Battle of the rosés at the Noortwyck, Oxomoco throws a party, and block party season begins
This week in food events I have been talking about
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It’s the first week of the best month of the year. June typically pops off (that is the scientific term) in terms of dining events in New York. So many block parties, so little time!
This week on the docket we’ve got The Noortwyck putting rosé on trial with 12 wines to taste (yes, 12), German winemakers who trained in Burgundy showing us what non-Riesling can do, and Oxomoco’s 7-year anniversary party in Greenpoint featuring over 20 expressions of mezcal. Plus a taco pop-up at one of my favorite places in the city: Sauced.
I’m also adding something new: "expense account" picks. These are events I can't personally justify spending $$$ on but would absolutely put on someone else's card. If you’ve got a corporate card at your disposal and want to wine and dine some clients, this is for you.
Finally, for those who are in the know, you know that Llama San is closing in a week. If you didn’t know, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Word on the street is that they’re emptying out their cellar (both of the sparkling and non-sparkling variety) at some major discounts. You’ll get curated pours at retail prices, which literally never happens. Pay them a visit before they close on June 7!
Have a great week!
POP UP WATCH — Events worth your time (ticketed)
WASENHAUS WINE TAKEOVER @ TOLO | June 8 (via Resy). German winemakers who trained in Burgundy are hitting two spots on the same night. For dinner, head to Tolo's chef's counter for a four-course dinner at $75 with an optional add-on to pair their cult-favorite wines. Or, if you’re feeling like a pure aperitivo moment, hit Parcelle Chinatown for a $35 wine tasting at 5pm of their new releases of pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot blanc. Can’t go wrong with either choice.
OXOMOCO 7-YEAR ANNIVERSARY | June 9 (via Resy). Oxomoco is a fantastic spot. Seven years of Greenpoint excellence definitely calls for a party - and they’ll be throwing down with over 20 types of mezcal, food, and dancing. I personally love it when restaurants are anthropomorphized and celebrate birthdays. I’ll be there - come through!
THE GREAT ROSÉ SHOWDOWN @ THE NOORTWYCK | June 9 (via Resy). The Noortwyck is putting rosé on trial with a blind tasting that spans Old World versus New World. Four courses, 12 rosés, all blind until the big reveal. I’ve got questions. Firstly, how can one drink 12 wines? Secondly, what’s the pour like? Only one way to find out, I guess…go!
EXPENSE ACCOUNT — One event I can’t justify spending myself but would put on the corporate card (if I had one)
REZDÔRA X PEDRONI ACETO BALSAMICO | June 25 (via Resy). $295 for six courses celebrating the holy trinity of Emiliana cuisine: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena. Come si dice, andiamo? This is the kind of masterclass-disguised-as-dinner that requires someone else's credit card and zero dietary restrictions.
NO RESERVATIONS — Pop ups, tastings, & block parties you can walk straight into
ICE CREAM @ FATHER KNOWS BEST | Bushwick | June 6 (info here) I didn't know ice cream was a pop-uppable food, but I stand corrected and I'm here for this roving sweetness. The team from Nepita Ice Cream will be heading to Father's Knows Best in Bushwick on June 6 from 4-7pm. And if you miss them there, they’ll be at Blinky’s on Saturday June 7, and Chalait on the UES Sunday June 8.
TACOS @ SAUCED | Williamsburg | June 7 (info here) I love when my favorite wine bar in the city does collabs. This time around, there will be fresh flour tortillas on burritos or gringas, tacos on corn tortillas, and lots o’ wine (if that’s your kinda thing). Do yourself a favor and head there on Saturday from 12-3pm.
MACDOUGAL ST. BLOCK PARTY w/ ROSCIOLI, PARCELLE + MORE | June 7 (info here) Head down to the Village from 12:30-7pm for what's shaping up to be a killer start to block party season. Roscioli, Parcelle, Raku, and Hamburger America are all participating, which means you're getting Italian, wine, Japanese, and burger perfection all on one street. Multiple cuisines, zero reservations needed - just show up (after you’ve gone to Sauced) and eat your way down MacDougal.
THIS WEEK'S PRIME SCORE — Deal I found on Blackbird* and am taking advantage of this week
Anywhere you find Blackbird in NYC | Spend $250, get $150 back in points | Until June 15
My favorite restaurant loyalty app upped the ante this week with this deal. If you’ve used the app before and are a 2x member, this is absurdly good value. If you haven’t used the app before, get on it because frankly they’re showering early users with rewards like this. 60% return? I'll take those odds.
* I am not affiliated with Blackbird but if they want to sponsor me hmuuu. Get $20 to burn at over 500 restaurants in NYC here!
That’s all from me folks! Happy hunting :)