The best food events happening in January.
Bagelfest; Pretzels & Beer, Magic & Sushi; Ribwiches and Maker's Mark; Jassimran Singh's Pop Up, and more...
Let’s get this out of the way right now. I am not doing Dry January. Look, I tried that Sober October thing and it didn’t really agree with me. But you do you. To be honest, there’s so much great non-alcoholic everything out there now, it should not exactly be a hardship. But I feel I’ve done my time. After all I didn’t drink for like 20 years, from birth until I was 21. That’s a long period. 😉 So I’m good. This short video sent to me by my friend Talya summarizes my feelings on Dry January quite nicely.
Whether you’re dry or not, there are some fun events happening in January. Here’s the Strong Buzz Hit List.
BagelFest!
Apparently there is a National Bagel Day, and it’s January 15th. Who knew? Well, now that we are aware, we can celebrate this auspicious occasion at the BagelFest Winter Games, an event full of bagel eating, games and entertainment.
At this Bagel-palooza, you can taste 5 unique mini-bagel sandwiches and topping combinations from the best bagel shops in NYC. Then, put your bagel agility to the test and compete in 3 bagel-themed activities to win prizes and awards.
Tickets include
Bagel Flight of 5 unique mini-bagel sandwiches (see flight menu below.)
1 mimosa
Optional: chance to compete or spectate in competitive events
Optional competitive events include (registration required)
Bagel Eating Contest: contestants compete to see who can eat the most bagels in a set amount of time, with the winner receiving a $500 cash prize ($25 entry fee)
Bagel Rolling Contest: rollers compete to see who can be the quickest to roll 100 bagels (free to enter with purchase of GA ticket!)
Team Bagel Relay: teams of 2 compete in a relay including Bagel Toss, Bagel Stacking, and Bagel Curling (free to enter with purchase of GA ticket!)
Learn more about registering for the events here.
Come enjoy your bagels from 9:30am - 2pm, and cheer on (or compete with!) the best bagel competitors in the city!
Comedy and Magic at Kanpai Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds, the exceptional Japanese restaurant in Greepoint is doing a lot more than serving stellar food. They host Comedy and Magic shows. A night of stand up comedy is planned for January 11th ($20 each, drinks from 7-8pm, show from 8-10pm), and a night of Magic ($40 per person) is set for Wednesday January 17th (drinks 7-8pm, show 8-10pm). What’s better than magic and sushi?
Pretzel Making Workshop at Talea!
On Thursday January 12th from 7-9pm, head over to Talea Cobble Hill for Bad Cholesterol Bakery’s Pretzel Making Workshop! Bar Cholesterol’s head baker Chris Milazzo will be on hand to teach you how to make homemade beer pretzels (including how to get that great amber crust) while you drink craft beer. What’s better than that? Your $75 ticket incudes the class, a pre-made pretzel for snacking, take home pretzel dough to bake later, a welcome pour of beer, and a draft beer of your choice! Get your tickets here.
Crown Shy Workshop with Jassimran Singh, Culinary Director
The Crown Shy Workshop is back with the Jassimran Singh takeover this month from January 23rd to January 25th! As he did this summer, Crown Shy’s culinary director will offer a family-style updated menu featuring his North India inspired cuisine. You do not want to miss this. Reserve on Resy!
Breakfast at Monterey
It’s been a long time since I considered having a power breakfast at a restaurant, probably not since I was a lawyer back in the 90s. But I guess people are doing these early morning pow wows now? Well, why not when you can eat at Monterey and have James Tracey make your brekkie?
Starting January 9th, Monterey will be serving breakfast from 8:00-11:00am, Monday through Friday. Chef James Tracey’s breakfast menu highlights include:
Prime Roast Beef Hash; Two eggs any style
Anson Mills Grits; Poached eggs
Omelet; Hen of the woods mushroom, truffle, fonduta, house salad
Egg Sandwich; Scrambled eggs, bacon, calabrian mayonnaise, crispy potatoes, sesame bun
Ricotta Pancakes; Blueberry, maple syrup
Chia Seed Pudding; Coconut, agave, pineapple, banana
Tea is from the beloved Steven Smith Teamaker, and coffee comes from New York local brewery Kobrick Coffee.
Sweetbriar’s Ribwich and Maker’s Mark Pop Up Benefiting City Harvest
Starting Wednesday, January 11th, the Michelin-recognized Sweetbriar will be hosting a Ribwich Pop-Up with proceeds going to City Harvest to help feed food insecure New Yorkers. The pop-up, in partnership with Maker’s Mark, and will run from Wednesday, January 11th – Friday, January 13th with pre-ordering and pickups available each day from 12 pm – 2 pm and 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm via Tock.
If you’re vegan or don’t like ribs, have no fear! Executive Chef Bryce Shuman (ex-Eleven Madison Park and Betony) is cooking up Ribwiches, Chickwiches, and Shroomwiches, all of which pair quite nicely with bathced Maker’s Mark Old Fashioneds.
For each sandwich and Maker’s Mark cocktail sold, Sweetbriar will be donating $2 to City Harvest. So you’ll want to bring lots of friends and go hungry! Of course, if you want to increase your donation, individual donations can also be made directly via Tock. It’s a good way to start the year.
All About Amaro
Fausto co-owner Joe Campanale is hosting a class on Amaro on Sunday, January 15th at 3:30pm. Joe will walk you through six different amari while sharing the essentials on the various styles and production methods. Tickets cost $65 and include six pours of amari and small bites. To secure your spot, click here. (Note: For those looking to stay for dinner, reservations are recommended.)
Bar Takeover with Forthave Spirits
On Wednesday, January 25th join the team from Forthave Spirits at the bar at Fausto for cocktails from 5:30-7:30pm! The Fausto bar team will be crafting three specialty cocktails featuring Forthave spirits, and the Forthave team will be on site to chat all things distillation, amari, aperitivi, and more. (For those looking to stick around for dinner, reservations are encouraged. Walk-ins will be available on a first come, first serve basis.)
Cueva Nueva Conserva Party at Huertas
On Wednesday January 18th, Join Huertas’ Chef Jonah Miller and Blaine Ashley (founder of The Fizz is Female) as they walk you through a special dinner pairing some of their favorite Spanish Sparkling Wines and Seafood Conservas! The dinner, which is $130 (inclusive of tax and tip), includes Dinner & Dessert, FIVE glasses of Cava, and a Cava Cocktail. Book Now and plan a day off the next morning.
Bumper Cars on Ice
Ok, this is not food, but it’s fun and it’s near a lot of good food, and also Kinokuniya, the amazing Japanese bookstore. Tickets just went on sale for the return of the popular Bumper Cars on Ice at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Slide, spin and bump on The Rink at Bryant Park from Friday, January 13 through Saturday, March 4. Bumper Cars will be open from 2pm-8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $20 each and can be reserved at wintervillage.org.
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