Sorry for the late Weekend Buzz – with back to school yesterday, I sort of forgot it was the weekend already! Couple of great events happening this weekend to share including an epic outdoor pig party and a mega sushi fest!
But first, this just in – the 80-year-old Mazzola’s Bakery in Carroll Gardens is up for sale. If you’ve got a spare $9,750,000 the bakery can be yours!
The Italian bakery, known for its cash-only loaves of delicious lard bread, pizzas, pastries, and Italian cookies, went up on Zillow yesterday according to a source. According to the listing: “Presenting an exceptionally rare offering in the heart of coveted Carroll Gardens, the sale of 192 and 194 Union Street. This incredible opportunity features two adjacent, turn-of-the-century multi-family buildings built in 1900, poised for a discerning investor or owner-user seeking a significant foothold in one of Brooklyn's most desirable neighborhoods.”
The family-owned and operated establishment in the heart of Carroll Gardens has been in business since Nicolo Mazzola founded it in 1928. For over 50 years, he and his sons, Peter, Dominick, Angelo, and Benny, grew the business by offering customers traditional Italian bread from his home town of Palermo.
It was in 1980 that the bakery was purchased by the Caravello Family, with patriarch Francesco then at the helm. Originally a barber, he successfully transitioned to the bakery business, and, some 36 years later the bakery continues to thrive and prosper as a neighborhood gem that draws dedicated customers from far and wide.
A few years ago it moved to Henry Street to do a renovation to its original Union Street space and has been doing what appears to be a continuous brisk business but it is now up for grabs! Will you be the next owner?
Pig Island
Pig Island NYC, the all-inclusive crowd-favorite food festival, returns to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Saturday, September 6, for its 16-year celebration, bringing together a lineup of more than 20 local and national chefs, farmers, and BBQ experts vying for awards alongside a bevy of premium spirits, artisan wine and cider makers, and craft beer.
You’ll find everything from classic BBQ favorites to flavors from around the world, like artisan pizzas, steamed buns, charcuterie, and whole hog roasts. Cool down with Tipsy Scoop's boozy ice cream, Aurelia gelato, and treats from MuMsKitchens NYC, or heat things up with award-winning hot sauces from Coney Island Saucery, Rocket Fuel Foods, and Achilles Heat.
The full chef and restaurant lineup at Pig Island NYC features:
Rodrigo Duarte of Don Rodrigo
Vincent Mangual of Empire BBQ
Gavin, Jamie, and Chris Farella of Brothers BBQ
Tank Jackson of Holy City Hogs
Oak Marprasert of KAM RAI THAI and Samsaen
Sean Keever of Big Guns BBQ
Cenobio Canalizo of Morgan’s Brooklyn BBQ
Jase Franklyn of Jase BBQ
Jose Perez of Archie Moore’s and The Meat Truck
Amita Phookaw of Khaosan
Teague Bower of Paulie G’s BBQ
Phil Wingo and Porkmafia
John Fuchs and Vinny Ferrante of FDNY Red Hook Raiders of Brooklyn BBQ Team
Darlene Lawrence of Sands Jerk Hut
Kyle Smith of Smith Poultry
Eric Bernal of Just Ribs
Thomas Joseph Perrone of The Corner, and more!
Tickets are on sale now at pigisland.com for $55 plus processing fee. VIP Tickets and Packages start at $85 plus processing fee and grant attendees early access at 11:00 AM for first tastes and drinks, opportunities to mix and mingle with chefs, and Pig Island NYC™ swag. VIP Tables for groups are also available.
SUSHI-CON!
SUSHI-CON 2025 - the country's largest consumer sushi event - is taking place at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 18th Street, NYC) on September 6th and 7th.
Hosted by True World Group (TWF) and Noble Fresh Cart, this year's Sushi-Con has been extended to two days, giving more sushi fans the opportunity to attend the event.
As in past years, guests will be able to enjoy unlimited tastings of the freshest seafood - such as bluefin tuna, yellowtail, sea bream, salmon, and sea urchin - exclusive wagyu beef, and a curated selection of Japanese food favorites such as matcha tea, yuzu, wasabi and more from 40 of TWF's suppliers from around the world.
New this year will be the opportunity for attendees to purchase exhibitor products (to-go or for delivery) from the Noble Fresh Cart booth at exclusive event-only prices. In addition, VIP ticket holders will have access to on-site premium restaurant experiences featuring partners Blue Ribbon Group, Maru Sushi, JaBä, Butter Fish and more.
Don’t miss the signature highlight of Sushi-Con – the Tuna-Cutting Demonstration during which Executive Chefs from top-rated sushi restaurants showcase precision and artistry as they break down a 400+pound bluefin tuna, preparing and serving the prized toro, chu-toro and akami cuts to all attendees. The demonstration takes place both days at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $150 each; and VIP admission is $200. Sushi-Con will be open each day from noon to 5 pm.
Noooooo!!!! Not Mazzola!!! ☹️