the weekend buzz

“Coastal Wines, 50-Cent Pizza, Rooftop Barbecue”

Saturday: 
Coastal Wines on the Down-Low
 at Italian Wine Merchants

If you’re itching for a little off the beaten path wine knowledge that will set you up for summer drinking, check out this Saturday’s wine tasting at Italian Wine Merchants focused on Italian coastal wines that don’t fit the solely white-wine model. This tasting will feature an array of wines, both white and red, that hail from the warm coastal regions of Toscana, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicilia. You’ll enjoy indigenous whites from regions abutting the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, as well as reds like Mirabile’s lauded Nero d’Avola, Mille Una’s big and bold Primitivo Shahrazad, and a vibrant Sicilian gem from Valle dell'Acate, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The tasting will be held at Italian Wine Merchants, 108 East 16th Street, from 1-3pm and is $80.00 per person. To register, call 212-473-2323, ext 115.

Saturday: 50-Cent Pizza at Rizzo’s Fine Pizza, and a Night of Beer Under the Stars at Studio Square

Pinching pennies is something most of us have been doing of late, and Rizzo’s Fine Pizza (30-13 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11103; 718.721.9862; www.rizzosfinepizza.com) gives you something to do with every half dollar you’ve saved with 50¢ Sicilian Square Slices served all day Saturday (includes two slices per customer; in-store only).

After you’ve had your fill of cheesy thin-crust squares, stop in at the new Studio Square Beer Garden, nearby at 35-33 36th Street (between 35th & 36th Avenues, 718-383-1001, www.studiosquarenyc.com). Studio Square boasts indoor and outdoor bars (with picnic tables and iron fire pits), covered patios and a cobblestone courtyard, and offers over 15 imported, domestic and craft beers on draft, including German favorites such as Spaten and Franziskaner. On their self-serve, all cash menu, get set for beer garden favorites: German Bratwurst, Certified Black Angus Hamburgers, Beef and Chicken Kebobs and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, made with S2’s signature BBQ sauce.

S2 will also host live music and movie nights throughout the year, and is available as an event space (for your summer wedding, perhaps?)

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Rooftop Clambake and Barbecues at the Kitano New York Hotel

Summer’s best weather is upon us—not too hot, not too humid—making this ideal barbecue weather. But what to do when the closest thing you have to outdoor space is a pigeon-filled fire escape? Head over to the Kitano Hotel which boasts one of the city’s only rooftop venues available for private groups, which makes it ideal for whatever summer event you can think of—Father’s Day, baby shower, engagement party, or just getting your friends together for a barbecue.  

All summer long, the Kitano is offering an affordable rooftop barbecue package that lets you snack on burgers or suck back oysters all while overlooking the Empire State, MetLife, and Chrysler Buildings, high above the fray of summer in the city.  

The sort of rooftop party you host is up to you. Choices include the "Rooftop Barbecue Burgers," with certified Black Angus beef burgers, lamb chops, and roasted corn on the cob for $75 per person, while the "Rooftop Manhattan Clam Bake" offers fresh littleneck clams, Blue Point oysters and whole Maine lobster for $100 per person.  Both packages also offer a variety of salads (like grilled vegetable salad) and sides (such as roasted red bliss potatoes or pasta salad), condiments, dessert (key lime pie) and a choice of beverages, including alcoholic beverages, such as bottled beer and red and white sangria.  

The packages require a minimum of 25 guests, service, tip and taxes are excluded, and there is an additional $185 fee for the services of the private chef. The Kitano is located at 66 Park Ave, 212- 885-7000. For more information, contact Thanya Phanpinyo at 212-885-7017 or email phanpinyo@kitano.com.

And that’s your Strong (weekend) Buzz for this week! Be sure to check in with The Strong Buzz daily for more reviews, events and cutting edge news!

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