the weekend buzz

“Cocktail Classes at Rouge Tomate, Benefit for the Mario Batali Children's Foundation, Greenmarket Tour, Feed Yer Family at Hill Country”

Saturday: Cocktail Classes at Rouge Tomate, 10 East 60th Street, 646-237-8977

Balmy weather and sunshine brings out the desire to sit outside and sip cocktails all afternoon long (who needs to go to work!); but with a recession in full force, rather than splurging on an overpriced day of drinking, it’s time to get crafty and learn how to concoct your own cocktails. Rouge Tomate is hosting a series of classes that walk you through the all the basics of cocktail crafting taught by Beverage Director Rainlove Lampariello from how to shake ‘em, to homemade purees, Mojitos and Manhattans. Each class will provide you with the recipes and a different bar tool for keeps. The first class starts Saturday, with additional classes running May 16th, 30th and June 6th. Try one ($35) or try all ($125) and then put your knowledge to use all summer long. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 646-237-8977.

Class 1 (May 9th): Gin, Vodka and Rum

Class 2 (May 16th): Whiskey, Brandy and Tequila

Class 3 (May 30th): Rooftop Bar-B-Qs

Class (June 6th): Cocktail and Dinner Parties

—Dara Levine

Saturday: Mario Batali Foundation’s Pre-Release Benefit Screening of Disney-Pixar’s “UP”

Mario Batali seems to have a true appetite for life. Eating at his restaurants gives you the consistent impression that life is good and should be savored. Now it looks like Molto Mario is taking his appreciation for living to the next level – giving back. The chef is starting his own charitable foundation to raise funds for children’s charities. MBF’s mission is to ensure that all children are well read, well fed and well cared for.

The launch party for MBF includes a pre-release benefit screening of “UP,” the new family movie from Disney-Pixar, followed by an after-party featuring food from Daisy May’s and Mario’s own Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, cupcakes from Kyotofu, carnival games, balloon sculptures (awesome), raffles, prizes and other surprises, all held in the Cinema’s main dining room and lounge. The screening is at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 9th at Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick Street). Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased at www.mariobatalifoundation.org.

—Susan Kane Walkush

Saturday: Saveur Magazine’s Greenmarket Tour

Greenmarket has partnered with Saveur Magazine to present four seasonal, interactive market-to-table experiences on May 9th, July 18th, September 19th, and November 14th. Each class will include an informative and hands-on tour through NYC’s fabled Union Square Greenmarket, followed by a guided prep and cooking session in the Saveur test kitchen, and a communal feast from the bounties of the day. Michael Hurwitz, Director of Greenmarket, and June Russell, Greenmarket’s Farm Inspector, will kick off the first event in the series this Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Along with extensive insights into the products and methods of Greenmarket’s vendors, Michael & June will highlight several farms and the pleasures and challenges of cooking with seasonal ingredients. Space is limited. For tickets go to http://www.saveur.com/greenmarket.jsp

Sunday: Hill Country’s Feed Yer Family Nights, 30 W. 26th Street, 212-255-4544

Sunday nights just got a lot more fun thanks to Hill Country’s new “Feed Yer Family” dinner special. Served from 4pm-10pm every Sunday, your dinner includes Pitmaster Combo Plates for mom and dad ($20 each) piled high with 1/4lb lean brisket, one pork spare rib, one beef rib, quarter chicken, any two good eatin’ sides (add $1 each for mac & cheese, chili, or campfire beans), plus dessert! There’s also a kid’s combo meal ($7 each) that includes a smoked burger slider, mac and cheese & a chocolate chip cookie! To reserve a table and Feed Yer Family, call 212.255.4544 to make a reservation.

And that’s your Strong (weekend) Buzz for this weekend! Stay tuned to The Strong Buzz every day for cutting edge news, reviews, events and more!

Share ! Post a comment