Big Apple BBQ Roundup: For the NBBQA

For all you grill fans out there, keep doing what you do (I'm starting to sound like Flay), and keep in mind that the National Barbeque Assosication is a great resource for all things 'cue. You can find them at: http://www.nbbqa.org/.

I wrote a piece for them wrapping up the Big Apple BBQ Festival recently. Their website offers great tips and tricks for keeping things spicy this summer.

Staycation? Review of The Ravel Hotel for hotellx.com

A view of cabana-side seating on the roof of the Ravel Hotel.

You may be considering a staycation this summer. Looking for a place with deep sunken baths, extraordinary views from your private balcony, and waterfront proximity?

If by waterfront proximity, you'd consider the Hudson River, then we've got your staycation---a night or two at the Ravel Hotel.

Located in LIC, this brand-new boutique hotel has fun features like over sized plasma flat screen TVs, voyeuristic-sheer exposed shower stall walls, and a crazy rooftop lounge with killer views of the Manhattan skyline. See my full review of the Ravel Hotel for hotellx.com at: http://www.hotellx.com/the-ravel-hotel/.

Note to self: Unless you love bass-heavy house music until 1am, try not to book a room on a Sunday evening. Oh, and $12 cocktails served in plastic cups are SO not worth it, unless you've got $$$ to burn ;)

Bluegrass, banjos, and bourbon

Ah, the 3 B's: Bluegrass, Banjos, and Bourbon: a holy trinity of down-home fun. (You could also potentially subsitute Boys for one of the above, depending on your facebook status).

Here's where you can score all 3: Banjo Jim's.

This alphabet city dive features live music every night of the week, an eclectic crowd, and there's never a cover. The most expensive drink will cost you $10. We haven't heard that for a while!

An added extra: tons of regulars were seen with takeout boxes, meaning that you can get away with bringing your dinner along for a show.

Here's where to get your B's on:

Banjo Jim's

700 E 9th St New York, NY 10009-5309 - (212) 777-0869

Meals on Wheels: La Cense Beef

It may still be awaiting the green-light from the Health Department, but soon enough, you'll be able to enjoy healthy street meat from NYC's latest food truck to make the rounds, La Cense Beef burger truck.

These burgers come from 100% natural, grass-fed Black Angus beef, free of hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, and all that other junk in our meat that we don't like to think about.

Keep your eyes peeled in next week's amNY for my roundup of new food trucks for an update on La Cense's progress and menu. We do know that their burgers will be a moderately-priced $7 and come topped with caramelized onions....yum!

Big Apple BBQ Block Party Article for Fiery Foods

The Big Apple BBQ Block Party, held this weekend in Madison Square Park, was all we'd dreamed it would be.

There was tangy pulled pork galore, juicy ribs, and foot stomping blues. We didn't let a little drizzle and insanely long, half-starved crowds get us down.

Check out my full length review of NYC's best BBQ fest for Fiery Foods magazine:
http://www.fiery-foods.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&Itemid=61

Meat Me in the Park

Madison Square Park, that is.

This weekend, the Big Apple BBQ Block Party takes over the outdoor space, offering fantastic BBQ goods from the nation's top pitmasters. Some regional 'cue hounds will be representing as well, including the grillers behind Blue Smoke and Dinosaur BBQ. Go NYC!

Entrance is free, and plates cost just $8 a pop. Live blues can also be heard both days around 1pm.

Check back with me on Monday for a full recap of the festivities.

Sat & Sun, 11am-7pm
http://bigapplebbq.org/

The Perfect Mint Julep

They say that nobody's perfect. But you can make the perfect mint julep to sip this summer--

no frilly hats required.

The Perfect Mint Julep

Ingredients:

4 cups bourbon
2 bunches fresh mint

1 cup distilled water

1 cup powdered sugar

Recipe:

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.

And Another One Bites the Dust: Black Betty to Close

Photo from Brooklyn Vegan

Tenant - landlord disputes are such a drag. Especially when they involve super-chill party spots, like our favorite Williamsburg boite, Black Betty.

We're sad to report that June 15th will be the last opportunity you'll have to dance the night away at this lovely little bar.

Oh, Black Betty! You will be sorely missed. Especially the nights when you featured early 90s music. SIGH.

This bar--famous for its bumping dance parties--may be a sinking ship, but it plans to go down in style!

The owners are plotting a blow-out party on June 15th that will feature Rev. Vince Anderson and His Love Choir scheduled to perform a rockin' set that evening.

According to Brooklyn Vegan, "the kitchen and bar, offering North African and Mediterranean dishes and extended happy hours, will be in full swing until close". Hallelujah!

To read the juicy gossip behind the closing, check out: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/05/brooklyn_barclu.html

We Predict...

...a pepper in your future.

And a flamboyantly dressed, over-excited gourmand who gets experts like fortune tellers, actors, and Parliament members to aide in his decision-making about haute cuisine.

Alright, we admit it. We're obsessed with all things Iron Chef Japan. And we thank the heavens every day for the fact that Fine Living brought back our fave show.

But we wondered, what ever happened to Iron Chef's cantankerous judge, our fave fortune teller, Kazuko Hosoki?

After some extensive research, we learned that Hosoki is now reportedly the world's top seller of fortune telling books, with over 100 titles to her name. Additionally, she was host of several related TV shows in Japan, including "Zubari Wa Yo (I will say it straight)” , a show where Hosoki made outrageous psychic predictions and often told disbelievers that they would "go to hell".

Awww....we love you Hosoki!

Although Hosoki was like the original Simon Cowell (albeit with psychic powers), the show, sadly, is now off the air.

But we wondered, what if Food Network asks her to be a guest judge on Top Chef America? We're just saying...it would make for some great TV.

Iron Chef Japan is on 10pm E/P time weekdays on Fine Living Network.

http://www.fineliving.com/fine/iron_chef_japan/0,3182,FINE_31256,00.html

Hungry Hungry Hipsters Love Tuk Tuk

Sometimes after a delicious Thai meal, you just want to lay down on the couch. At Tuk Tuk in LIC, you can do exactly that. (Although some people choose to use the couch while waiting for pick up...strange).

This weekend while cruising around LIC, we discovered something: hipsters have to eat too.

And we saw plenty chowin' down at Tuk Tuk, LIC's top Thai spot on Vernon Blvd. So much for squeezing into those skinny jeans...Formerlly located on Smith St in the BK, this Thai spot made the jump to Queens, and brought a crowd of designer diners with it.

The best part about Tuk Tuk is perhaps its affordability, with most dishes well under $10 a pop. The menu features tons of fresh, flavorful dishes that hit the spot, like scrumptious shrimp spring rolls stuffed with crisp veggies and a light, basil-flecked papaya salad--perfect for light a summery meal in the L.I.C. No bad haircuts required.

49-06 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, ny 11101 [google local map] 718-472-5598