Epiqueereans love oysters. Obviously.

Just a quick recommendation..

One of the best deals in NYC... 6 Bluepoint oysters and a glass of wine (recommend the S. African Chardonnay) or a PBR draft (oh how hip) for $8 at Fish on Bleeker St. just south of 7th ave. All day, every day.

Their king crab legs are also amazing.

My new favorite happy hour ($4 drafts), and cute waitresses to boot. That's some epiqueerean happiness.

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic

As you were sipping your latest Manhattan, were you wondering about the historical context and creation of such a classic drink? Or perhaps wondering about the history of classic cocktails and mixology in general? Might you like to impress your next date with a conversation on the proper foods to pair with various terroirs of tequila before those pairings have you topless on the bar?

Well, luckily for you, you're not the only inquisitive imbiber. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic arrives with a flourish on Friday 5/14, and events continue through Tuesday the 18th. Conceived by the former founding director of arguably my favorite place in New York City, Astor Center, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic got its feet wet last year with a much smaller inaugural event, but now its ready to take over this whole city one speakeasy at a time.

The opening Gala will take over the majestic New York Public Library, with the city's best bartenders mixing cocktails from the newest frontiers of mixology. And then the events continue, at Astor Center, Butter Restaurant, and bars throughout the city, as small seminars focusing on specific liquors and cocktails and their history. These one-time-only classes, taught by experts, will not only stimulate the palate and motor functions, but also your curious little brains. Take a class on Curacao, Vermouth, sustainable spirits, or even the art of photographing cocktails!

If this event has a fraction of the revelry and good fun found at its teaser event last year, it should be quite an amazing weekend to be living in New York City. Check out the events list and reserve a spot quickly for you and a friend. It's gonna be a boozy! Wait.. I mean doozy!

Ma Pêche, Je t'adore

It's only fitting, I believe, that my first post in an extended time be a tribute to the new Momofuku branch's impending opening. I know I said Ippudo's pork buns are better (and I think they are..), but David Chang really owns my heart.

Today I stopped by the Chambers Hotel to check out the limited menu in the lounge of Ma Pêche ("my peach"), the new French-inspired Momofuku sibling opening soon in Midtown. It promises to be a much larger, and slightly more formal setting than the first three restaurants, but the food remains the same delicious, unpretentious, knuckles-in-the-head-cheese Asian street food that made Chang a star in this city.

Two kinds of Bahn Mi are already on the menu, and an enticing chicken soup. I sampled the crispy brussels sprouts with fish sauce, mint, and cilantro. Oh, heavens. It's hard to go wrong with fried brussels sprouts, but the addition of umami-laden fish sauce, scallions, tiny chili slices, and a slight broth that had a sweet and floral aroma like lemongrass really made the dish outstanding. The slight heat of the chilis was absolutely perfect, and the dish paired fantastically with their spiced sake martini. The togarashi-infused honjozo sake with yuzu and lime was also slightly spicy, and its citrus elements paired perfectly with the earthy brussels sprouts dish.

This was just a little snack, but I'll be going back for more when they open the main dining room... If I can wait that long.