BROOKLYN

FIRST COURSE
Around the Clock at Cafe Colette

The third of Zeb Stewart aka Mr. Williamsburg’s impressive drinking and feeding hole portfolio, (think Union Pool and Hotel Delmano), Cafe Colette is the perfect mix of a polished yet informal aesthetic. The bistro, which adopts a mix of French inspired American cuisine, combines painted floors with cement tables and brightly colored walls adorned with quirky black and white photographs, to create a space that feels equally appropriate for lunch, brunch, dinner or drinks.

FIRST COURSE
Fromage du Jour

There are few things in life more satisfying than the first bite of something truly delicious. There are few things in life more comforting than when that first bite is full of cheese. Be it cow, sheep, goat, or a mixture of all three, cheese comes in many shapes and sizes, tastes and textures, and makes an appearance on more than its fair share of menus in some form.

National Grilled Cheese Day is Friday, April 12th, and to celebrate, here are our Top Five best cheese picks from around the city.

FIRST COURSE
Mast Brothers Chocolate Adventure

With descriptions more often found on the back of a wine bottle than a bar of chocolate, Mast Brothers gourmet chocolate is no average candy bar. Available in 19 flavors and split into two categories, Single Estates Origins and Blends & Pairings, expect to taste the unexpected. From Vanilla and Smoke to Black Truffle and Moho River, no bar comes in with under 70% of organic cocao harvested from small farm cooperatives dotted around South America, and no, none of the bars come with a milk or white chocolate option as, to the gourmet chocolatier, either would be cocao sacrilege.

FIRST COURSE
Get Ready to Googa Mooga!

After a bumpy first run Great Googa Mooga is back for the second installment of the food, drink and music festival. Thought of as an “amusement park” for foodies, guests of the inaugural Mooga were disappointed and frustrated to say the least but event organizer, Superfly (Bonnaroo, Outside Lands), heard the cries of the people and reorganized their event. Instead of just a 2-day event, the 2013 Great Googa Mooga will be three days, May 17th through May 19th at Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

FREQUENCY
Big Strick, Joey Anderson, DJ Spider Bring Out the Family & Friends in NYC

Joey Anderson has been called one of the hardest working DJs in New York, and maybe that’s no exaggeration. The longtime friend of DJ Qu has three upcoming gigs in a row, and if you’re in the city this weekend, you might as well attend all of them.

Lots of praise has been given lately to the New Jersey resident’s live sets of hauntingly abstract symphonic funk. Check out "Walk With Akasha" on his SoundCloud:

FREQUENCY
Deep Brooklyn: The Bunker with Silent Servant and Metasplice

Despite the fire department’s attempt to shut the party down, The Bunker pulled off a dazzlingly memorable night on Friday, March 15th. After a last minute FDNY shakedown at 285 Kent Ave—the South Williamsburg venue was served for an apparent code violation—the veteran organizers reshuffled and migrated north, to the familiar confines of Public Assembly’s back room. Joonbug arrived around 1 a.m. to join the technorati who were dialed in for a great party. As one particularly inspired fan said, “I came here alone. And I’m here because I feel this in my soul.” Indeed, for those solo travelers—who were plenty in abundance on this night—the warmth of the Bunker community invites shared experience like few others.

FIRST COURSE
NYC Foodies, Get Ready for 'Tasting Brooklyn'

The fantastic foodie event, Tasting Brooklyn, will take place this year on April 16th from 6:30-9pm at The Green Building. The event brings together Brooklyn's best chefs and restaurants all under one roof for an epic night of eating. Some of this year's participating restaurants include The Saint Austere, Lavender Lake, and Robicellis. Drinks will also be provided at the event courtesy of brands such as Brooklyn Soda Works, Brooklyn Oenology and Clover Club. The event has sold out in advance each year, so make sure to snag your tickets asap! Tickets can be purchased here for $50 for general admission, or $75 for VIP tickets, which includes an exclusive preview from 5:30-6:30pm and a gift bag of locally made Brooklyn treats from places such as Peeled Snacks, Sugar Shop, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Brooklyn Recovery Fund, which supports local nonprofits working with communities and individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy. See ya there, foodies!

SCENETRACKER Maxi Priest
Sounds of Reggae

Last week, Brooklyn's Barclays Center hosted a celebration of Jamaica's 50 years of independence with a very special performance. Grammy Award-winning artist Shaggy performed, as well as Ali Campbell's UB40, Beres Hammond, and Maxi Priest all jammed out during the BioLife Sounds of Reggae concert. The concert was the first reggae concert for the Barclays Center, marking a historic milestone for the arena, which is located in a community known for its Caribbean culture.

The artists all performed both past and present hits, including Shaggy's "Boombastic" and Ali Campbell's "Red Red Wine." “Sounds of Reggae brought unprecedented energy to Barclays Center last night,” commented Shaggy. “It was an incredible opportunity to share a part of Jamaica’s culture with Brooklyn, my second home.”

SCENETRACKER
The First Free Marketplace Christmas Bazaar

Calling all holiday market lovers! Still have a few gifts to purchase on that Christmas list? Looking for something fun (and family friendly) to do this Sunday? Why don't you hop on the subway December 16th and head over to Brooklyn's Free Marketplace Christmas Bazaar at FREECANDY?

Presented by soul/electronic/experimental artist Suzi Analogue (who will even be employing her creative talents at her NAIL TITE lab on site), Brooklyn's first indoor holiday market is sure to be a huge success. Hosting live performances by IAMPOPULA and The Sunday Belts, The Free Marketplace will boast a wide selection of artisan goods, interactive workshops, delicious food trucks, a creative exchange, and even a wellness lounge! Plus, if you've got kids in tow, this event is the first market with a dedicated space for children and families.

FREQUENCY
Woodkid

Yoann Lemoine is a French musician, songwriter, director, and photographer who is more widely recognized under the alias of Woodkid. In addition to his alternative music career, he also dabbles in directing, where he's been overwhelmingly successful. Woodkid was even nominated for MTV Video Music Awards for his work on videos for Drake, Lana Del Rey, and Rihanna.

His impressive track-record of artists whose songs have had his unique cinematic touch include Yelle- Ce Jeu (2008), Moby- Mistake (2009), Aides- Graffiti Commercial (2010), Katy Perry- Teenage Dream (2010), Mystery Jets- Dreaming of Another World (2010), The Shoes- Wastin’ Time (2011), and Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die (2011) and Blue Jeans (2012).