Sorry in advance for the damage to your credit card this week
And some pizza pop ups this summer that will haunt your lactose intolerant friends
The news broke yesterday morning that DoorDash will be gobbling up Deliveroo and SevenRooms for a cool $5.1 billion. Sheesh. I will be doing my own gobbling this weekend, not on the same scale of course, but with comparable verve. Most likely at this Greenpoint udon pop-up.
Also dropping today was news of Blackbird’s summer Pizza Sessions — a series of pop up pizza nights hosted in the garden behind F&F Pizzeria and Frankies 457 Sputino. The first event will be on May 20 and they’ve lined up Mark Iacono of Lucali notoriety and Christian Petroni of Gabagool to provide the goods from 5-10pm. I’ve definitely got my eyes on that and will have my phone at the ready when the tickets go live today.
As always, get your phone ready to dial up your crew. These pop-ups move fast and you'll need backup to order one of everything.
POP UP WATCH — Events worth your time (ticketed)
UDON OMAKASE @ DASHI OKUME BROOKLYN | May 10 (via Resy) Japanese food enthusiasts, take note. A Greenpoint Japanese joint is throwing down an impressive five-course udon omakase, featuring seasonal dashi-forward appetizers, pristine Toyosu Market sashimi, and daily agemono creations this Saturday night. The star? Inaniwa udon — noodles hailing from Akita prefecture that are celebrated for their exceptional texture. Sounds frickin’ awesome if you ask me. I’ll be there slurping down some noodles - you should too.
MOTHERS DAY @ RAF’S | May 11 (via Resy) For everyone who waited until now to plan Mother's Day – Raf's just saved your skin. Their NoHo brunch situation on May 11th is exactly what the cool mom in your life wants. The $75 prix fixe reads like a greatest hits of spring indulgence: oysters with rhubarb mignonette, trout roe-crowned "momelettes," white asparagus with ramp pesto, and their oh so good dry-aged burger. Multiple seatings from 10am, but the smart money's on the early booking.
BILLECART-SALMON @ THE LOBSTER CLUB | May 13 (via Resy) Champagne insiders, this is your bat signal. The Lobster Club is hosting actual royalty Tuesday night when Mathieu Billecart drops by with a vertical tasting straight from the family vault. They're uncorking four vintages of the legendary Cuvée Nicolas François (1998, 2002, 2008, and the debut 2012) – all from magnums, because why be subtle? At a cool $1,000 per seat, you're buying a ticket to the most exclusive champagne party this side of Épernay. Six courses, bold flavors, 6pm.
NO RESERVATIONS — Pop ups and block parties you can walk straight into
FROG WINE BAR | Bedstuy | Pressed panini pop up | May 8
Slow roasted pull pork, pickled onions, aji verde aioli. ‘nuff said. Head there for these banging paninis and grab a glass of wine to pair. Thursday night, 5-10pm, go go go!
FROG WINE BAR | Bedstuy | Friday night pizza party | May 9
Frog really packed it in this week so I’m sharing both events. “An evening of natural wine and pizza,” says Frog Wine Bar. I say, “say no more.” Head to Frog Wine Bar, starting at 6pm, for New-Haven style zaaa. For our lactose intolerant friends in the back, they’ve got vegan options for you. Come one come all!
GERTRUDE’S NYC | Prospect Heights | Burger collab night | May 12
Part of Gertrude’s “Burgers and Buddies” series going on this summer. Alan Delgado — burrito extraordinaire — is serving up a special at Gertrude’s on Monday night. Frankly I’m not sure if he’s there to sling out some burritos or burgers, but I’m there for either. Head there Monday night!
THIS WEEK'S PRIME SCORES — Deals I found on Blackbird* and am taking advantage of this week
BLACKBIRD PIZZA SERIES THIS SUMMER | First event May 20
Pizza aficionados: mark your calendars! Blackbird is kicking off a summer pizza series on May 20 where Lucali (of typical 3+ hour wait notoriety) and Gabagool legends will be slinging exclusive pies in the legendary garden behind F&F. I will be there, guzzling down slices and sipping on some negronis. Get your ticket when it drops here and come through!
* I should mention that I am not affiliated with Blackbird. 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 :)
