NY Barfly

Must Attend Wine Event: The Red and White Bash

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is coming up for the booze hounds out there, but what about the winos? Vino fans, fear not, because on May 9 there is an event out there for you. The Red and White Bash is a Belle Époque spectacular that will take over the Good Units space in the Hudson Hotel. The party is meant to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Tickets are $85 for general admission, but you can score them for $65 if you use this link. The ticket includes ample pours from over 36 producers, which can be enjoyed to the sound of a 12 piece orchestra in a setting meant to evoke a Parisian carnival. This is one event that makes us say oui.

Vote For The Country’s Coolest Bouncer

Usually the words “bouncer” and “cool” don’t really go well together – the association is more like “bouncer” and “dude, why the hell aren’t you letting me in.” Well, a few of them have to be rad, right? Halls (yes, the cough drops company) thinks so, and they’re set to reward the country’s coolest bouncer with a wad of cash as part of their new Let The Cool In Campaign. A number of pre-selected candidates are squaring off to get the most votes on Facebook – the winner will take home $10k and the second runner up will score five grand. Your votes matter withthis one, so log on here and choose your favorite.

Chipotle Will Serve Patron Margaritas

Dinner at your local burrito shop just got A LOT more interesting, as fast-casual joint Chipotle just announced that they’ll be serving up some made-to-order margaritas. Yes, please. The drinks with high-end tequila will be $8 and they will be shaken one at a time, unlike the margaritas that the chain now serves (which are pre-made and available with the soft drinks). We’re always up for a marg or three, and look forward to dropping by to drink up when these things roll out the week of Cinco de Mayo. Read about them in this NY Daily News article.

Awesome Lemonades For Spring

Spring is not quite here yet, despite what people think sitting in the sidewalk cafes and shivering as they wish it was May. But, eventually, it will get warm out and you have to have some cocktail recipes ready. Well, how about a little boozy lemonade? For this week’s article on Tablespoon, we came up with some recipes that you can wet your whistle with when it actually is warm out. Until then, bundle up.

The Audacity of Hops Will Take You Inside the Craft Beer Movement

File this one under the best book names ever. We just learned about a new volume about craft beer dubbed The Audacity of Hops that just came out and is available on Amazon (the official publication date is May 1). The book is by Tom Acitelli, and it delves into the crazy growth of the beer scene in the U.S. According to the book’s description, there was only one craft brew maker in the U.S. in 1975, and today there are more than 2,300 (yep, we’re a thirsty bunch). The book tells the history of this movement, we suggest reading it with a pint in one hand. It’s $19.95 and you can get more info here.

Weekend Plans: Hot Issues in Dining Panel (Featuring Yours Truly)

This Saturday, this humble blogger will be taking part in a panel discussion that’s part of the New York Travel Fest. If you’re looking for something to do (and want to see NY Barfly exposed!) head up to the Bohemian National Hall to see the chat with yours truly, restaurant publicist Jennifer Baum, chef Marc Murphy and writer Kathleen Squires. The topic: Hot Issues in Dining. You can get information on the panel here, and the whole lineup for the Travel Fest (which is taking place throughout the weekend and has some pretty cool inclusions). Get info here.

Taste of Tribeca: The Cocktail Party

Spring time is tasting event time, and we’re glad to see that the annual Taste of Tribeca soiree is giving some love to the boozers this year. To celebrate the 19th edition of this neighborhood tasting extravaganza, Macao Trading Company will host a special cocktail party on May 1 from 6 to 9 PM. Even better than the booze (well, almost) is the fact that a $75 ticket to the booze bash also scores you admission to the tasting, which is on Saturday May 18. Proceeds from these fundraisers go to the neighborhood’s public schools, PS 150 and PS 234. Get tickets and info here.

Epic Drink Deals For Tax Day

Today is April 15 and you’re SO OVER it that you just need to drink. Oh, and you’re broke seeing that you just paid all those taxes. Fear not! The ESquared restaurant group is offering a sweet drink deal at all of their NYC locations this evening. All cocktails, beer and wines by the glass will be available for 50% off. Check out the list of participating venues here:

BLT Steak - 106 East 57th Street

BLT Prime - 111 East 22nd Street

BLT Bar & Grill - 123 Washington Street

GO Burger - 1448 2nd Avenue

Casa Nonna - 310 West 38th Street

BLT Burger - 470 6th Avenue

 

Video: How To Open Champagne, Badass Edition

 

The sound of a Champagne bottle popping is one of the best noises out there, but bet you didn’t know it’s supposed to make a “hiss” noise if you’re opening it properly. That’s swell but we prefer the theatrics of the loud POP. Or, better yet we prefer the truly badass method of opening a bottle: with a sword. Last week Zagat posted the above video – hosted by yours truly – that shows you how to open, saber and order bubbly the right way.

There’s Now a Vodka Made with Quinoa

When Brooklyn Restaurant Marco Polo launched their new spring cocktail menu, it wasn’t the cheap happy hour snacks that got our attention (though you can’t go wrong with $2 shrimp cocktail) nor was it drinks like 345 Court Street, which is this restaurant’s take on the Manhattan. The ingredient that beckoned us is in the Miracle Mile – a mix of rosemary-pear syrup, lemon, grapefruit bitters and – hold onto your seat – Fair Trade Quinoa Vodka.

Yep, there’s a company making hooch with the trendy grain. A little research found that the brand name of the vodka is actually FAIR and it’s the first quinoa-based spirit out there. Hmm – now one could argue that it’s not actually a vodka because of the non-traditional ingredient, but it is technically a grain. Clearly these folks were trying to jump on the superfood bandwagon. If you want to give it a try, Marco Polo is the only restaurant in the city we know of that’s pouring it, so stop by at 345 Court Street (if you need help remembering, it’s the name of the drink – duh!).