May is coming in hot and I've got some intel to share. After last week's Burgundy-and-smashburger revelation (trust me, it works), I've been prowling the city for culinary thrills worth clearing your schedule for.
The result? I'm talking rare Piedmont wines, a three-Michelin-star alum flex on a Brooklyn chalkboard menu, and a mortadella sammy that isn't even on the damn menu. Oh, and don't even get me started on the taco situation happening this weekend – check out the No Reservations section for all that.
Text your crew immediately and clear some calendar space. These pop-ups move fast and you'll need backup to order one of everything.
POP UP WATCH — Events worth your time (ticketed)
ALTO PIEMONTE WINE DINNER @ PEASANT | May 2 (via Resy). Holy nebbiolo! If you're even remotely into Italian wines, this is your Super Bowl. This Friday, Peasant is hosting an Alto Piemonte dinner with La Pianelle AND Bonaperti inside Marc Forgione's wood-fired restaurant. These are some of the most revered wines in all of Piedmont and as May approaches we may as well start our Italian summer in spirit :). At $165 for four courses and wine pairing, this is basically stealing. As a pre-game bonus, they're pouring rare Niedrist wines starting at 5pm.
SUNDAY MOVIE NIGHT @ BRASSERIE FOUQUET'S | May 4 (via Resy). This one sounds super cute. Brasserie Fouquet's in TriBeCa is hosting a Sunday dinner and movie combo, and this week they’ll be showing The Devil Wears Prada. $165 gets you a three-course pre-fixe dinner at the brasserie at 6:30PM followed by a screening of the cult classic at 8pm. This is basically the perfect date night that requires zero planning on your part. That’s all. (See what I did there ;))
Place des Fêtes x CHEF PEDRO OLIVEIRA | May 5-6 (via Resy). PDF is hosting Chef Pedro Oliveira from Prado Wine Bar in Lisbon for a two-night chalkboard takeover. I've heard his Portuguese-influenced dishes are out of this world, and considering he worked at Mirazur in the South of France (three Michelin stars, btw), expect some serious culinary magic. Get on this immediately – I have a feeling it'll book up fast.
NO RESERVATIONS — Pop ups and block parties you can walk straight into
FROG WINE BAR | Bedstuy | 5 course Italian tasting menu | May 1
I like what I’m seeing here. Frog Wine Bar is hosting Giulia Ricciotti who is preparing five perfect courses: olives all'ascolana, penne all'arrabbiata, fava with bitter greens, zucchini & meat, and tiramisu to close. Goes until sellout. Which will be quick. Go early, starting at 5:30pm. Andiamo!
LISE & VITO | Greenpoint | Tacos, gringas, burritos (yummmm) | May 4
My favorite bar meets my favorite food group :). I personally will be guzzling these down. Starts at 2pm - go!
WHOOPSIE DAISY BAR | Crown Heights | Cinco De Mayo Pop Up | May 5
Not your grandma’s Cinco de Mayo. Mushroom sisig tacos with something called scallion-ramp sawsawan that I can't pronounce but will devour anyway. Longanisa tacos with salsa macha chicharron (no idea, but still sounds incredible). Pork belly lechon gringa that'll haunt your dreams. Finish with mochi waffle and horchata sorbet. Head there at 4pm!
THIS WEEK'S PRIME SCORES — Deals I found on Blackbird and am taking advantage of this week
BAR MADONNA | Williamsburg | Access to off-menu mortadella sandwich | May 1
The Ox | Greenpoint | Second drink on the house | May 1
* I should mention that I am not affiliated with Blackbird. I’m just taking advantage of the sweet deals as they become more well known ;). However if they want to sponsor me hmuuu
That’s all from me folks! Happy hunting :)
Forward this to your crew and get some plans on the calendar :)
