Tag: drinks

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Dining Featured NYC Restaurants

Downtown Highlights: Tea and Sympathy A bit of British New York City

We’re sympathetic to those who have not been here for a proper British Tea. We had the pleasure of experiencing a traditional British comfort food restaurant, appropriately named Tea and Sympathy. There are basically two types: “low” tea and “high” tea. 

Scone with Raspberry jam and clotted cream

Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and a dear friend of Queen Victoria, can be accredited with introducing the concept of “afternoon” or “low” tea to upper-class households. Her butler at her request, to bring only tea, bread, butter, perhaps even a few scones to her chambers around 5 pm, the time of day when we all feel slightly peckish, but not ready for a full meal. Eventually, the Duchess, enjoyed this on a daily basis, to the point where she invited her friends, essentially creating a new social ritual.

High Tea, the origins of afternoon tea show clearly it was the preserve of the rich in the 19th century. For workers in the newly industrialized Britain, tea time had to wait until after work. By that hour, tea was generally served with heartier dishes, such as meat, fish, egg dishes, substantially more than just tea and cakes. Workers needed sustenance after a hard day of labor, this meal is more often hot and filling, accompanied by a pot of good, strong tea to revive them from a day’s work.

No need to travel all the way to London for this authentic British ritual, Tea and Sympathy serves classic dishes including Scones with Clotted Cream, Welsh Rarebit, Bangers, and Mash, Sunday Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, and more.

We had the sheer pleasure of pairing our delights with the UK’s choice for sparkling wine from Chapel Down exclusive only to Tea and Sympathy here in New York.

After years of being served at Buckingham Palace (including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding), Chapel Down was introduced to NYC with a partnership with the quintessential British restaurant Tea & Sympathy in Greenwich Village. 

Tea & Sympathy has been serving traditional British comfort food to the West Village since 1990. Their traditional menu offers classic British favorites including Afternoon Tea, Bangers and Mash, and even the beloved Shepherd’s Pie. Now customers can pair the experience with a bottle of either Chapel Down’s rose or Bacchus-based Brut sparkling wine.

Chapel Down Rose Sparkling Wine
Scrumptious Fish and Chips from A Salt and Battery

Tea & Sympathy opened its doors in 1990 and has been a staple for Brits living in the US and us American’s who truly love all the UK’s favorite foods. Next door you can find A Salt & Battery one of the best fish and chips shops in all of NYC!

Tea & Sympathy Store

Afternoon Tea

High Tea

In this episode, Sam enjoys a superb British Afternoon Tea. This meal came on a two-tier platter with tea sandwiches including egg salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad sandwiches.

These sandwiches were delicious, comforting, and light.

Sandwiches the British way

This lunch also included various cakes and baked goods like the sticky toffee pudding cupcake and scones with clotted cream. We also had the pleasure of trying Tea and Sympathy’s signature black tea. It was delicious!

Gluten-Free Lunch with Tea

Marley tried the Absolutely Fabulous Salad, one of the gluten-free lunch options at Tea and Sympathy This mixed green salad is complete with chicken, avocado, a hard-boiled egg, bacon, tomatoes, and a delicious vinaigrette dressing.

GF Salad with Chicken, Egg, and Bacon

Tea and Sympathy are currently searching for a new place to purchase gluten-free bread from. They’re hoping to offer a gluten-free Afternoon Tea option soon!

Visiting Tea and Sympathy felt like visiting London. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. When you visit, be sure to check out the adorable shop next door that sells British treats, teapots, and more.

Sunday dinner Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Tea & Sympathy famous car

For the last episode of Downtown Highlights, click here.

Categories
Bars Dining Featured NYC Restaurants

Downtown Highlights: BiCE Cucina – Here, You’re Family

BiCE Cucina Opens a New Location in Soho

In this episode of Downtown Highlights, we visited BiCE Cucina, an authentic Italian restaurant that brings together hospitality and Northern Italian flavors. BiCE has two locations in New York City, Midtown and Soho. In this episode, we visited BiCE Cucina in Soho, their newest location.

BiCE Cucina Soho

The Story Behind BiCE

BiCE’s story starts about 90 years ago. It all started with Beatrice Ruggeri, also know as Bice. She shared her talent and love for food with her family and friends while growing up in Northern Italy. Impressed by Bice’s food, her friends and family encouraged her to open a restaurant, or “cucina”. She decided to listen to her loved ones and in 1926, she opened her own Trattoria in Milan with her husband, Gino.

Bice and Gino’s sons, Remo and Roberto, took over the business in 1970. They opened the first location in the United States in 1987. This restaurant is in Midtown, between 5th and Madison Avenue. BiCE quickly gained popularity around the world, opening locations in Palm Beach, Tokyo, LA, Paris, and Chicago over the span of three years. BiCE has even gained the attention of some major clientele such as the Kennedys. The legacy of BiCE continues on through Raffaele Ruggeri, Bice’s grandson.

Here, You’re Family

Raffaele’s goal for BiCE Cucina is clear: to make every guest feel welcome like they’re family. When you visit our restaurant “you’re coming into our home…and when you come into someone’s home, our home, you do everything you can to make sure you take care of your guests,” Raffaele Ruggeri explains to us. This goal is definitely being met, as we felt like we were home while eating here. As soon as we walked in the door, we felt welcome here by Ruggeri and the friendly staff.

Authentic and Light Cuisine

The Tuna Tartare

BiCE Cucina works hard to not only serve delicious food but food that is healthy and light. “We hope to create a beautiful restaurant where the food is really impeccable,” Ruggeri explains. BiCE Cucina has a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options so everyone can find a dish that they love.

Everything that we tried at this restaurant was absolutely delectable. The food, including the pasta dishes, was incredibly light. In this episode, we tried three appetizers, the Tuna Tartare, Octopus Carpaccio, and Baked Eggplant Parmigiana, and two pasta dishes, the Tortellini and a gluten-free version of Tagliolini Aragosta. BiCE Cucina is not only a restaurant that serves delicious, healthy food, it is an experience. BiCE truly has something for everyone to enjoy. We will definitely be paying BiCE a visit again soon.

For more Downtown Highlights episodes, click here.

Categories
Business Featured Finance Living NYC

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

58 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOWER MANHATTAN BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
https://www.instagram.com/marzenka_/

Maybe this year is the year to accept that the 2020 Holiday season will be different.

It’s not that long ago that we made it through the toughest two seasons to spend quarantined, spring, and summer. Is this not the time of the year, that most of us long for? Shedding our heavy winter clothes, and shaking off those dreary blues, not to mention those few extra pounds we put on over the long winter months, snuggled up with cookies, hot cocoa, and scrumptious Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding?

Wait… that was me I was talking about.

Personally, I think we need to be a little less worried about jumping on a plane to see Grandma and Grandpa, or jetting off to that island paradise just so you can jump in the beautiful piercing blue ocean in that new bikini, or parasail your way over the long white sandy beaches. It’s so overrated!

What’s not overrated is staying the course, thinking about others, do your part, from populating your travel miles with or picking up on your travels the worst virus in our lifetime.

Downtown Alliance compiled 58 Ways to Not Leave Lower Manhattan.

Shopping

Holidays are a little different this year, with many people forgoing big family celebrations in favor of smaller, home-based events. All the more reason, then, to make your homebound holiday even more special.

If you’re sticking around Lower Manhattan, we’ve rounded up some great spots in the neighborhood for seasonal cheer. Here, we’ve included some tasty eateries, eclectic shops, and other local highlights. Note that most of these establishments have been hit hard during the pandemic and could use some extra help these days, so you’ll be giving back as much as you’re getting. Happy holidays!

1. Thai Farm Kitchen

This South Street Seaport staple serves contemporary Thai cuisine from thom kha kai to Panang curry. A tall glass of Sapporo makes for a great addition to the meal. (21 Peck Slip)

2. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar

Pizza maker Nick Angelis’s menu features gourmet Italian cuisine — make sure to try their house specialty, the grandma-style pizza. (54 Stone St.)

3. Babesta

Babesta is an excellent resource for new and seasoned parents alike for the best clothing, learning toys and equipment to raise your bundle of joy. (56 Warren St., Brookfield Place)

4. Black Fox

Kick back with a great cuppa caffeine and an afternoon cookie (trust us) from 70 Pine’s resident coffeeshop. (70 Pine St.)

5. Blue Park Kitchen

This delicious walk-up establishment offers the rare combination of fast-casual convenience and locally-sourced produce, grains and proteins. (70 Pine St.)

6. Luke’s Lobster

Classic lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and cole slaw are all on offer at the Financial District location of Luke’s Lobster (26 South William Street). The seafood shack is also dishing up lobster bisque and New England clam chowder for colder days, as well as DIY lobster roll kits for those who’d prefer to cook (or look like they’ve cooked, via Instagram) at home.

7. Taim

Taim offers satisfying servings of falafel sandwiches, cauliflower shawarma, sabich, tasty fries and more. (75 Maiden Lane)

8. Wattle Cafe

A lovely independent cafe boasting excellent superfood waffles, organic bites and excellent coffee blends for all flavor profiles. (19 Rector St.)

9. Bowne & Co.

Learn about the origins of letterpress printing in Lower manhattan, take a workshop or purchase unique gift items. (211 Water St.)

10. Brookfield

Brookfield Place covers all of your shopping needs with more than 40 shops ranging from Gucci to Rite Aid. (230 Vesey St.)

11. The Rink at Brookfield Place

The Rink at Brookfield Place is available for corporate outings, private lessons, birthday parties and special events. (230 Vesey St.)

12. Pearl Diner

Paging omelet lovers: Pearl Diner, the 48-year-old Downtown institution at 212 Pearl Street, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.

13. City Acres

City Acres Market is an all-in-one grocery store, caterer and restaurant specializing in the highest quality products, and its beer selection is first-rate. (70 Pine St.)

14. City Blossoms

Whether purchase to-go bouquets or designing an exquisite floral centerpiece, this mother/daughter-run operation will ensure a beautiful arrangement. (62 Trinity Pl.)

15. Crown Shy

The former chef of 11 Madison Park and the Nomad features a menu of plates like Red Snapper Crudo, Grilled Quail and Roasted Short Ribs. (70 Pine St.)

16. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Residents and visitors alike fancy this chic, award-winning steakhouse with a killer martini bar. Specialties include the popular Japanese Wagyu beef. (99 Church St.)

17. Da Claudio

This longtime neighborhood standby is perfect for a relaxing weeknight meal (p.s. the Bucatini Arrabbiata is awesome). (21 Ann Street)

18. Sant Ambroeus

Beloved Italian restaurant and coffee shop Sant Ambroeus has expanded its New York City presence with a new location in Brookfield Place (200 Vesey Street) — offering up the usual cappuccinos, gelato and homemade pastries, but will also feature some of Sant Ambroeus’ more robust restaurant options including salads, pasta and even a few elegantly prepared seafood and steak options.

19. Eataly NYC Downtown

Eataly’s Italian specialty grocery has you covered with handmade cheeses, fresh pasta, espresso beans, and the finest quality seafood. (101 Liberty St.)

20. fellow barber

fellow barber is not only the ideal spot for a stylish, affordable haircut; it’s also where you’ll find expertly crafted, US-made grooming products. (18 Fulton St.)

21. Fields Good Chicken

Winner, winner chicken dinner (or lunch!) at this fast-casual restaurant dedicated to amazing poultry dishes. (101 Maiden Lane)

22. Fresh Salt

This neighborhood watering hole has been serving up seasonal cocktails and top-notch grub since 2004, back when the Fulton Fish Market was still swinging in the Seaport District. (146 Beekman St.)

23. Gnoccheria

Come hungry, leave extremely satisfied by the pillowy Italian potato classic as well as Neapolitan pizza offerings. (100 Broad Street)

24. Greenwich St. Jewelers

Give yourself extra time to peruse the gorgeous, carefully curated collections of precious metals and gemstones at this family-owned jewelry store. (64 Trinity Pl.)

25. Bombay’s

Though Bombay’s Indian Cuisine has a small menu, owner Sonal Vyas and staff work hard to ensure that all its offerings are delicious and made with lots of love — from crispy samosas to tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices — and it’s also reasonably priced for the neighborhood.

26. Suited

When business partners Andrew Fazio and Wilson Johnson teamed up to create Suited, Lower Manhattan’s newest cafe, it was with the understanding that you can find good sandwiches or a good cup of coffee all over New York City, but not always at the same place. That dilemma has now been solved. (45 John Street)

27. La Parisienne

A lovely French cafe tucked away on Maiden Lane offers excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and weekend brunch. (9 Maiden Lane)

28. Le District

Le District has all of your grocery needs, from daily essentials to French-inspired fare. (225 Liberty St.)

29. Leo’s Bagels

“Leo’s” stands for the classic bagel breakfast “Lox, eggs & onions” — recommend trying their specialty as well as other bagel, cream cheese spreads and smoked fish offerings. (3 Hanover Square)

30. Mad Dog & Beans

Located in a landmark building, Mad Dog serves up traditional Mexican cooking that includes fresh guacamole and potent margaritas. (83 Pearl St.)

31. Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese

Ironically, Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese isn’t in Brooklyn, but what it sells is a classic Brooklyn roast beef sandwich, the likes of which you’d generally have to go all the way to Coney Island to get. (upstairs at City Acres Market, 70 Pine Street)

32. magic mix juicery

Nutritious breakfast bowls, filling lunches, snacks and — yes — fresh-to-order juices to keep your body happy and healthy. (102 Fulton St.)

33. Salon DeLouie

Salon DeLouie has been operating in the neighborhood for seven years, offering up cuts and colors to the busy workers of Lower Manhattan through good times and bad. And even through the COVID era, the salon is sticking to its most popular classics like coloring, highlights and cuts for all genders.

34. Martin Busch Jewelers

Longtime independent jewelry shop offers excellent options for all price ranges, original designs and watch repairs. (85 John St.)

35. McNally Jackson

Get lost in the vast selection of McNally’s beloved Seaport location. (4 Fulton St.)

36. Mysterious Bookshop

Explore the thrilling titles at this longtime niche bookstore dedicated to noir and the art of mysterious happenings. (58 Warren St.)

37. Neapolitan Express

Neapolitan Express is the perfect spot for organic, authentic pizza that’s good for you and the environment. (40 Wall St.)

38. The Greens at Pier 17

A reservation for The Greens’ seasonal rooftop dining concept nets you your own 10-person-max rooftop cabin, replete with banquette seating, a virtual fireplace, electric heating and delicious seasonally-themed dishes like mushroom risotto, hot smoked toddies, mulled cider and chipotle beef stew.

39. Casa Taqueria

When you need some flavorful takeout, this spicy standby at 40 Gold Street will never let you down.

40. Only Nails

Only Nails offers a selection of 300+ colors for their special dipping powder gel manicure and more than 400 colors for a gel manicure/pedicure. (86 Nassau St.)

41. One World Observatory

Gain a new perspective of our beautiful city from the top of One World Trade Center. (285 Fulton St.)

42. Petropolis

Spoil your four-legged BFF with organic snacks, adorable toys and grooming services at this doge palace. (91 Washington St.)

43. Poster Museum

Philip Williams’s gargantuan in-store collection boasts colorful prints, vintage posters and unique typographical art. You could spend days in here. (122 Chambers St.)

44. primp

Glow up each day with blowouts, makeup, massages and curated products at this Seaport District salon. (142 Beekman St.)

45. Proof

PROOF Coffee Roasters not only makes their coffee from ethically-sourced, locally-roasted beans. They also deliver! (65 Nassau St.)

46. Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits

A knowledgeable staff will help you pair the perfect spirit to any event at this inviting wine shop located in Westfield World Trade Center. (Westfield, South Concourse, Balcony Level)

47. Sauce & Barrel

Sauce & Barrel takes its name from the bar’s barrel aged cocktail program and has a menu that offers more than 15 pizzas. (97 Washington St.)

48. Schilling

Schilling’s menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Austrian dishes that features wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, braised lamb and more. For dessert, the strudel can’t be beat. (109 Washington St.)

49. Spa services at The Four Seasons New York Downtown

New Yorkers in need of rest and relaxation after months of lockdown can unwind at the Four Seasons New York Downtown, as the hotel’s menu of services from manicures to immune-boosting treatments are all be available.

50. Springbone Kitchen

Stay healthy all year with Springbone’s nutrient-rich bone broth, as well as other organic dishes. (74 Pearl St.)

51. Stone Street Tavern

Stone Street Tavern attracts diners looking for hearty American fare and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. (52 Stone St.)

52. Temple Court

Tom Colicchio’s excellent farm-to-table, American-style restaurant is set within the beautiful atrium and cozy corners of The Beekman Hotel. (5 Beekman St.)

53. Caravan Uyghur Cuisine

Caravan serves Chinese homestyle dishes in a cozy space, and believe us when we tell you that the Laghman noodles are so satisfying. (200 Pearl St.)

54. Stout NYC

If this 90 John Street staple isn’t tempting enough to frequent for their generous pours, consider their signature Stout Steak Sandwich to soak up all that sud.

55. The Tuck Room

The Tuck Room serves up exceptional contemporary plates for lunch and dinner, as well as early bird and late-night specials. (11 Fulton St.)

56. Cowgirl Seahorse

Don’t forget cocktails to-go when you order delivery from Cowgirl SeaHorse: In addition to its reliably reliable bloody marys during brunch, the Seaport District darling offers frozen margaritas in a sanitized mason jar inside a frozen food bag — so they’ll be delivered just as icy old as they come if you’d get ‘em straight from the bar. (259 Front Street)

57. Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center is home to all the stores and art installations you could ever imagine. (185 Greenwich St.)

58. Yoga carE

YogaCare was created to facilitate this transformation in becoming the best version of yourself – permanently — with several online programs that complement the mind, body, and soul in our journey towards each other.

Downtown Alliance 

Lead photo of Stone Street by Marzena Manganaro 

Categories
Lifestyle

8 Fun Ways To Make Your Cup of Coffee Way More Interesting

8 Fun Ways To Make Your Cup of Coffee Way More Interesting
Photo by Chevanon Photography from Pexels

A beloved drink around the world

Come rain or shine, the only thing getting some people out of the bed in the morning is the promise of a sweet cup of coffee. A beloved drink around the world, it’s not just the enticing aroma but the delicious taste and the caffeine jolt that is needed to help us perform normal, everyday tasks with precision. However, if you’ve been drinking coffee for a long time and have gotten pretty used to your ways, no matter if you drink it black or with milk and sugar, it’s never a bad idea to switch things up and alter your coffee a bit.

 

We’ll give you some great ideas that will definitely give your coffee a new twist and let you enjoy it all over again. Here are some ways to make your cup of coffee far more exciting. In all the fun of trying new types of coffee, just make sure you know some good cleaning tips in case you spill your cup and have to act fast to remove coffee stains from the floor!

 

Cinnamon

 

For a slightly sweeter taste without the calories (and with immune-boosting properties), cinnamon is a fantastic spice for your coffee that is a flavor sensation. Sprinkle some powdered cinnamon on top or even stir your coffee with a cinnamon stick for a fun way to upgrade your hot beverage. You can also use nutmeg or even honey if you want something similar yet different.

 

Cardamom

 

One of the most exotic tastes coming from the Middle East, throwing in a few cardamom pods or a pinch of ground cardamom really hits you full in the face with zest. People might look at you weird when you first try it, but once they taste the drink, they’ll also hop on board the cardamom bandwagon!

 

Cocoa powder

 

Perfect for bad winter weather, a steaming, hot coffee with a pinch of cocoa powder is just the boost you’ll need for a great day ahead. Keep this one as a special occasion option so you don’t end up going over your daily chocolate quota!

 

Vanilla extract

 

You’ll need just a few drops of this extract because it can be quite sweet, but the taste is far more richer and interesting than plain old sugar. You could also try a bit of hazelnut or almond extract for something along the same lines.

 

Ginger

 

We know it’s a bit unusual, but some ginger slices or in powdered form is a fantastic idea for your coffee around Christmas time, as it provides a delightful gingerbread-like quality that will get you in the mood for singing carols and decorating your home with stars and tinsel.

 

Irish Coffee

 

Add a dash of Jameson or Baileys to your coffee if it’s a Saturday night and you really want to feel awake and celebrate! The liqueur and coffee will combine beautifully and send your taste buds to another world.

 

Butter

 

Unsalted butter rather than milk or cream is a coffee hack that is starting to gain far more popularity lately. It might seem too weird at first, but in the end it’s actually not that different in taste than other dairy products you put into your coffee!

 

Try a DIY latte

 

For a quick and easy latte, simply put some milk and a dash of sugar into a coffee cup, warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds, then use a milk frother to create a foamy mixture. Add your coffee and you’ve got a very tasty and fast latte!

 

Want to really get into coffee trends? Start using a moka pot to brew your coffee for a new taste that’s actually incredibly simple to make.

 

Categories
Events Featured NYC

Midsummer New York 2020

Midsummer New York 2020

Sweden Invites New York to Experience Midsummer With Live Streams, Midsummer Picnic Baskets for Pickup, and Complimentary Flower Crowns

For the first time in 24 years, the annual Swedish Midsummer Festival in New York City is canceled, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it is still possible to experience this major Scandinavian holiday, recognizing summer and the summer solstice, through live streams from all over Sweden on Friday, June 19. For New Yorkers who wish to partake in the activities, complimentary Midsummer flower wreath kits will be provided by Visit Sweden in partnership with Morgan+Grand Flowers, and a few restaurants in New York City have announced “Midsummer specials” for pickup.

 

Midsummer New York 2020
Photo: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se

 

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus-

this year’s Midsummer festivities in Sweden will look a little different. All major Midsummer events in Sweden have been canceled, but Swedes will still celebrate this special day in smaller groups, with family or close friends. In fact, this year’s Midsummer will be even more special because the nationwide celebration – from Skåne in the south to Swedish Lapland in the north – will be shared with everyone through Visit Sweden’s Facebook live streams. Local Swedish hosts will guide the viewer through activities and share their very personal Midsummer traditions: from their take on the infamous frog dance around the Midsummer pole to skiing under the midnight sun.

Visit Sweden Facebook Live Stream Schedule (US/Eastern Time)
5 am Flower-wreath making in Skåne 
7 am Midsummer lunch in West Sweden
9 am Dancing around the Midsummer pole in Dalarna
1 pm Flower picking and evening dip in Roslagen
6 pm Midnight sun and skiing in Swedish Lapland

Midsummer Live Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/265902574468529/

Midsummer Celebration in New York City

The Consulate General of Sweden, in collaboration with Battery Park City Authority, typically hosts the annual Swedish Midsummer Festival in New York, which is the largest official Midsummer celebration in the world outside of Sweden. This popular event, dating back to 1996 and drawing thousands of visitors every year, has been postponed until 2021. Instead, the Consulate General of Sweden will honor the Swedish tradition on social media during the week of June 15 leading up to Midsummer’s Eve.

New Yorkers wishing to continue the tradition of celebrating Swedish Midsummer can also pick up a Midsummer flower wreath kit from two locations in Manhattan, by Central Park and Union Square, as well as one in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Visit Sweden is offering these kits free of charge (maximum two per person) on a first-come, first-served basis. Check Morgan+Grand Flowers’ Instagram account for updates: instagram.com/morgandgrand/

Michelin-starred Swedish restaurant Aquavit as well as Swedish top chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Harlem eatery Red Rooster are offering contactless pickup of Midsummer baskets featuring traditional smorgasbord favorites. Pricing and information on how to order the baskets will be available on their websites.

Aquavit is offering a Midsummer Picnic Basket for $155 each. I have attached the full menu and a photo below but each basket feeds at least two people including dishes like herring, Gravlax, Deviled Eggs, Sausages, Swedish Meatballs, and strawberries and cream for dessert; beverages include a flight of housemade aquavits and two Carlsberg beers. The baskets are available to pre-order by calling the restaurant at 212-307-7311 or by visiting the website at www.aquavit.org. Guests can pick up the baskets Thursday, June 18th through Saturday, June 20th from 2 pm to 8 pm.

For those who want to cook their own food, grocery lists and recipes will be shared on

Visit Sweden’s Facebook page.

Midsummer New York 2020
Midsummer Live Facebook event

Swedish Midsummer – the Origins
In agrarian times, Midsummer celebrations in Sweden were held to welcome summertime and the season of fertility. It was not until the 1900s, however, that this became the most Swedish of all traditional festivities. Midsummer Night, one of the lightest of the year, was considered a magical night, as it was the best time for telling people’s futures. Also that night, it was said, water was turned into wine and ferns into flowers. Many plants acquired healing powers on that one night of the year.

Swedish Midsummer – the Movie
Last year, many Americans had their first encounter with the tradition in Ari Aster’s horror movie “Midsommar.” The live streams will be a chance to see what Swedish Midsummer really is like – some may recognize the Midsummer pole and dancing, Swedes’ special connection with nature, as well as the light, beautiful nights.

Social Media Hashtag
#MidsummerLive

Links, Recipes, and Information

Categories
Dining

It’s National Tequila Day!

From the classic hit song by the Champs to the last call at your local bar, Tequila is well-known for keeping the party going, so National Tequila Day on July 24th gives everyone a reason to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than by serving your guests three different bottles of award-winning, delicious Alacran Tequila. The company is committed to producing great-tasting, premium-quality agave products. Alacran was founded in 2010 in Mexico City and launched in the U.S. in 2011. Their products are sold at restaurants, hotels, bars and stores.

Alacran XA was a Gold Medal winner in The Fifty Best 2018 and a Double Gold Medal winner in San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017. -Photos provided by Alacran.

Alacran XA is a luxurious, extra-aged tequila that is packaged in a clear glass bottle that showcases its beautiful amber color with golden hues. Alacran XA uses 100% Weber Blue agave that has aged between 7 and 10 years and was harvested in the highlands of Los Altos in Jalisco. The drink is matured for 40 months in American Oak barrels from bourbon. Ensuring the quality of the product, each bottle is hand-labeled and numbered.

Alacran Reposado – Also was a Double Gold Medal winner by The Fifty Best in 2018. – Photos provided by Alacran.

Alacran Reposado Tequila is a reposado tequila that is packaged in a clear glass bottle that displays its bright golden hues. This specific tequila also uses 100% Weber Blue agave that is between 7-10 years old and was harvested in the highlands of Los Altos in Jalisco. Alacran Reposado Tequila is matured for 4 months in American Oak barrels from bourbon generating a rich, caramel and oak flavor with a hint of vanilla. Like with Alacran XA, each bottle is hand-labeled and numbered.

Alacran Cristal – A recent Gold Medal Winner awarded by The Fifty Best in 2019. – Photos provided by Alacran.

Alacran Cristal is another premium añejo tequila that is packaged in a clear, sleek-looking glass bottle. Like the other two, this tequila uses agaves that are aged between 7-10 years and were old harvested in the highlands of Jalisco. It is matured for 14 months in American Oak barrels from bourbon generating a rich, woody flavor with a hint of vanilla. As a result of their exclusive clarifying filtration process, a crystal product is produced with light gold reflections. Each bottle is also hand-labeled and numbered.

For more information and ideas on how to celebrate with Alacran Tequila, check them out on Facebook, Twitter and their website.