2019 Fall Oyster Festival, November 23
Docks Oyster Bar hosts an all-Canadian oyster fest, where you can meet the farmers and try unlimited oysters, plus chowders and shrimp—all washed down with beer, wine or vodka. There’ll be live music from People vs Larsen, a Canadian-themed photo booth, and an oyster shucking competition with a $1000 Grand Prize from Raspberry Point Oys. Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion Daniel Notkin will lead the bivalve showdown, with oyster experts Julie Qiu and Andrew Gruel judging.
Docks Oyster Bar. Tickets $65–$125. More info: eventbrite.com
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, November 23–January 26
The NYBG’s annual holiday attraction opens this weekend. Travel to the Bronx for a stunning view of Central Park in miniature. Model trains travel through a perfect replica of the park, made entirely from natural materials like birch bark, lotus pods, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. New additions to the tiny cityscape this year include models of Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace, and the Naumberg Bandshell. Take in the trains by night at adults-only Bar Car evenings, where you can purchase spiked hot chocolate and wintry cocktails, warm up at the fire pits, and enjoy live music and performances. On weekends, little ones can climb aboard the Evergreen Express train, learn about conifers, and make some fun pinecone crafts. Special tours, tree lightings, and performances will continue throughout the holiday season.
New York Botanical Garden. See website for ticket pricing. More info: nybg.org
Fukushima Sake Week, December 2–8
Next week, taste 23 varieties of sake from Japan’s Fukushima prefecture—the region that’s won the most gold medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards for the last seven years. 10 of Manhattan’s top Japanese restaurants will be serving special flights and pairings of Fukushima sakes throughout the weekend. See the interactive map below for a full list of participating restaurants and further background of the unique sakes on offer.
Participating restaurants. See website for pricing. More info: fukushima-sake-map.com
Chef Harold Villarosa and The Stand: Friendsgiving Feast, November 25
The Stand’s kitchen continues their monthly chef collaboration with a Friendsgiving dinner from resident chef Harold Villarosa and guest chef Carl Alexander, (formerly of Eleven Madison Park). The five-course dinner will highlight the best of winter’s vegetable offerings: starting with a sunchoke and brown butter dip, followed by slow-roasted carrots and brussels sprouts, squab served with chickpea panisse and sticky rice, stuffed Hooligan pumpkin, Thanksgiving porchetta with caramelized marble potatoes and red cabbage slaw; followed by Pear and Pecan Pie with black olives for dessert. An optional cocktail pairing from the Stand’s bar director Christian Orlando will be available.
The Stand. Tickets $85–135. More info: thestandnyc.com
Open House at Michel et Augustin, December 5
Famed French snack-makers Michel et Augustin host their monthly open house at the Banana Farm, (their offices in Gowanus). Stop by to sample some cookies, take a baking class, and learn what new food and beverages their developers are dreaming up.
The Banana Farm. Free admission. More info: eventbrite.com
