Marshmallow Day is August 10

There seems to be an official day for almost every food item--including the oft-neglected but beloved marshmallow.

This August 10th, take a moment to think of the chewy childhood favorite, since it's National Marshmallow Day (or so we've heard!).

Hmm..let's ponder this occasion for a moment. Perhaps we love marshmallows enough to give them an official day because they connect us to our collective primordial past, in which we stood around a fire, attempting to burn our food on twigs.

There's no fire necessary to enjoy marshmallows, though. Personally, I think they taste best slightly stale.

And unsurprisingly, a brand of artisanal marshmallows has hit the market, Plush Puffs. These designer marshmallows come in a variety of flavors including vanilla bean, cinnamon, and simply s'mores--ensuring you'll never have to attempt to make the tasty snack over a campfire again (unless you really want to).

Visit http://www.plushpuffs.com/ for more information and ordering.

Seafood Showdown: Coney Island

We heart food competitions.

So what could be better than eating seafood on Coney Island's "Beer Island" (with beer specials, 'natch), especially when the proceeds go to charity?

Here are the details:

8/15/09: You show up to Beer Island between noon and 4pm with $24 in hand (unless you book online, which will save you $4), taste some delicious seafood, and suck down some suds in the sun. Watch as one lucky contestant wins $400 prize for a "people's choice" award (and hopefully donates it to their charity of choice).

In the event of rain, you'll show up on 8/16/09 instead, same time, same place.

Directions: http://www.beerislandconeyisland.com/

Contact: fassfoods@gmail.com

More details: http:/fassfoods.blogspot.com

amNY Story: Bars In Queens

Wondering where to drink in Queens? amNY had me find 5 festive bars near LIC worth checking out, including lounges with gay go-go dancers and Irish bars offering karaoke competitions. Click on the image to get a peek.

Try This Jerk

If you find yourself near Prospect Park one of these sunny days, you owe it to your tastebuds to check out the jerk chicken wings ($7.50) at Cheryl's Global Soul.

These grilled chicken wings are juicy and spicy and very well seasoned. Plus, they pair awfully well with a sorrell-based drink. It's like going to the islands...only cheaper.

Need we say more?

Cheryl's Global Soul

236 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238(347) 529-2855

Daniel Restaurant

Daniel is one of those iconic Manhattan restaurants feeding the creme de la creme of New York society the creme de la creme of French cuisine.

Check out my full-length review of Daniel for hotellx.com here.

Daniel
http://www.danielnyc.com/

60 E. 65th St , New York, NY 10065-7056 (212) 288-0033

Blame Canada: Tim Horton's Taking Over 12 NY Dunkin Donuts

As the New York Times reports here, the Canadian donut chain is now taking over 12 Dunkin Donuts locations in NYC and Brooklyn. Sounds good, eh?

The transformation to Horton's was welcomed by Gov. Paterson at the Penn Station unveiling.

For those of us (Canadians) who adore the Northern goodies, we are truly delighted.

Jennifer Aniston & Bradley Cooper Dine at Il Cantorini

Many people rely on Gawker Stalker to discover celebrity hangouts in the Big Apple.

We're thinking it's as simple as lurking in front of Italian eatery, Il Cantorini (32 E 10th St NYC NY 10003) where Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston were recently seen on a date. Curiously, E online reports that CoopIston prefers Pellegrino to vino.

Yes, we just made up CoopIston.

Photo by: Peter Kramer / AP; PA Photos / Landov

Known for feeding A-list couples (like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes) tasty Tuscan dishes, Il Cantorini features Italian specialties like ossobucco (veal shank), risotto (changes daily), and tagliolini al funghi (homemade pasta with wild mushrooms).

Maybe this restaurant week, you should wine and dine with the stars--or just be a third wheel on a celebrity date you aren't supposed to be on. Check out Il Cantorini's restaurant week menu here.

amNY Fine Dining for Less

Wondering where you can wine and dine without breaking the bank?

amNY had me find 5 upscale restos where you can indulge for less. Click on the image to see the story, or here:

It's never too hot for...

It's never too hot for...a delicious meatball sandwich, especially one that recalls cool summer days in Scandanavian countries that we may or may not have ever visited, like the one (pictured) drizzled with Lingonberry sauce from Aqua Cafe near central park ($9.95)

This meatball sandwich gets an extra blast of cool when layered with a side of refreshing, super-thinly sliced pickled cucumbers ($2.95/side).

Swede dreams are made of these...

Citysearch Article: Summer Art Guide

Wondering where to take in the art this summer? Citysearch had me find the artsiest venues around...including places where you can check out the art while sipping a cocktail or scarfing down a sandwich.

Click on the article to enlarge, or visit http://newyork.citysearch.com/list/147161