The biggest ever Sumo Stew is coming to East Williamsburg next Tuesday (7/17) at Arrogant Swine (173 Morgan Avenue) from 6-9pm. The event is hosted by photographer Michael Harlan Turkell and Harry Rosenblum, the owner of The Brooklyn Kitchen. The pair teamed up to create a Japan-centered foodie event series (they’ve done more than a dozen at this point) featuring bowls of chankonabe (sumo stew) as the main dish, which sumo wrestlers make and chow down on before a match. And, of course, sumo wrestling matches are live streamed during the evening. This round of Sumo Stew will feature a North Carolina BBQ-style Whole Hog chankonabe, in collaboration with BBQ joint Arrogant Swine. Tickets and complete event info here.
Bowls of chankonabe. Photo via Sumo StewMichael Harlan Turkell (r) and Harry Rosenblum (l). Photo via Sumo Stew
The tickets are $60, but that gets you a whole lot of Japanophile fun. Each participant gets a bento box, bowl of chankonabe, and 2 drink tickets to be used for sake, shochu, or a whisky cocktail – and round after round of sumo. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Japan Society. Here’s a detailed list of all the cool things you’ll get:
Greenpoint and North Brooklyn’s thriving restaurant scene has been turning (professional critic) heads for a while now, especially when it comes to the esteemed Michelin guide. Every year, their incognito inspectors scrutinize all the restaurants who’ve previously won either stars or bibs, plus all the newcomers. The bigger acclaim is when a restaurant wins coveted Michelin stars, from one to three and seemingly always the usual Manhattan high-end spots (those are announced next week). But the restaurants frequented by the hoi polloi aren’t left out. That’s where the Bib Gourmand comes in. This is where you can potentially get two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less, before tax and gratuity.And this is where our local spots shine.
I don’t know about you, but my favorite part of spring is being able to finally emerge from the dark and the cold to sit outside in the sun, preferably sipping on a nice saison and surrounded by greenery. I don’t ask for much. Luckily, Greenpoint is chock-full of great places to eat and drink outdoors, either in magical green gardens or on rooftops with stellar views. Here are a few places worth the trip.
Northern Territory 12 Franklin Street Good for: Gorgeous semi-panoramic rooftop views and large groups.
This Australian-themed bar features an expansive rooftop with its own bar and wooden bench tables that channel something of a summer beach vibe. Gaze across the East River to watch the sunset over the city or to ponder the Empire State Building’s color of the day. Add a Beer & Shot into the mix for $10 during happy hour, grab an Aussie burger, and you’re set. Continue reading →
Beets, Muna, Goat Cheese, Gooseberry, Cancha Photo by Desirée Flores
The triangular East Williamsburg restaurant sits along the BQE (not so picturesque) but once through the wide wood doors of Llama Inn (50 Withers St), the wrap around windows, hanging garden and welcoming bar will make the location escape you. Just named one of the Top New York restaurants of 2016 by The New York Times and honored with Michelin Bib Gourmand status, this just year-old restaurant is making its mark beyond Brooklyn and putting this overlooked corner on the map. Continue reading →
