Summer is almost gone ... let's relish these last days.
Your Weekend Buzz is here....where to eat and drink, and two big Block Parties!
These last weeks of summer before school starts, my kids are home from camp, and we are soaking up the last moments before the drama and stress of school begins (Eiji is starting high school and Sam is going into 5th). I’m not gonna lie, I love summer. Not just because I am a beach bum, but because there’s significantly less stress for parents: there’s no homework, no GET UP FOR SCHOOL, no deadlines for the kids, and that means a lot less work for me. I guess this means I am lazy, but I am okay with that. I like the break from high stakes school-year parenting.
So it’s understandable that I get a feeling towards the end of August, it’s a bit of a low, a kind of sadness, like I used to have as a kid in the 70s, where parents mainly drank Tab and smoked cigarettes and were vaguely aware of the presence of their offspring. It’s the end of the freedom of lighter, longer days, and the incoming return to the real world. Or it could be that I just found out that my job was eliminated and I was given no notice and no severance. Hmmm, that’s possible. (I am open to work! Hit me up!)
Anyway, we’ve been out in Rockaway a lot, and we are going to Family Camp next week, so that’s why the posts might not be as frequent as they usually are. But I’ll be back to full force in the fall, have no fear!
Anyway, the Weekend Buzz is usually a subscriber only feed, but since I’ve not shared much this week, this one’s for all subscribers! (And maybe you’ll like it and upgrade!)
So, my friends, here’s a little list for the weekend of events and dinner ideas to keep you busy on these waning days of summer. 😊
Friday: Drinks and Dinner at Bar Vinazo!
I had a really nice meal at Joe Campanale and Ilyssa Satter’s newish Bar Vinazo in Park Slope last night – it’s a gorgeous slip of a space washed in blond wood and lit with a soft pink glow from rose-colored sconces so you look at least 10 years younger or like you’ve just had a visit with a “dermatologist” on the UES.
There’s a beautiful wine program with so many bottles from Spain to drink and learn about, a sprawling garden, and a menu that drops you right into Las Ramblas in Barcelona. There’s a tidy list of tapas (loved the gildas and the extensive program of tinned fish with potato chips), and a couple of larger plates including Fideuà (think paella but with short thin noodles in place of rice) and a classic Crema Catalan with a caramelized burnt sugar crust that I could not stop eating.
It’s a great spot for a date, for a night with friends, or just with your fine self - the bar is long and lovely and the friendly staff welcome solo diners. So check it out this weekend if you can! Say hi to Joe and Ilyssa if you do!
Saturday: Bronx Night Market Back to School Celebration in Fordham Plaza
This is a great one to bring your kids to! School's almost back in session, and The Bronx Night Market is turning up the excitement with its upcoming event, the "Show Your Colors: Back-to-School Celebration," on Saturday August 26th at Fordham Plaza in the Bronx. If you’ve never been to the Night Market, it’s an outdoor feast that supports the growth of underrepresented small businesses in NYC’s landscape through economic empowerment, community development, and cultural expression and inclusion. Over 70% of vendors classify themselves as micro-, small-, POC-, immigrant-, LGBTQIA+-, and female-owned businesses.
So get ready to dive into a day of epic fun, terrific eats, and dazzling surprises. "It's time to rally your squad, rock your school colors, and dive headfirst into the ultimate back-to-school bash at the 'Show Your Colors' event," said Marco Shalma, founder of the night market. "The Bronx Night Market is where the energy is contagious, the flavors are irresistible, and the memories are unforgettable!"
They’ve got a huge list of vendors on tap: artisan Mexican sausages, authentic Jerk Chicken, traditional Bajan fishcakes, arepas de choclo, and their famous Korean dogs. Come decked out in your coolest school gear, and join the food fiesta and grab a raffle for a chance to win $50 Worth of Food.
Bring the kids and dive into the world of knowledge with Lehman College and Success Academy booths, where you can all level up your brainpower. PC Richard is making dreams come true, so be ready to strike a TV for your dorm.
The day also includes the Me Zone by Montefiore, The Bronx Is Reading with story time hits like "Platanos are Love" and "The Secret of the Platano." and a food demo by Bronx Eats.
What's a party without a groove? DJ Riddim and Bronx Arts Ensemble are taking center stage, making sure you dance the day away.
RSVP HERE for more mind-blowing details, including the lineup of vendors, the schedule of events, and all the thrilling happenings.
Saturday: Block Party at Rhodora Wine Bar to Benefit the Food Education Fund
On Saturday August 26th from 1PM to 12AM, Sky High Farm is partnering with Rhodora Wine Bar to host a block party fundraiser featuring a menu developed and prepared by the talented Food Education Fund alumni. All proceeds from food sales will go towards supporting three amazing organizations —Sky High Farm, FEF, and Heermance Farm—whose work intersects at the points of environmental justice, education, and food access.
The event is free, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged so the team at Rhodora can prep appropriately for the event. RSVPs do not function as reservations, and food service will be first come first serve. They can’t guarantee you a seat, but there will be a lot of room to mill about and enjoy the scene if you have to wait. Purchase is not required for attendance, but we encourage donations upon RSVP.
Donations of $5 will enter guests into a raffle for a special prize! Guests are limited to one RSVP per person or party, but multiples of $5 count as multiple raffle entries (ex. $20 donation = 4 tickets).
If you’ve not been to Rhodora Wine Bar, it’s a gem in Ft. Greene. It’s owned by Henry Rich and the team behind June and Anais, and is New York’s first carbon neutral natural wine bar and the country’s first trash-free bar. Rhodora’s food and beverage program focuses on low intervention natural wines and sustainably sourced ingredients. In addition to our zero-waste and carbon-neutral commitments, they’ve also created a new, non-hierarchical staffing model where each team member is trained for every position. By eliminating the traditional divide between front and back of house, managers and staff, Rhodora aims to cultivate an equitable and sustainable working environment for all stakeholders. Cool, right?
Here’s a bit more about the beneficiaries of the block party:
Food Education Fund
Food Education Fund is a non-profit organization who works with local public high school students who are looking to achieve a career in food. Through experiential learning in culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, FEF prepares and empowers students to continue their education and cultivate sustainable careers.
Sky High Farm
Sky High Farm is a nonprofit farm in the Hudson Valley Sky that works to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to sustain themselves, including high-quality, culturally appropriate food. Since 2012, they have committed to ecological farming practices and an environmentally holistic, equity-focused approach to promoting food sovereignty. This includes support for burgeoning farmers through formal training and mentoring; grants to catalyze a more equitable and community-centered food system; and food access partnerships - 100% of food produced on-site is donated to community partners in our collective effort to achieve long-term solutions to food insecurity.
Heermance Farm
Heermance Farm has been fully operating since 1730; it stands today as a historical landmark in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, minutes from Rhinebeck. We raise kick-ass vegetables, custom blend-fed eggs, Steelhead trout to rave reviews, and an array of pastured proteins like Turkeys, rabbits, hogs, and lambs. Heirloom and heritage breeds are what we prefer! We’re very good at coloring outside of the lines, so we invite chef collaborators to the canvas. Every year or season, these chefs define new trends in culinary expression, and we are always willing to explore them. Heermance Farm is about innovation, sustainability, art, and community. We grow with chefs and food enthusiasts in mind!Rhodora Wine Bar
Rhodora Wine Bar is located at 197 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205; Food Service from 1PM to 9PM; Bar Open until Midnight. If you have any questions about this event, please email hello@rhodorabk.com.