Cocktails go down Silk-y & smooth
New to the scene...
These cocktails are ancient history. The Silk Road — the network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty of China linking East Asia with the Mediterranean — is the inspiration behind the new spring cocktail menu at Pouring Ribbons (225 Avenue B.) in the East Village. There are 20 total. A standout is the Way of the Warrior, a tall green sip that’s a riff on the pina colada and made with two funky rums, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, vanilla syrup and matcha tea. It’s normally garnished playfully with origami, matcha, Pocky sticks and mint. The menu is a follow up to the spot’s successful Route 66-themed drink selection. Al fresco dining is back. The Pavillion Market Cafe in Union Square has reopened with outdoor seating serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Chef Mario Urgiles curated the seasonal menu featuring dishes like tuna steak brioche with wasabi coleslaw. Expect tiki-themed sips.
Happening this week...
The Barclays Center doesn’t puck around when it comes to game time grub. The arena will serve Islanders-themed dishes in honor of the Stanley Cup playoffs Sunday when the hockey team takes on the Florida Panthers. Score the Power Play; a baked potato stuffed with barbecued brisket, smoked cheddar and crispy onions at BQE; or the Faceoff; a five-spice braised beef short rib taco with daikon relish, cabbage slaw and queso fresco at Boomer & Carton Kitchen. Both are available on the main concourse. French-American bistro Beasts &
Bottles (151 Atlantic Ave.) opens Friday in Brooklyn Heights. The menu will feature rich dishes like truffled rotisserie chicken, grilled octopus, sweetbread-stuffed quail and pork belly. Master sommelier Alexander LaPratt curates a wine list that highlights the regions of Champagne, Rhone Valley and Beaujolais.
On the horizon...
Michelin star restaurants are turning into a playground for kids to broaden their palates, without their parents. Children aged seven to 14 can enjoy a supervised three-course meal for $30 at fancy restaurants like Per Se, Del Posto and Vaucluse. It’s part of Danish culinary ace Claus Meyer’s new project, Kid’s Table. The event takes place Tuesday, April 26, from from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and features 10 participating restaurants, including the Noma chef’s upcoming eatery Agern in Grand Central. Tickets available at kidstable.brownpapertickets.com.