Dear Local Gourmands,
Whether you’re enjoying the perfectly marvelous ramps that have finally made their entrance at the market (for me this always feels like the curtain is up, the orchestra is poised, the show will now begin), or sipping on local wine at a backyard barbecue, the plug I really want to make this week is for the Brooklyn Food Conference. Come one, come all, the doors of John Jay High School will welcome the masses on Saturday morning. Meet local farmers, learn how to start a victory garden, hear Anna Lappé, Dan Barber, LaDonna Redmond and Raj Patel. Check out the list of workshops (free, free, free!) and buy a ticket (only $20!) for the evening after party replete with dancing and dining, of course. Hope to see you there!
Best,
Jeanne
Thursday, April 30, 7-9pm
Mushrooms: film screening and receptionHorticultural Society of New York
148 W. 37th St., 13th fl.
In conjunction with the Carol Bove Exhibition now on at the Horticultural Society of New York, this evening will feature a collection of films inspired by that versatile character, the mushroom. Screening includes the following works:
Bruce Conner (Looking for Mushrooms, 1967)
Jonas Mekas (Award Presentation to Andy Warhol, 1964)
Harry E. Smith (Early Abstractions #1-5, 7, 10, 1939)
Jud Yalkut (John Cage Mushroom Hunting in Stony Point, 1973)
Thursday, April 30, 7-9pm
NYC Beekeeper’s AssociationSeafarers & International House
123 East 15th Street
Host a beehive, share some bees, take a class and learn all about the business of bringing back these vital creatures to our city’s rooftops. This month’s meeting of the NYCBA is in a new location with more space for all the city’s burgeoning beekeepers who want to get in on the sweet action. The focus will be a Q&A about basic urban beekeeping, so come prepared with all your burning questions.
Friday, May 1, 7pm-midnight
May Day Celebration
Queens County Farm MuseumTickets $75
“Celebrate a pagan spring tradition with an outdoor dinner and discussion with Apple Pond Farm & Renewable Energy Education Center. At 7pm, tour the farm with Dick Riseling of Apple Pond and Michael Robertson of QCFM — free and open to the Public. A longtime farmer and renewable energy advocate, Dick Riesling discusses possible implementation of solar, wind, and geothermal systems. Afterward, taste four canapes and upstate wines beside the maypole and bonfire. Spring garland weaving and more celebration in the spirit of May Days past will ensue. Dinner begins at 8:30. Set in the farm’s orchard the five-course dinner features local lamb from Apple Pond Farm, local wines provided by New York Wine & Grape Foundation, very local vegetables from Queens Farm itself, and the far-flung flavors of The Hapa Kitchen supper club. (Full menu to be announced on www.noteatingoutinny.com soon!).”
Saturday, May 2, 9am-7pm
Brooklyn Food ConferenceJohn Jay High School
237 7th Ave., Park Slope
Calling all food lovers, local eaters, Williamsburgers, chefs, home cooks, policy wonks, farmers, and everyone in between to the Brooklyn Food Conference! It’s free, the doors will be flung wide open, and you can join in making edible history by being part of the first ever calling together of the many minds and organizations that put Brooklyn’s food issues on the map. “Food issues hit home for all of Brooklyn–from school lunches, the rise in diabetes, and escalating food costs to immigration, farmers markets and local food challenges and delights, food touches us all. Come join us for a day of workshops, food demos, and a kids’ food fair. Lunch and dinner will be available for purchase. Dance following dinner. The conference will be FREE to all participants.” Keynote speakers include Dan Barber, Anna Lappé, Raj Patel, and Ladonna Redmond. Register here.
Saturday, May 2, 7:30pm
The Greenhorns
Sackler Center at The Brooklyn Museum
You’re read about them in the papers, gushed about their stickers, maybe even ventured to a rabbit roast or a dinner fundraiser. After a full day at the Brooklyn Food Conference, why not trot over to the Brooklyn Museum and catch up on the latest with the Greenhorns at a screening of their latest footage.
Sunday, May 3, 3-6pm
2009 Hot Dog Hootennany Astor Center
Tickets $25
Local legends, deep friend New Jersey Rippers and New York City grilled frankfurters, get a shout out at this Sunday’s Hot Dog Hootenanny. Expect to see representation from Chicago-style and fusion dogs as well as surprises sure to come. “You can taste a dog from each of the participating hot dog shops and wash them down with beer or prosecco before heading into a hot dog seminar and guided tasting, should you want to take your hot dog appreciation to the next level. The man who wrote the book on hot dogs, Bruce Kraig, and Serious Eats’ Top Dog Ed Levine will talk through the history and culture of the dog as well as where to find the best dogs in America. You’re even invited to submit a “hot dog haiku”; the winning entry (as judged by the world’s foremost hot dog haiku experts) will be posted on Serious Eats the next day!”
Sunday, May 3, 5-7pm
Local Feed ‘n Seed with Eating LiberallyThe Tank
354 W. 45th Street between 8th and 9th Aves.
“Join us for an agri-cultural exchange featuring Sarah Klein, co-designer of Chelsea Green’s Local Foods Wheel for the New York metro area, and Ken Greene, co-founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library. Sarah will discuss the art and the heart of eating seasonally, followed by a crash course from Ken on growing and saving heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable, herb and flower seeds that are uniquely suited to our region. No charge to attend but donations are always welcomed. Sustainable snacks will be served!”
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Of note a few weeks down the road…
Saturday, May 9, 10am-3pm
Greenmarket to TableCENYC and Saveur
Tickets $125
Saveur mag has partnered up with CENYC to offer a series of market to table dining experiences featuring local New York finds at the Greenmarket. Tickets for May’s installment of the series are still available for purchase. “Michael Hurwitz, Director of Greenmarket and June Russell, Greenmarkets Farm Inspector, will co-host our first event in the series, which will turn the spotlight on the farmer and highlight the pleasures and challenges of cooking with seasonal ingredients. Along with extensive insight into the products and methods of Greenmarket’s vendors, Michael & June will highlight several farms and their peak seasonal product, including: spinach, radishes, ramps, asparagus, and rhubarb.”
Wednesday, May 13, 4-8pm
Brooklyn Uncorked BAM
Tickets $40
Sip the finest of your favorite local wines, and learn a thing or two about what Long Island vines bring to the table. Winemakers will be on hand to offer pairing suggestions, local restaurants will ply your palate with nibbles, and all the while enjoy good-hearted chatter while raising a glass with your neighbors. Chin-chin in the halls of BAM, and celebrate the summer ahead.
Wednesday, May 13, 6:30-9:30pm
Tastebuds
Jimmy’s No. 4343 E. 7th St.
This month’s gathering of Tastebuds NYC convenes at Jimmy’s No. 43 to pay homage to local cheese and local beer. Chitchat with others who are gastronomically-inclined, and revel in the glow of this warm East Village pub.
Monday, May 18, 7-8:30pm
Sixpoint Craft Ales Tasting
Beer Table427 B 7th Ave., Park Slope
Tickets $35
Local favorite Shane Welch from Sixpoint Craft Ales will discuss fermentation as it relates to kombucha, beer, and vinegar.
