Here's what they had to say:

Mario Batali (Celebrity Chef, Television Personality and Former James Beard Chef of the Year): "Pier 40.  I really love going there to watch my kids play ball."  The Chef makes an excellent choice.  My husband plays rec. soccer here, too, and it's also fun (and free) to kayak through the Downtown Boathouse.

 

Chef Mario Batali with KRey at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala, Aperol table.

  

Picnic benches in Prospect Park, one of the most popular Summer selections.

Lindsey Johnson (Panelist, Manhattan Cocktail Classic and Founder/CEO, Lush Life Productions, Blogger, Brown, Bitter and Stirred): "I spend mornings in Prospect Park, then swing into Joyce for an iced red eye.  Next I head towards Brooklyn Flea to find trinkets (including vintage cocktail gear) and some of that delicious street cart lunch.  I usually end the day cranking out emails on my deck."

It's only fitting that classic cocktail bartenders enjoy brews at classic ale houses.

 

Richard Bocatto and Sasha Petraske at Stories from Behind the Bar event at Dutch Kills

Loading mentions Retweet

Let's hope anyone who liked my earlier post on the Manhattan Cocktail Classic got their Gala tickets, because as I predicted, they're now sold out!  But the organizers have come up with an awesome silver lining: many remaining events are now available with 50% off discounts.

For a mere $25, you can:

Loading mentions Retweet

     

Click here to download:

Quick_Pick_Secret_Oyster_Deal_.zip (4703 KB)

If you'll be in town this Easter Sunday, consider heading over to Choptank in the West Village for brunch.  As a Maryland native (read: crab cake connoisseur), you can trust my recommendation that theirs are meaty and flavorful.  In addition to sampling traditional brunch fare, I'd also point you toward some of my favorites on their menu, including an impressive selection of oysters, peel 'n eat shrimp and their addictive Old Bay chips and dip.

Loading mentions Retweet

                     

Click here to download:

Prom_Plus_Cocktails.zip (527 KB)

Prom.  One little word, but it brings back many memories for all of us.  Whether you were crowned royalty or suffering in a state of rejection, prom night was a big deal back in high school.  I have to admit, I always loved a good high school dance.  The dresses, the drama and sometimes (if you were one of the bad apples, which I certainly was NOT!) the bit of debauchery...good times.

Loading mentions Retweet

I love a good list, and I just came across one from Time Out New York with 101 ways to enjoy Spring in NYC.  It's a really helpful reference, and I encourage you to check it out.  They hit upon some fun things I've mentioned in previous posts, like kayaking from the Downtown Boathouse, eating outdoors, strolling the Highline, people-watching in Washington Square Park and  trekking uptown for the amazing views at Wave Hill in the Bron x.

Seamen hitting the streets for Fleet Week.

Loading mentions Retweet

After years of frequenting some of the city's best cocktail dens, I've slowly started to tinker behind the bar myself, morphing into the lady who doesn't leave for family vacation without her juicer; the one who concocts punches for parties; the girl who makes gifts out of signature drinks for friends' birthdays.  Mostly, this hobby has reminded me why I pay OTHER people to make my drinks. ;-)

Loading mentions Retweet

Growing up as a Catholic, this time of year always meant tuna fish and my mom's three-ingredient macaroni and cheese (the third ingredient is tomato soup, and yes, it really is tasty)!

In Manhattan, avoiding mortal sin never tasted so good.  Whether you're a fellow member of the old Catholic Club, or simply looking to cut down your carnivorous intake, NYC is full of incredible vegetarian or meatless options.  Admittedly, it's tough for me to get excited about salad.  They tend to be expensive...and after all, it's still salad.  So since it's a Friday in Lent, I'm sharing three reasonably-priced, go-to meatless dishes near my office (in the Murray Hill section of Midtown).  There are oodles more, I'm sure!

1) Macaroni and Cheese from Penelope:

Remember what I said about not liking salad?  I like it a LOT more when it comes with a big bowl of amazing mac 'n cheese, and that's what you get at Penelope.  Fresh arugula dressed with balsamic and topped with a good-sized tomato is the perfect accountrement to a piping hot mac 'n cheese that manges to be all creamy and gooey on the inside and crunchy on top.  And this doesn't exactly go with the sacrificial spirit of the season, but their chocolate frosted cupcakes are an indulgent, buttery-licious way to end the perfect mac 'n cheese meal.

2) Rainbow Roll and Shrimp / Mango Roll from Iron Sushi:

It's no Nobu, but the fresh, large rolls from Iron Sushi definitely get the job done.  They also have several lunch combo. specials that include miso soup and salads, but I can never resist a good Rainbow Roll, or the tasty combo of mango and shrimp.

3) Margherita Slice from Pizza 33:

This Quick Pick wouldn't be complete without a pizza joint.  My favorite around here is Pizza 33.  They have a small seating area and more importantly, they'll serve up a quick slice of the margherita pie within minutes.  Meat-eaters will want to return another day for the lasagna slice (which is as good as it sounds).

With these three tasty choices lined up, only one problematic question remains: can food this good really count as penance?!

Loading mentions Retweet

     

Click here to download:

WORK_THIS_TIME.zip (453 KB)

March is in full spring, and New York is a wonderful place to celebrate St. Paddy's.  Bono calls it his adopted home ("The Irish been coming here for years, acting like they own the place") and we aren't hurting for Irish pubs.  Beyond shamrocks in the window or "Mcs" in the bar's name, what makes one special? Lads or lasses with adorable accents behind the bar certainly don't hurt.  

I also appreciate a well-poured Guinness.  (The biggest tip-off that someone is clueless is if they pour it all at once, which makes me cringe). 

Beyond my personal preferences, I consulted some of my favorite Irish men, the Shamrock soccer squad (football, as they say) – they’re the oldest continuous Irish team in NYC, and the organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.  On any given Sunday, you'll see them running around "the pitch" in Sunnyside and any other time, they're often drinking their way around our fair city :-)  The boys (along with some other pint-downing other Irish friends) were generous enough to come up with their list of spots to get your Guinness on.  Whether you're game to wrestle your way pasts the amateurs on March 17th, or you'd prefer a quiet pint another night, I hope this list is helpful.  Wherever you end up, Sláinte! 

1) An Beal Bocht – It’s worth trudging up the hills of Riverdale to reach this gem, which gets my vote for best Irish bar in NYC.  Pictures of Irish poets, politicians and news articles grace the wall (as does local artwork in the adjoining room), while cheerful Irish waitresses serve a steady stream of regulars.  My go-to order there is a Guinness, along with a (huge) warmed up bowl of rice pudding topped with cinnamon, while Mr. KRey loves their well-seasoned burger.

2) Black Sheep  – Park Slope’s very own version of “Cheers,” you’ll likely make friends with the folks at tables nearby, and then put your new friendship to the test over a game of foosball or Scrabble.  And who doesn’t love a free jukebox?!

3) Brooklyn Inn -- Casual pool games and high-end beers are among the best offerings at this Boerum Hill favorite, but in all fairness, regulars also warn about weekend crowds and occasionally salty service.

4) Bua – Meaning “victory” in Gaelic, Bua is a win for almost any occasion.  Say hello to barkeeps Mikey or Shane and soak up their newly-renovated, comfy East Village space.

5) Courtyard Bar – This list wouldn’t be complete without a special shout out to the Courtyard Bar, the official sponsor of the Shamrock soccer squad.  The bar is filled with Irish residents who live in Sunnyside or Woodside, and son of Ireland (and Shamrocks star) Paddy Geraghty often performs his originals or U2 covers on weekends.

6) Cronin & Phelan – The Shamrock’s goalie said “you must include this on the list!”   It’s easy to see why: their motto is providing “good food, fine spirits and a damn good decent pint of Guinness.”  Take it from the keeper and keep this on your short list if you’re in Queens.

7) Dublin House – This pub doesn’t offer a whole lot in terms of frills or extras, but that didn’t stop many of the Shamrocks from recommending it, commenting that it “it feels just like any place in Ireland…it doesn’t have flash but feels like a proper Irish bar.”  And they’re not alone in their approval – the Dublin House has been an Upper West Side fixture since the 1920s.

8) Fiddlesticks – Though Fiddlesticks falls on the more Disney-fied Irish extravaganza décor-wise, the Shamrocks still swear by their all-day Irish breakfast and spacious, relaxed vibe.

9) Galway Hooker – Hey, don’t get offended.  In Ireland, a “Galway Hooker” refers to sail boat.  But NYers looking for fun (wholesome and un-) can visit either of the G.H. locations (Murray Hill or the West Village), and if you do, ask if Ducky’s around (he’s one of the Shamrocks himself)!

10) Iona – This Williamsburg favorite is named for a Celtic island between Ireland and Scotland, and it’s just one subway stop from the island of Manhattan over in Williamsburg.  Old world charm and hipster regulars make for a surprisingly laid-back combo. Irish bartender and owner Ailish also oversaw the addition of a charming back garden.

11) The Gate – Its proximity to Park Slope draws in many teams who want a pint after the game.  The friendly atmosphere, craft beer selection and small neighborhood feel keep them coming back.

12) Harefield Road – Irish owner Sean O’Rourke features an impressive craft beer list at this notably unpretentious Williamsburg pub. 

13) Johnny’s Bar – This tiny, dive-tastic West Village pub features cheap drinks and flirtatious women behind the bar.  The Shamrocks are particularly fond of Christie, who pulls pints after 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.

14) Killarney Rose – This stretch of the financial district can be a bit of a nightlife wasteland, but the Killarney Rose has cheap, decent pub fare and a friendly staff, along with plenty of space.

15) Kinsale Tavern – On the northern end of the Upper East Side lives Kinsale, known for showing all important Gaelic sporting events.  Boys from the Shamrocks also noted that their beer is generally cheaper than other nearby spots.

16) McSorley's – Even though they don’t serve Guinness, didn’t let women in for their first 100+ years in business and are often overrun with kids from NYU , my favorite Irish bartender says this is his favorite Irish bar, so it gets a spot on the list.  They keep things simple with sawdust on the floor and two choices (of their namesake beer): the light or the dark.  One order gets you two small glasses.  Note: this isn’t a place to nurse your drink – you’ll be asked to leave if you don’t order another round every 15 minutes or so…so, bottoms up!

17) Milano’s – Only a classic NY Irish pub can be described as “one of our favorite bars…an utter dump” in the same sentence (so said “Not For Tourists).  And the Shamrocks agreed.  Fancy, it’s not, but fun is always on tap.

18) Molly's Sheeben – Not all the pubs billing themselves as “authentic” Irish bars are, but Molly’s lives up to the claim.  Cozy up to the fireplace and sink your teeth into a big bacon cheeseburger with beer-battered onion rings, and keep your ears open for some amazing stories being shared around the bar.

19) Paddy Reilly's Bar – For many years, this Murray Hill staple only served Guinness on tap (they now offer Bud and Bud Light, as well).  They also offer live music (the Chieftans used to play here) some nights and open mics on others.

20) Rambling House – The Katonah Avenue stretch of Woodlawn in the Bronx is a hot pocket for Irish bars and entertainment, and the Rambling House is no exception.  This bar offers a full bar and restaurant menu, along with unique offerings like harpists during Sunday brunch or “trad-Irish” music by Jameson’s Revenge.

21) Rocky Sullivan’s – Formerly located in Manhattan, Rocky’s moved south along with its owners in 1997, but has kept its boisterous vibe alive in Brooklyn.  Oak barrels in the middle of the floor remind you that you’re there to drink, while a colorful Irish mural graces the wall.

22) Rory Dolan's – Unlike some of its cramped city counterparts, this sprawling bar and restaurant on the border of the Bronx and Yonkers has lots of space around the bar, in addition to outdoor seating for sunny days.  They also offer live music (often of the Irish variety) almost every night.

23) Tir Na Nog – While this place can be overrun with fans (it’s across the street from Madison Square Garden), its Irish wait staff oversees an efficient, friendly atmosphere where solid portions and reasonable (for Midtown) prices preside.

24) Ulysses – The same guys behind Swift and Puck Fair opened Ulysses.  While you may never comprehend the infamously complex novel for which the bar was named, the menu has no confusing subtext.  Go for some oysters and anything you fancy from their large beer list.  And according to the Shamrocks, ask for Hopper while you’re there.                                                                                                      

 25) Wilfie and Nell – This West Village pub is owned by Mark and Simon Gibson (who also own Bua, and sister Queens establishment, Sweet Afton) and is named for the brothers’ grandparents – how sweet!  But they’ve got more than sweet temperament; they have tempting fare and a menu designed by Brooklyn Star / Momofuku vet Joaquin Baca (you can’t go wrong with Guinness Lamb Shepherd’s Pie).

Where's your favorite place for brogues and beer in NYC?

Loading mentions Retweet

Goodbye blizzards; HELLO sunshine!  Scroll down (below the slideshow) for my recommendations on enjoying this temperate treat while it lasts.

             

Click here to download:

Soak_Up_the_Sunny_Weather_This.zip (953 KB)

*Brunch Outside: Daring restaurants may roll out their sidewalk tables and back areas if the temperatures go up enough.  In which case, check out Petite Abeille, where you can choose from seven kinds of Beligan waffles with your sig. other, dog and / or weekend NY Times.  If al fresco dining isn't an option yet, get a tasty coffee and pastry to go from Third Rail Coffee over on Sullivan Street (everyone who works there is super-nice). Then head over for prime people-watching in nearby Washington Square Park.  I remember listening to an amazing clarinet jazz ensemble one day last spring.

Loading mentions Retweet