
Lauren Rothman
Lauren is a Time Out New York freelancer whose culinary obsessions include offal and bourbon. Check out her collection of food snapshots—and cat pics—at @laurenoliviarothman.
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Lauren is a Time Out New York freelancer whose culinary obsessions include offal and bourbon. Check out her collection of food snapshots—and cat pics—at @laurenoliviarothman.
Swap concrete cities for the lush forests that are on offer across the U.S. Sleep up in the stars amongst the treetops in one of the many unique treehouse Airbnbs in the country. Live your childhood dream and immerse yourself fully in treehouse life, mud and all (maybe not the mud). Find yourself a leafy paradise to stay in on your trip. Whether you fancy one with waterside views, a tropical climate, or a total off-grid experience, we've got it all. The homes weâve picked range from simple and affordable to treetop luxury. So, if you're planning a road trip, camping excursion, or national park adventure, add these stunning outdoor-indoor Airbnb options to your itinerary. RECOMMENDED: The most unique Airbnbs in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb penthouses in the U.S. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
When it's time to really let it all hang out, a girls' weekend getaway is just the escape you need to get some real quality time away from work, family and other distractions. Whether your gal group is into mulling around top art museums together, getting pampered all day at premier spas or partying all night in the best clubs, these cities and towns have everything you need for a perfect girls' getaway. No need to jet off to some international locale: the U.S. has an endless array of destinations to explore, from amazing national parks (and more underrated ones) to cities that will make you feel like you're in Europe. You can plan a ladies' road trip, depending on the size of your group, or just consider a quick but jam-packed jaunt to these awesome girls' weekend destinations dotted around the U.S. You'll find a variety of options for activities in each spot, with a little something for everyone, so get planning and make that girls' trip happen. RECOMMENDED: Awesome bachelorette party destinations in America
While summer gets all the popular attention â sun, sand, sea, surf and so on â it's safe to say that winter is underrated. This is the only time of year you can actually wear nice, big, cozy jackets, scarves and woolly hats and curl up in a cabin. But as temperatures rise across the planet and winters get continually milder every year, it's entirely possible that many of our favorite places to go for the festive season suddenly won't be so winter-y. So, seize the season and make a pilgrimage to one of the best winter vacations in the US. Want to introduce the kids to the biggest, brightest holiday events? Make your way to New York City for a classic Rockefeller Center Christmas, or give them a full toy-making experience at Kringle's Inventionasium in Cleveland, Ohio. Keen to cultivate a new skill or test your mettle? Try heli-skiing in Telluride, Colorado, or skijoring in Anchorage, Alaska. Hoping to skip the chilly weather and soak up some sunshine instead? Well, weâve got recommendations for that, too. Whether you're traveling solo, as a pair on a romantic getaway, or escaping with the kids in tow, the best winter vacations in the US will make this season shine. RECOMMENDED: The best ski resorts in the USRECOMMENDED: The best glasshouse Airbnbs in the US RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs near Yosemite National ParkRECOMMENDED: 8 warm weather Airbnbs in the U.SRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New England
Getting hitched typically comes with plenty of traditions, but perhaps none are as legendary as the bachelor party. The practice is truly time-honored, dating back to the fifth century BC in ancient Sparta when a dinner was held prior to the big day to toast the groomâs honor. Nowadays, the options for marking the end of a manâs single years are vast, whether itâs exploring the great outdoors at the best national parks in the U.S., indulging in the best sushi restaurants in America with your culinary crew, getting pampered at the best spa resorts or a stereotypical weekend of raucous shenanigans. From Sin City to the Big Apple, these are the best bachelor party destinations in the U.S.âranging from hot spots to offbeat picksâto commemorate the groom in an unforgettable rite of passage. RECOMMENDED: The bachelorette party destinations in the U.S.Â
A dish doesnât have to arise out of a philosophical debate in the kitchen: it should just be delicious. We love good street food and any other items off an affordable menu, so long as the person making it loves cooking. Some of our favorite meals over the years have been ones that cost a pittance. Flavor isnât free, but simple ingredients can go a long way when prepared with expertise and care. Hereâs our list of fantastic cheap eats from all parts of the U.S., including some regional foods as well as just some overall favorites! RECOMMENDED: Looking for affordable bites in a specific city? Check out the best cheap eats in New York, L.A., Miami, Boston, or Chicago.Â
Whether your travels this summer take you to the best attractions in the USA, the most bizarre landmarks in the USA, or the best national parks in the U.S., thereâs bound to be an interesting Airbnb listing nearby. Thatâs especially true of these unique Airbnbs in the U.S. â they're the strangest we could find in America. So whether your idea of a good time is sleeping in Hobbit hole or a literal dog house, youâre in luck with these unique Airbnbs in the U.S. you have to see to believe. RECOMMENDED: The most jaw-dropping secluded Airbnbs in the U.S. Â
Seattle, the alternative darling of the Pacific Northwest, has plenty to offer visitors: great eats at the best restaurants in Seattle, killer attractions and activities (check our guide to the best things to do in Seattle) and much, much more. A visit to this fun-packed city merits at least a few-day stay, but sometimes the best hotels in Seattle are just a little too pricy for budget-conscious tourists. Wallet feeling a little slim? No worries: Check out our recommendations for the best cheap hotels in the city, from Downtown to Belltown and beyond. RECOMMENDED: The best houseboat and waterfront Airbnbs in Seattle
From diehard â90s grunge fans and adventure junkies to foodies and night owls, the Pacific Northwestâs indie darling has something for all its visitors. If youâre not sure where to begin, check out our list of the 20 best things to do in Seattle, dine at one of the city's best restaurants or dance yourself clean in one of many Seattle nightlife hotspots. Whichever you choose, a visit to this attraction-packed city merits at least a few-day stay, so when youâre looking for somewhere to lay your head down on a soft, fluffy pillow, check out our recommendations for the best hotels in the city, from Downtown to Belltown and beyond. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Seattle
You donât need to be a history buff to get excited about the most famous buildings and monuments in the USA. History is everything, after all, and the story of this great nation canât be told without these iconic locations. The United States is a conveyor belt of historically significant buildings, from the Empire State Building to Independence Hall. Throw in ambitious monuments like Mount Rushmore, and youâve got a bucket list for the trip of a lifetime.While researching famous buildings for your next themed trip, check out the most stunning castles in the US. Yes, castles. Still, best to get these icons ticked off first. Trust us; they are all so much more impressive in person. Â
The send-off from single life to living happily ever after should be one for the books, so we recommend that there's no holding back when celebrating with your bridal party (youâre only a bachelorette once, after all). Whether that means dancing until the sun comes up in Miami, maxing out credit cards in Los Angeles or exploring the best art museums in New York. You'd think Las Vegas would be a top destination too, right? And while it does offer a lot of opportunities to misbehave, Nashville is actually the city with the most bachelorette parties. Why, you ask? You'll have to read our list and see. Need even more ideas? How about trekking through glorious national parks or luxuriating in some serious R&R at the most soothing spas in the country? No matter what you want out of your bash (or what kind of personalities you're toting along), these are the best bachelorette party destinations in the US âchoose one and you're guaranteed an unforgettable weekend with your besties. RECOMMENDED: 15 ideas for fabulous girls' weekend getaways RECOMMENDED: The best glasshouse Airbnbs in the US
Winter is here, but the getaways don't have to stop. With the temperature dropping fast across the country, you're not the only one that feels like cozying up in front of a wood-burning stove. And the best place to get your hot-chocolate on is in a cozy Airbnb cabin located in the middle of a forest (or at the edge of a lakeâwe'll take either). So book some nights of relaxation at one of these cozy Airbnb cabins in the U.S. From a cottage high about the New Hampshire forests to a log cabin nestles in a snowy meadow, these are the most picturesque and secluded Airbnbs you can rent in the U.S. Plus, they're really close to the best ski resorts and places to go snowboarding in the USA. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the USAÂ
Oh, the Hamptons: that see-and-be-seen summer paradise where the crĂšme de la crĂšme of NYC society retreats to beat the heatâand chow down at the best Hampton restaurants. Sure, you can check out the best restaurants in NYC, but the Hamptons is awashâpun intended!âin restaurants and bars, both classic and of-the-moment. But it can be hard, especially if you only go there for short weekend getaways from NYC, to decide which of the best things to do in the Hamptons are worth your hard-earned cash. Do you go shopping? Or do you head to these spots, including everything from a breezy bayside seafood restaurant to a rustic wood-fired pizza joint? Here are the best Hamptons restaurants. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
At this dim sum house from Ed Schoenfeld and Joe Ng, dumpling devotees can find signature plates and Asian-inflected fare that, while wildly inventive, relies on classical Chinese technique. The soup dumplings are an absolute must-order, packed with pork and crab in a rich, flavorful broth.
What you lose in time driving from this Red Roof Inn to the beachfrontâabout a 20-minute journeyâyouâll gain in savings on extremely reasonable room rates. Featuring an outdoor pool, free parking and free coffee in the lobby all day long, the hotel should be particularly attractive to pet owners: four-legged friends stay free. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary in design, with flatscreen TVs, microwaves and mini-fridges. Arriving to and departing from the property is a breeze: Norfolk International Airport is just a two-mile drive away.
Located just a couple of blocks from the boardwalk and beachfront, this La Quinta property is an excellent choice for an affordable Virginia Beach stay. For a budget option, the hotel offers a surprising number of amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and one free parking space per room. Spacious rooms and suites feature colorful contemporary decor, flatscreen TVs with 30 HD channels, and microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers. At the free daily breakfast, look for the popular make-your-own-waffle station.
You canât beat the location of this budget-friendly hotel, right on the boardwalk with full view of the ocean. Guests can choose between poolside rooms and those with a view of the water, the latter equipped with private balconies. In addition to the outdoor pool, amenities include onsite parking, a free daily breakfast and fast, reliable Wi-Fi.
Situated just a few blocks from the beachfront and from Neptuneâs Park and other downtown attractions, this reasonably priced hotel offers great value for Virginia Beach vacationers. Spacious guestrooms feature linoleum tiled floors, dark wood furniture and plush white bedding, with in-room coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves, plus a flatscreen television. The Wi-Fi is fast, the parking is free, and thereâs a spacious outdoor pool.
Located a 20-minute drive from the beach, this bright, modern Best Western property passes on the savings of a slight inconvenience. Rooms are neat, with cheery brick-toned walls and colorful bedding, and offer fast, free Wi-Fi, cable television and a refrigerator. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and offers a complimentary full breakfast each morning, and is just a 10-minute drive from Norfolk International Airport.
Located right on the beach, this Econo Lodge property boasts clean, comfortable guestrooms with ocean views best taken in from the private balconies. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a free continental breakfast, free garage parking and an indoor heated pool for when the oceanâs just a bit too chilly. Inside your room, find comfy plush bedding, a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and 32-inch flatscreen television.
Located a 20-minute drive from the beach, this clean and accommodating hotel is a great option for visitors who donât require an oceanfront room. Offering fast, free Wi-Fi, a 24/7 guest laundry facility and excellent customer service, the hotel is made up exclusively of suites that sleep one to four guests. Fully equipped in-room kitchens, with full-sized refrigerators, cooktops and microwaves help guests save some extra bucks by cooking in the room instead of dining out. For the most economical vacation, take advantage of WoodSpringâs excellent extended-stay rates.
Located right on the ocean on the south side of Virginia Beach, this affordable hotel is a longtime favorite among vacationers. With a retro exterior hiding a recently redone interior, the 19 Atlantic offers an expansive rooftop deck, free guest parking and complimentary coffee in the library. The hotelâs 68 guestrooms are colorfully decorated and outfitted with 32-inch flatscreen TVs, microwaves and mini-fridges, and stock Bath and Body Works toiletries in the bathrooms.
Though itâs nice to be right on the ocean, a great way to save some extra dough while vacationing in Virginia Beach is to book a hotel located a little bit further out from the action. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the beach from this hospitable Red Roof location, which is well worth it when you factor in the savings. Just a five-mile drive from Norfolk International Airport, the hotel features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a free parking spot per room reservation. Comfortable modern rooms include 37-inch flatscreen TVs, and thereâs free, fresh-brewed coffee available in the lobby around the clock.
Located smack dab on the north side of the beach and just a few blocks from Neptuneâs Park, this affordable hotel is a favorite among budget-conscious beachgoers. Amenities include a refreshing outdoor pool, fast, free Wi-Fi hotel-wide, and one free parking space per room reservation. Clean, brightly appointed guestrooms feature 39-inch flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers, and each has a private balcony. Save a few extra dollars by opting for a street-facing room.
Guests love this perfectly located budget hotel, situated right on the ocean towards the north end of Virginia Beach. Access to the water couldnât be easier, but relaxing in the hotel also has its draws, including a spacious outdoor pool and sundeck plus private oceanfront balconies attached to each guestroom. All the hotelâs room are two-room suites with a separate bedroom and living room, plus a fully stocked kitchenette that makes it easy to prepare meals in the room. The whole hotel boasts fast, free Wi-Fi, and each room reservation also receives a free parking spot.
The much-looked-forward-to Vendy Awards are coming right upâthis summerâs food truck festivities will be held on Governors Island on September 16. The full list of finalists is all in, including Bad Hombres, a new taco truck category, and, of course, the coveted Vendy Cup. Before the coming food festivities, indulge your salivary glands with this list of the finalists in those categories, plus the trucks facing off in the Best Market Vendor, Best Dessert Vendor and Rookie of the Year categories. Vendy Cup finalists:Big Brotherâs Delicious FoodDF NigerianAntonâs DumplingsAdelâs No. 1 Bad Hombres (Y Mujeres) finalists:Born & RaisedEl Rey Del SaborEl Toro RojoLos Viajeros Best Market Vendor finalists:Jhal NYCJoonWhatâs the DillazThe Malaysian ProjectTramezzini NYC Best Dessert Vendor finalists:The Crepes TruckDulcinea ChurrosJean NYC cakesMoon ManSweet Zahra Rookie of the Year finalists:Momo BrosKelvinsHarajuku Sushi and CrepeWarung RoadsideStufâd
All summer long, street food aficionados await the cityâs annual celebration of the excellent fare slung by carts and trucks throughout the five boroughs: the Vendy Awards. Held each year on Governors Island, 2017âs 13th-annual event brings together mobile food artisans serving specialties all stripes, from Venetian stuffed sandwiches to fragrant Persian âlove cake,â before crowning a winner in categories including Rookie of the Year and best taco truck. The action kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, September 16, so grab a ticket now and indulge in our picks for the most original dishes, detailed below. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the Vendy Awards Jhal NYC A post shared by Jhal NYC (@jhalnyc) on Jun 30, 2017 at 9:18am PDT Bengali pride is an essential ingredient in the cuisine of Jhal, which employs Bengali womenâmostly stay-at-home mothersâto craft subtly spicy snacks like fuchka, fried flour shells stuffed with chickpeas and potatoes and topped with chilies, cilantro, sev (crunchy chickpea-flour noodles) and tangy tamarind sauce. Joon A post shared by Joon (@joon_rice) on Jul 14, 2017 at 7:24am PDT Popularizing the underrepresented fare of Iran is the mission of Joon, run by Jessica Spiegel and Amir Alerasoul. The vendor specializes in the craveable crispy rice known as tahdig topped with a variety of savory stews, from pomegranate-chicken to turmeric beef Momo Bros A post shared by Momo Bros (@momobrosnyc) on May 1, 2017 at 9:12am PDT Founded last y
When it comes to tasty, authentic Mexican food, NYC is no Los Angeles, but weâve still got easy access to pretty delicious burritos, quesadillas and tacos. Thatâs why, as a rule, we Gothamites avoid international chain Taco Bell like the plague, or, more aptly put, like the stomach flu its mushy, cheesy menu items are likely to induce. But the Bell continues to do its best to lure in new customers, most recently with a strange, tortilla-free new dish theyâre calling the Naked Egg Taco. Crafted, apparently, for haters of corn and flour (or perhaps for the gluten- and carb-free set), the weird-looking breakfast âtacoâ fills a folded fried egg with crispy potatoes, cheese and the dinerâs choice of bacon or sausage, all for just $1.99. The bizarre offering will be available a la carte at Taco Bell locations beginning August 31, but New Yorkers who simply canât wait a couple of weeks to try the snack can get their fix on Thursday by reserving a seat at Taco Bellâs âBell & Breakfastâ event. Running in a SoHo event space, the breakfast, available for reservation through OpenTable, will feature the weirdo taco as well as other, as-yet-unannounced oddities. Thrill-seekers, look no further.
When it comes to indulging oneâs sweet tooth, itâs not always easy to decide on a treat. Thatâs why hybrid desserts are so great. Not sure whether youâre in the mood for a croissant or a donut? Go for a Cronut! Canât choose between a donut and ice cream? Grab a combo ice cream sandwich. And, on Friday, LES soft serve favorite Soft Swerve will fulfill both ice cream and cupcake cravings in a single go with an enticing collaboration with Brooklyn Cupcake. The dessert will feature a moist Coquito cupcake from the Williamsburg bakery, laced with coconut and sweetened condensed milk. The fluffy cake gets crowned with a swirl of Soft Swerveâs addictive, electric-purple ube ice cream. Christened the Coquito Swerve Cake, the $4.99 collaboration comes with one toppingâlike almond cookies or Fruity Pebblesâgratis. Itâs a treat you wonât want to miss.
It's always the perfect time to seek out a steamer basket of xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, those beloved Chinese treats typically packed with meat and a mouthful of piping broth within their puckered dumpling skins. From Chinatown all the way to Flushing, these are the best soup dumplings in NYC. Shanghai Cafe Deluxe: Quite possibly the best in the city, the soup dumplings on offer at this Chinatown cafe stand out for the deeply savory, porky broth inside. 100 Mott St. (212-966-3988) Shanghai Asian Manor: The deeply pleated beauties at this Chinatown spot feature exemplary dumpling skins: thin and handmade, they envelop a toasted-sesameâtinged broth and a nice meaty filling. 21 Mott St. (212-766-6311; shanghaiasianmanor.com) Shanghai Asian Cuisine: This narrow Chinatown dining room serves up delicious dumplings with delicately chewy skins and a pork broth infused with the sweetness of cabbage. 14 Elizabeth St. (212-964-5640; shanghaiasiancuisine.com) 456 Shanghai Cuisine: Originally opened in 1963, this dependable Shanghainese spot steams soup dumplings with perfect, chewy skins and a gingery pork broth. 69 Mott St. (212-964-0003) Joeâs Ginger: This perennially packed Chinatown eatery has must-order soup dumplings, with nicely tender skins and balanced broth. 25 Pell St. (212-285-0333; joeginger.com) Old Shanghai Deluxe: You might walk right by this unassuming corner spot in Chinatown, but think twice before you do: its soup dumplings feature respectable skins and a broth
Winter in NYC promises to be a doozy, with bitter temperatures and a fraught political climate making it tempting to just stay in our pajamas, in bed, all day, until spring comes. But next week, Williamsburg hotspot Midnights will be offering a tempting incentive to get out of the house: a festive holiday garden offering yummy seasonal bites and warming winter cocktails. On Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 9pm, the bar and lounge will transform its spacious patio space into a wintry paradise, complete with charcoal-lit warming stations, festive holiday lights and decorations, and plenty of nibbles and drinks. Brewery Ommegang will be on hand pouring seasonal brews, and Plymouth Gin will stir warming cocktails such as boozy hot cider. Host Christine Cameron of fashion blog My Style Pill will be on hand to dispense sartorial wisdom, so wrap up in your flyest scarf and head to the 'burg.Â
 A photo posted by Doughnut Plant (@doughnutplant) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:35pm PST  NYC foodies, beware: your Instagram account is soon to be dominated by a colorful, triple-layer mega-doughnut, courtesy of Mark Isreal, the fritter genius behind the city's beloved Doughnut Plant. Today, Isrealâwho founded the four-location mini-chain in 1994âlaunched the bakery's newest, and zaniest, flavor to date. The Ripple boasts three levels of flash-fried goodness: a giant outer doughnut in a bright-pink cranberry flavor; a golden middle doughnut flavored with sweet potato; and a normal-sized interior doughnut that tastes of crystallized ginger. The $24 Thanksgiving-themed monstrosity serves six to eight eaters, who can cut a wedge to enjoy all three complementary doughnuts or go to town on their favorite ring. FYI: for those already experiencing Thanksgiving fatigue, the Ripple also comes in Berry Parfait and Mochaccino varieties.Â
These events will give you all the thrills of SantaCon, with none of the douchiness. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to SantaCon in NYC 1. Juice Crawl: A defining feature of SantaCon is the journey from one drinking destination to the next, but who says those locales have to sling spirits? To cleanse your bod before the next round of holiday feasting, go on an ĂŒberhealthy juice crawl in Soho. The morning kicks off with a 9:30am yoga class, followed by a hydrating âpregameâ of maple water and stops at Vitamin Chick, LuliTonix and Pressed Juicery. Bottoms up! Athleta, 121 Wooster St. Sat 12 9:30amâ12:30pm; $45â$65. 2. The 2016 NYC Good Whiskey Passport: Then, of course, there are those who think SantaConâs only redeeming quality is the booze. If a sloppy-drunk night is calling your name, grab a Good Whiskey Passport. You can show the $37 booklet at more than 40 bars for your choice of a whiskey cocktail or one-ounce neat pour at each. Itâs good for two months (we donât suggest hitting all 40 in one night!), kicking off on Saturday. Proceeds support Godâs Love We Deliver and the Billion Oyster Project. Sat 13âFeb 13; $3 3. Santa Shuffle 5K: If you fancy yourself a Saint Nick look-alike but your tastes runâliterallyâmore toward cardio than carbo-loading, lace up your sneaks for the annual Santa Shuffle. The 5K runâs $50 fee benefits the Prospect Park youth track club and includes a Santa suit, to be distributed at Windsor Terrace pub Farrellâs. Feel free to grab a morning pint, and donâ
While the city is still on the tail end of a weirdly warm, Indian summer-type heat wave, temperatures are soon predicted to fall to normal autumn temperatures. So while youâre piling on your cozy layers and arranging decorative gourds on your stoop this weekend, why not take a break with that most seasonally appropriate of all fall beverages, the mulled cider? From picturesque greenmarkets to crowded cupcakeries, these are the best places to get hot cider in NYC. Clinton Street Baking Company: This LES bakery-cafe is a favorite breakfast spot, beloved for its loaded pancakes and stuffed omelets. Wash those platters down with a spiced apple cider, or go extra-rich with a hot buttered cider whisked with a pat of maple butter. 4 Clinton St. (646-602-6263; clintonstreetbaking.com) Union Square Greenmarket: The cityâs many greenmarkets are some of NYCâs most picturesque spots to pick up a hot cider, and the famous Union Square location is no exception. Various fruit purveyors normally mull: stop by Migliorelli Farms, Red Jacket Orchards and others to see whatâs on offer. Union Square Park (212-788-7476; grownyc.org) Wilfie & Nell: The hot cider at this West Village gastropub is spiked with your choice of brandy, bourbon or rum, and is an apt accompaniment to the lunchtime selection of decadent grilled-cheese sandwiches. 228 W 4th St. (212-242-2990; wilfieandnell.com) Magnolia Bakery: While you might instinctively gravitate towards a hot cup of joe to sip alongside your cupcake at
Brooklyn lushes, mark your calendars: October 20th through 26th is Drink Local Week in the borough, when you can score great deals on your favorite drinks at select bars, distilleries and breweries from Coney Island to Greenpoint. Like Restaurant Week for watering holes, the promotion will aim to spotlight locally made craft brews and spirits by offering killer discounts on Brooklyn favorites such as Threes Brewing, New York Distilling Company and Red Hook Winery. Newly opened Crown Heights spot BKW will offer 20 percent off its Brooklyn Winery vino; Fort Greene's Greene Grape Annex will serve two New York State beverages for the price of one; and Cobble Hill wine shop Smith & Vine will mark local wine down 15 percent and local spirits down 10 percent.Check out details and map of all participating businesses hereâand get ready to drink well, and often, in late October.
We New Yorkers can't seem to get enough of upscale junk food: think of our unabiding love for patties from Shake Shack, fried chicken sandwiches from Fuku and cones of creamy soft serve from Big Gay Ice Cream. So it only makes sense that trend-watching (and -setting) chef Andrew Carmelliniâof the Dutch, Lafayette and Locanda Verde fameâis throwing himself into the ring with Mister Dips. Starting this afternoon at 4pm, the comfort food spot will serve fresh-griddled burgers, tricked-out waffle fries and soft serve, all out of a stylishly retrofitted 1974 Airstream RV. Carmellini's Noho Hospitality Group helms the food program at Williamsburg's brand-new William Vale Hotel, which opened on Wythe Avenue and North 12th Street just a few weeks ago, and Mister Dips is stationed in the hotel's Vale Park. The stand's speciality is a Dip burger, with aged cheddar and special sauce; there's also a vegetarian "Green Label" burger, a mushroom-and-black bean patty topped with swiss. The fryer stays busy crisping waffle fries, available plain or "dirty," with spicy cheese and scallions.Dessert-lovers will likely head straight to the ice cream menu, where they'll find three creamy options, each with their own special dunk: the Jacker-Crax (buttered popcorn, salted peanuts); the Malter Cronkite (crunchy malt) and the tropical Hawaii Five-O (vanilla, pineapple preserve and toasted coconut). Check it out on weekdays between 4 and 10pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10pm. Photograph:
Get excited, taco lovers: the most hallowed of all days is upon us. Tomorrow, in a double dose of âholidayâ goodness, itâs both National Taco Day and Taco Tuesday. All around town, restaurants are offering up great deals on everyoneâs favorite topped-tortilla snack. From crispy shrimp to smoked chicken, these eateries are plating the best National Taco Day deals. Pampano: Richard Sandovalâs elegant, white-tablecloth spot fuses traditional Mexican ingredients with European technique. On taco day, diners who sit at the bar can nosh a taco trio platter ($7), featuring tinga de pollo (shredded chicken), chilorio (pulled pork) and chicharron de camaron (crispy shrimp). Pampano Taqueria: This taqueria connected to the Pampano kitchen will plate its own variety of tacos ($3.25 each), including grilled chicken, shrimp with black beans and a vegetarian option with strips of poblano peppers, zucchini and mushrooms. Playa Bettyâs: This sunny, West Coast-inspired spot serves up casual, craveable California cuisine. On National Taco Day, itâll offer a Build Your Own Taco Platter ($12.95), loaded with warm flour tortillas plus chicken, shrimp and beef fillings plus avocados, pico de gallo and other toppings. Ottoâs Tacos: Starting tomorrow, all three locations of this Cali-inflected taqueria will serve its tacos on bright pink tortillas, in awareness of breast cancer. The kaleidoscopic tacos will be served all month, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Societyâs Making Strides Again