the weekend buzz

“Oysters at Jimmy's No. 43, Metzgate at Trestle on Tenth, Salsa at Ideya”

Thursday: Jimmy’s No. 43 Special Oyster Night 

Every Thursday night is an ode to oysters at Jimmy’s No. 43 in the East Village, but on January 28 it’s one night oyster fanatics won’t want to miss  —  especially if you enjoy East Coast ones. An oyster shuck off will begin at 7 p.m. in the backroom and oyster growers Karen Rivara and Jim Markow will also talk about growing the bi-valve gems while shucking more than 600 to 800 Peconic Pearls and Mystcs at their disposal. The pair will tell the story of how wild oysters had virtually disappeared on Long Island due to pollution, algae growth, storms and other environmental factors. Luckily, they’re coming back. You can enjoy it all for $20 per person.
 
Jimmy’s No. 43 is located at 43 E. 7th St. (close to Second Ave.), 212-982-3006, www.jimmysno43.com.

—Bao Ong

All Weekend Long: Trestle on Tenth’s 3rd Annual Metzgate

Images of pigs probably don’t pop into your mind when you think of Swiss food. At Trestle on Tenth in Chelsea, however, the metzgate (loosely translated as “a butcher’s affair” for the traditional Swiss celebration of the pig) is so popular it’s taking place for the third year in a row at this Chelsea restaurant from January 15 to 24, at $26 per person.

Following the tradition of offering the metzgate during Switzerland’s cold months, Trestle’s Swiss chef-owner Ralf Kuettel plans to begin the meal with helpings of pork with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. There will also be a juicy braised pork belly, homemade bratwurst, blood sausages and more, it’s available family-style for a group. Kuettel suggests pairing a few glasses Chasselas, Switzerland’s white wine, as you indulge in the swine love fest. The metzgate tradition also calls for not wasting any part of the pig, which shouldn’t be a problem because your plate will be clean.

Trestle on Tenth is located at 242 Tenth Ave. (at 24th St.), 212-645-5659, www.trestleontenth.com.

—Bao Ong

Sunday: Babies Salsa at Ideya

I’ve written before about the Salsa Baby Brunch at Ideya—a great family friendly musical meal, and it’s happening again this Sunday. Indeed, as most new moms will tell you, a sure fire way to get a smile on baby’s face is to turn on the tunes. Babies love to sway to the beat. So if you’re a new mom or dad or just have a baby or toddler on board for the weekend, take them down to Ideya in Soho on Sunday for a morning of Salsa, while you enjoy brunch and fruity cocktails. Their Baby Loves Salsa brunch includes live music from Jose Conde (with two sets, one at 10:30 am and another at 12 noon).

The special kid-friendly menu features dishes like Cuban toast (Cuban bread French toast with blackberry maple butter and fresh berries, $8) and pancakes with bananas fritas ($6). Kiddie mocktails include Morir Soňando (orange juice milk shake with cinnamon and sugar, $4) or batidos (a cold fruity, frothy blend of milk, coconut cream, fruit puree, nutmeg and ice, $4).

Grown ups need not abstain though. You can sample the brunch cocktail list, which includes fresh mango mimosas, white or red sangria, and the Tía Milita (café con leche, dark rum, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon). There is no cover charge for either event.

Ideya is located at 349 West Broadway (212-625-1441).

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

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