Where To Celebrate Cinco de May

Tacos and Tequila? It's not Tuesday but it is Cinco de Mayo this Friday and we want you to take part in the celebration by checking out these delicious food and drink options.

Photo via @SidebaNYC

Camacho's, which just opened at 118 E. 15th Street in Union Square, will serve up free shots every hour and give away free "cinco swag" like sombreros, mustaches, beads etc. to get everyone in the festive mood. 

SideBAR will host a Cinco de Mayo party complete with special jumbo margaritas, Cornita buckets and sangria. 

Cinco De Mayo Rooftop Party at Hudson Terrace

Hudson Terrace (621 W. 46th Street) will host a Cinco De Mayo Rooftop Party complete with a Mariachi Band and free drinks. Enjoy free admission all night long by mentioning "Fiesta" at the door. Free drink tickets will be given out for arrivals before 6:30pm. Drink specials include 2 for 1 Don Julio Margaritas, $5 Bud Lights & Modelo’s, $8 Mango Margaritas,$8 Tequila Shots and $10 Cocktails. Hudson Terrace will have three indoor and outdoor rooms with live music by DJ Dubbz, party favors, giveaways and more. VIP tickets are available and include a 2 hour open bar from 5pm-7pm and exclusive access to the VIP Salon & Garden Terrace Rooms. For more information or tickets please visit: https://nightout.com/events/55-vip-cinco-de-mayo-rooftop-party-3-rooms-live-dj-mariachi-band-free-drinks/tickets.

Chciken Tinga Tacos

New comer Street Taco in April and is already a major force on the NYC taqueria scene. Complete with an extensive taco and tequila selection, there is a 1000% chance this place will be lit on Cinco de Mayo.

On top of their insanely delicious tacos and margaritas, Street Taco will be offering a series of specials. Our Favorite being the Chicken Tinga Tacos for just $1 each! These delicious tacos feature stewed chicken topped with Cotija cheese, crema, onion, and cilantro.

Del Frisco's Margarita

Build Your Own Margaritas at Del Frisco’s Steak House: In partnership with Avion Tequila, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York will be hosting a “Build Your Own Margarita” event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 5th in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of flavors and ingredients such as pomegranate or peach to create a custom margarita. Del Frisco’s full bar and dinner menu will also be available to indulge in, as well as the chance to win Avion Tequila swag that will raffled off throughout the event. The cost is $20 for two hours of complimentary “Build Your Own” Margaritas and passed Mexican-inspired bites; charged as a cover upon entry.

The rooftop pool at Mr. Purple

Looking for a rooftop celebrate? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in true Mexican style at Mr. Purple this year! Enjoy a Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita while snacking on  on their food specials: 

• Chips + Guac ($20) - Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, House Guacamole
• Veggie Tacos ($9) - Mushrooms, Spinach, Onions, Celery, Peppers + Salsa Verde 
• Fish Tacos ($11) - Red Snapper, Pico de Gallo + Spicy House Aioli 
• Steak Tacos ($14) - Hanger Steak, Pico de Gallo + Avocado Sour Cream 
• Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita ($16) - Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice

For those who want to skip the food and get their drink some below are some of our favorite cocktails. Take note on these Cinco de Mayo inspired cocktails. Check our gallery below for names and locations.

Red Bell Pepper at El Vez  (259 Vesey Street) 

Cadillac Anejo Martini at The Skylark (by Mixologist Johnny Swet)

Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita at Mr. Purple

Where To Eat And Drink This Earth Day

What day better than Earth Day to eat healthy and deliciously. With so many options in the city you can enjoy all of natures Earth's flavors while being clean and sustainable.

Here are our top places that will indulge your earthy, crunchy Earth Day whims. Don't worry if you'll still be able to eat meat, there's more to Earth Day than being a vegetarian.

Eco-Conscious Wine Maker Pairings (April 22)

Chef Vincent Chirico of West Village's Coarse supports sustainable agriculture in every aspect - from the produce he buys to the wine he selects. His eight to ten course, $79 spontaneous food and beverage tasting is all dependent on what he has in stock that day in order to eliminate food waste. With the meal, six to nine different beverage pairings are picked and poured by the chef himself, choosing only sustainable wines. On Earth Day he'll be highlighting California winemaker Preston Parker Wines for the beverage portion of the meal, a small production winery that only sources their grapes from sustainable vineyards. 

Wines are served alongside the chef's signature dishes like king oyster mushrooms atop potato puree, crispy sunchoke, a soft egg and white truffle or the king crab leg with chili, brown butter and microcelery.

Chef's No-Waste Tasting Menu (April 23)

This eco-conscious chef is going off the menu. Chef Roxanne Spruance of Kingsley (rated Top Newcomer 2017 by Zagat and named to this year's Crain's 40 Under 40) recently started Walk-In Sunday Dinners to eliminate food waste and use whatever is in her walk-in refrigerator to whip up experimental, three-course meals. In honor of Earth Day, watch her get creative with what's in season, like fresh pasta and risottos loaded with produce she's found at the market over the weekend or main dishes using parts of the animals she's butchered herself! The three course meal ($49) consists of two choices of a seasonal salad or soup, pasta or meat main, and desserts like housemade ginger sorbet with seasonal fruit. Oh yeah, and the entire restaurant is landfill-free.

BurgerFi April 22

On April 22 from open to close, participating BurgerFi locations nationwide are encouraging guests to “Go Green.” Withany burger purchase made that day, guests will receive a free“plantable burger” coaster (see image attached) they can plant at home to grow their own lettuce. BurgerFi’s signature green-style burgers use fresh, crisp, hand-cut lettuce instead of a traditional bun.

Additionally, guests who receive a “plantable burger” can enter for a chance to win a $100 BurgerFi gift card by simply uploading a photo of themselves planting their “burger” on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #growitforward tagging @burgerfi.

Up for a drink in honor of Earth Day  1 Hotel Central Park will unveil a cocktail for a cause! Available at the hotel’s signature restaurant Jams helmed by Jonathan Waxman, ”Don’t Believe the Florist” is a libation you can feel good about drinking.  Available on Earth Day (4/22) and throughout the spring, $1 from every drink purchased will be donated to New York Restoration Project.

In addition to the cocktail served at Jams, 1 Hotel Central Park will begin offering guests the opportunity to volunteer with Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project starting this April to keep Manhattan’s parks and community gardens beautiful. The hotel’s concierge team will help guests sign up for 1 Good Day events, which include garden grooming activities, ranging from tree watering, composting and pulling weeds. As a thank you for their service to the NYC community, 1 Hotel Central Park will provide guests with a Lyft credit for rides to and from the garden and two complimentary specialty cocktails at Jonathan Waxman’s Jams following their good deed. The 1 Good Day experiences are based on the 2016 pilot program involving 1 Hotels’ employees – which included mulching, pulling weeds and planting. 

Chocolates and Champagne For Easter, what could be better?

Recently, Chantelle Pabros (Top Sommelier) and Jacques Torres (Top Chocolatier) sat down to hammer out their favorite Champagne Taittinger and chocolate pairings for the upcoming Easter season, because who whats better than luxury champagne and chocolate. Sorry Easter Eggs. Easter is approaching and there isn't a better sweet surprise than Champagne and chocolate.

Often times, people will go for a supple red wine when pairing, but depending on the chocolate, it can leave the wine tasting flat or even bitter on the palate. Cocoa butter is the naturally occurring fat which gives chocolate the silky texture and scrumptious melt in your mouth feel that we know and love. And Champagne is actually one of the best pairings to balance out that silky richness, especially when there is a secondary flavor (peanut butter, coconut, marshmallow, etc.) to lift the finish to a next level pairing...

With the combining Chantelle and Jacques expertise they have given us our favorite combinations to add for this years Easter Brunch.

JT Peanut Butter Marshmallow Lollipop + Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française NV ($59.99)

The high proportion of Chardonnay brings a stone fruit aroma of white peach, and a broad rich note of brioche- that combination of aromatics and acidity match the gooey layer of peanut butter that covers the fluffy marshmallow. Meanwhile, the creamy airy fluffiness of the marshmallow allows for the mousse of the Champagne to take center stage. The bubbles of the Brut La Francaise are so pronounced, you can feel them popping away on your palate! There is such a whimsical, fun familiarity about this, it is registered in everyone’s memory bank of scents and smells. Whether you know them as Peeps or chocolate covered marshmallows- I am head over heels for this pairing for Easter. Combination of peanut butter, marshmallow, and chocolate has never been more delectable!

Champagne Taittinger Cork + Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française NV ($59.99)

The butter and milk is replaced by BLF Champagne in the process of making this gem, and you taste the concentration and complexity that the Champagne adds to this divine bon bon. The milk chocolate shell can stand up to the BLF because the Champagne has the right amount of density in the mid palate and vibrant fruits that remains persistent on the palate as the chocolate melts in your mouth.

While a casserole may be nice to bring this Easter, show some class and bring decadent chocolates and a bottle of Taittinger, one offerieng that won't be forgotten. For more of Jaque Torres chocolates you can head over to MrChocolate for all of your chocolate needs.

The Search Is On: Which Patrón Margarita Will Win?

Article by Candice Dixon

Who’s dying for a Spring cocktail? We definitely are.  As the last remnants of winter melt away, we’re excited to preview light, refreshing sippers for Spring 2017. In fact, Patrón has started its world-wide search for the simply perfect margarita of the year. Out of thousands of global applicants, the tequila brand has selected seven contenders to represent the brand’s products in its 2017 Margarita of the Year contest. 

Live voting allows imbibers unlimited voting online and via social media to support favorite tipples until April 9th 2017 when the winning marg is announced. So far, the top three cocktails are the Carolina (22% of votes), Pacific Rim (17% of votes) and Mumbai (14% of votes) Margaritas. Want a taste? You can order a personal kit loaded with all ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions through Cocktail Courier - a great idea to liven up your next at-home happy hour or dinner party.  Take a look below at the top three stars of Patron’s next Margarita of the Year.

Carolina Margarita, Created by Riesler Morales ( Mexico City, Mexico)

Inspired by a couple’s beach-side, serendipitous meeting, the Carolina Margarita narrates their instant love connection. The oaky Reposado Patrón coupled with the Patrón Citrónge Orange and hibiscus creates an instant attraction for the most discerning of palates. It’s beautiful red hue from a splash of red wine rounds out the imaginative sipper.                                                                                                                                                                                 
Want to cast your vote? Use #CoralinaMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Pacific Rim, Created by Max Greco (Sydney, Australia)

Of all exotic world locations, Sydney, Australia may not come to mind, at first. However, when enjoying this thrilling coconut syrup and jalapeño beverage, you’ll think twice. The Pacific Rim Margarita perfectly showcases a delicious blend of Patrón Silver, yuzu juice, and citrus, transporting you to the Down Under like never before. No wonder it’s a close second in the competition.                                                                                                                      
Want to cast your vote? Use #PacificRimMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Mumbai Margarita, Created by Hermant Pathak (New York, NY) 

The Mumbai Margarita allows you to escape to enchanting Mumbai, in this beautifully balanced and mango-licious libation. Your inner adventurer will be satisfied with spicy, sweet, savory ingredients including Patrón Reposado, mango puree and spicy rose syrup. This addictive east-meets-west fusion will hook you at first sip!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Want to cast your vote? Use #MumbaiMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

What better way to impress your friends at home than by making a Patron Platinum Margarita that Rael Petit (bartender of Delilah at NYC) created.

Liquid Platinum Margarita

Liquid Platinum Margarita

• 2 oz Platinum Patrón Tequila 
• 1 oz Dolin
• 2 dash rose water 
• .25 oz agave syrup
• .5 oz lime juice

Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds then pour in a mixing glass. In a mixing glass add 

• 1 bar spoon edible platinum color 
• 1 pinch xanthum gum 

Stir for 10 seconds pour in your coupe glass. Garnish with an edible orchid using edible silver sprayer marshmallow flavored. 

If you're unable to make the cocktail yourself, have the pro's do it. If you're based in New York the cocktail is available from March 20 – April 30 at Delilah. For a limited time, the margarita will be offered off the menu at $100 per glass for those in the know.

Each Liquid Platinum Margarita includes Gran Patrón Platinum (SRP $200), edible silver flakes, rare rose water and topped off with an edible silver orchid.  The liquid even swirls around by itself – magic in a glass! (Video here)