village voice Archives - Page 2 of 2 -

I love Fridays and I love weekends, but I really wouldn’t mind if it all just flew by and I was plopped down right in the middle of Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because Tuesday, March 13 is the Village Voice’s sixth annual “Choice Eats” event, which I am attending!

If you haven’t heard of “Choice Eats,” it’s a foodie’s ultimate paradise: a tasting event featuring 83 handpicked restaurants from all five boroughs, along with complimentary craft beer pairings, wine and liquor beverages.

In addition to tastings, guests will enjoy DJ sets by Andy Rourke of The Smiths, the legendary alt-rock band that materialized from the British indie music scene in the 1980s, and guest chef-celebrity, Ty-lor Boring, of Bravo’s hit show, Top Chef Texas. Ty-lor will host a demo for all VIP ticket-holders during the VIP hour from 5:30 – 6:30 PM.

VIP tickets have sold out, but a limited number of General Admission tickets are still available at choiceeats.villagevoice.com for $50 each. A complete list of participating restaurants and sponsors is also available on the event website.

Here are the deets on the event:

WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 from 6:30pm-9:30pm with a VIP-only preview from 5:30pm-6:30pm
WHERE: 69th Armory on Lexington Avenue @ 26th Street, NYC

Tweet me if you come to the event…@OAAinNYC!

When I arrived at the historic Skylight One Hanson (formerly the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower) for Village Voice’s first annual Brooklyn Pour craft beer festival, I knew I was in for some serious beer 101. I dabble in your standard beers, like Corona, Blue Moon and Negra Modelo, but the 100+ beers within the walls of this festival would be new territory.

Now, schooled in the world of craft beer, I don’t know what took me so long to explore all of the variety and creativity that these delicious brews have to offer.

Some of my favorites:

Tröegenator Doppelbock by Tröegs Brewing Company: This beer came to my attention when a man behind me who had just tasted his sample screamed out, “yes!” Never the one to ignore such a strong recommendation, I decided to take whatever he had! Although I didn’t have the impulse to shout, I was not disappointed by this smooth, flavorful beer.
Smuttynose Robust Porter by Smuttynose Brewing Company: This was the “comfort food” of beers, with a light, smooth, dark chocolate taste. A great beer for fall.
Torpedo Extra IPA by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company: I discovered that I have a thing for IPAs (Indian pale ale). I enjoy their richness and complexity. This one is a perfect “everyday” beer (I’m not necessarily saying you should drink it everyday!). Something you might crack open after a long day at work to enjoy its balanced, smooth taste.
Ithaca Apricot Wheat by Ithaca Beer Company: Wonderful natural apricot flavor without being overpowering.
Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA by Flying Dog Brewery: I don’t usually care for bitter beers, but the sweetness of this brew paired perfectly with the slightly bitter finish.