LIQUID COURAGE

Wine lovers from around the world flooded into the Hudson Hotel last night to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the wino bible, Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The bi-level celebration’s was a belle époque meets carnival themed event, designed by Adam Aleksander, with a fitting red and white color scheme that was simply breathtaking. No detail of Wine Enthusiast’s Red and White Bash was overlooked from the activities for guests to experience to the live entertainment enjoyed by all. While tasting over ninety varieties of the world’s best wines, guests snacked on a charcuterie plate and anti-pasti salad offerings all of which were paired perfectly to the large wine selection.

CULINARY OCCASIONS

In most households moms are masters of the kitchen—always knowing the perfect meal to prepare for when you’re feeling down or sick, to celebrate an accomplishment or special occasion, or just a favorite dish that brings everyone to the table no matter their busy schedules. Show your mom how much she means to you and how much you appreciate all she’s done, and cooked, over the years by treating her to a delicious dinner on Sunday, May 12th. Enjoy each other's company at one of these delicious NYC restaurants that are sure to get mom’s coveted seal of approval at first bite of their Mother’s Day prix fixe menus and specials.

CULINARY OCCASIONS

The sight of the bright floral-print Marimekko umbrellas clustered in Worth Square intersection between Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 25th Street means spring has finally arrived—especially for those who lunch daily in the Flatiron District. The bi-annual outside food market, Madison Square Eats, which kicked off a month of tasty eats on Friday, May 3rd, features thirty of the most popular eateries in the city. The pop-up food market is perfect for an al fresco lunch or dinner featuring both brick and mortar restaurants as well as food trucks. From now until May 31st you can try your best to eat your way through Worth Square sampling dishes from returning Madison Sq. Eats alums such as ASIADOG, Mighty Balls, Roberta’s, Nunu Chocolates, Momofuku Milk Bar, ilili, Mayhem & Stout and market newcomers, Dreamscoops Ice Cream, Eleni’s New York, Mason Jar NYC, MMM ENFES, Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen, SEOUL LEE BAR B CUE, Sunday Gravy NYC, and Third Rail Coffee.

Madison Square Eats is open from 11am to 9pm daily from now until May 31st.

LIQUID COURAGE

Coming off the heels of Cinco de Mayo, many might be thinking twice about inviting tequila to the party. If your head hurts, your mouth is dry, and your liver is crying: you probably overdid it. Next time, celebrate in style with a luxury sipping tequila like Casa Dragones, your body will thank you.

Whiskey and scotch have some stiff competition these days. Luxury brands are crafting sipping spirits from rum to tequila that will easily compete with their caramel-colored counterparts. One of our favorites to hit the market is the high-end sipping tequila Casa Dragones.

LIQUID COURAGE

The best part of living in a major metropolis is take out delivery service from essentially any restaurant especially now that sites like Seamless and GrubHub are so popular. Even if you don’t live in a major city there’s hardly a need to go outside anymore. Need toothpaste and shampoo? Drugstore.com’s got you covered. Need groceries but don’t feel like going aisle by aisle picking up what you need? There’s Fresh Direct and other similar services. So what if you’re throwing together a last minute Cinco de Mayo party? Thanks to BoozeCarriage.com, an online New York City alcohol delivery service, servicing Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens, you won’t have to run to the grocery store, liquor store, and party store for your spontaneous fiesta.

DELICIOUS DEBUTS

Dining in Manhattan can be an adventure—culturally or otherwise. You consider yourself an adventurous foodie type, don’t you? Do you wear your culinary exploits like a badge of honor? Well then, have you ever had an appetizer of salmon carpaccio topped with ice cream or a tomato marshmallow? We didn’t think we’d ever be able to say that either, but after a recent dinner at Melibea, we can say we’ve ate that and from this day forward Mediterranean fare is forever altered.

CULINARY OCCASIONS

The First Annual Sustainable Seafood Week is taking place in NYC from May 13th through May 19th! The mission of the events during this week are to bring awareness to food origins while shedding light on the benefits of supporting local fisherman, chefs, and organizations. The events vary from chef demonstrations to film screenings and 5-course dinners. Here's three Sustainable Seafood Week events that shouldn't be missed!

CULINARY OCCASIONS

This upcoming weekend kicks off the summer partying scene with Cinco de Mayo parties all over the country but there’s also another event worth celebrating this weekend that honors all things southern. The “greatest two minutes in sports” gives you an excuse to wear a ridiculous bonnet with feathers, tulle, and more while sipping on a traditional drink, the mint julep. Bad bets and thoroughbred racehorses aside, the 139th Annual Kentucky Derby is reason to celebrate with these events, drink specials, and snacks.

CULINARY OCCASIONS

Selling out in less than two weeks, The Village Voice Choice Street event is set to be one of the fastest growing and most sought out food festivals to hit the city. The little brother of The Village Voice Choice Eats food tasting event, Choice Streets brings together the city’s favorite food trucks all into one venue. As much as we love food trucks, that tends to be the most aggravating aspect of our love-hate relationship—tracking our favorite trucks down. Like Choice Eats, which brings together Village Voice’s favorite restaurants from throughout the five boroughs, Choice Streets takes out the traveling and gives foodies an opportunity to try food trucks that may never make their way over to their neighborhood or near their job.

LIQUID COURAGE

For Cinco de Mayo don’t rely on the tired cocktails and beers designated for the holiday. There's so much more than icy lime margaritas, Corona bottles, and shots of Jose. Expand your cocktail repertoire! Tequila is a versatile spirit and can make an array of drinks using herbs, fruit, flowers, and more. Mezcal, tequila’s smoky cousin can be used in traditional-style margaritas or used to create a unique smoky punch. Don’t think that Corona and Dos Equis are your only options if you’re more of a beer drinker. The Mexican brand, Bohemia, is a delicious Pilsner-style beer that can be kicked up a notch with a simple rim of chipotle. For fans of the traditional chilled rice drink, Horchata, you’ll love it even more when it’s spiked with rum! Below you’ll find cocktails that everyone at your fiesta will love. Cheers!

BEHIND THE PLATE

Finding food to cure your hangover is easy. Finding amazing gourmet food to cure your hangover is not. Enter: Dinner on Ludlow. Their weekend brunch (available 11:30am until 4pm) is crafted by executive chef John Keller and can make the grumpiest person all smiles. First of all, the restaurant itself is to die for. Picture leather banquette seating, dozens of crystal chandeliers, draped curtains—basically, a completely regal setting. It's a great way to start your day. Next comes the menu, and with options like cornflake crusted french toast, pork belly confit, and chicken and biscuits, it's a wonder anyone can narrow down their choice to just one entree. Since most of us don't have stomachs the appropriate size to eat everything on the menu, it guarantees a return trip just to make your way through it all. Trust us, you'll want to. Additionally, each entree comes with a complimentary mimosa, bloody mary or maria, or bellini, which is just what we need on a weekend morning, er afternoon. Finish it up with one of the chef's equally delicious desserts and you are set to take on the rest of the day...or go into a food coma.