The First Weekend Buzz of 2024

Happy New Year my friends! Hope all is well in your world. Things are decent here; still looking for full-time work, but I am back to running (thanks to a lot of PT and this nifty hyaluronic acid gel injection to the left knee), which is helping me deal with the stress, and on New Year’s Day, the kids and I did our first Polar Plunge out in the Rockaways! I think that’s enough of a list of accomplishments for 2024 don’t you?

Well, I imagine some of us are doing Dry January? I mean, I fully embraced Drunk December so I think one challenge per year is enough for me, but you do you. To help those of us who are drying out, James Beard Award-winning Chef and Strong Buzz pal Dan Kluger is rolling out Dry for Why at his newest concepts Greywind + Spygold [451 Tenth Avenue, on the edge of Hudson Yards]. The program features a brand new mocktail menu available starting Monday January 8th through the end of the month.

If you’ve not been to Greywind yet, it’s pretty terrific, as you might expect from Dan, who also runs Loring Place, and Washington Squares. He’s doing his vegetable-forward, market-driven thing, and he’s also got a bakery with daily fresh baked breads and pastries, sandwiches and salads. Secreted underneath Greywind is Spygold, an intimate cocktail den featuring classic and seasonal cocktails organized by primary flavor profile (from “Apple” to “Vegetable” to “Berries” and beyond), and also highlights artisanal New York spirits, beers and wines.

Anyway, The Dry For Why menu is at both Greywind and Spygold, and it’s not only good for you; a portion of proceeds donated to the New York Food Bank and Cookies for Kids Cancer.

Mocktail selections include (all $15)

• Dirty Chai Tonic with espresso, chai spices, Fevertree tonic, and lemon

• Coconut “Golden Milk” Colada with orange, turmeric, coconut milk, lime, and cinnamon

• Grapefruit Negroni with non-alcoholic aperitif, pomelo verjus, and grapefruit

• Ginger Shot Toddy with ginger, honey, clove, and cardamon (served hot)

• Clarified Matcha Sparkling Lemonade with matcha, lemon, yogurt, and club soda

And now, you’re weekend buzz!