A few notes from the Lower East Side restaurant world:
–Starting Jan. 28, Lower East Side institution Russ & Daughters will offer a pre-paid, set menu brunch on Saturdays at its fairly new cafe at the Jewish Museum uptown. “Born out of the need to adhere to Jewish Sabbath laws,” R&D explains, “but also solving the age-old issue of it being almost impossible to get a table for Russ & Daughters’ brunch without waiting in line. This solution, as we say in Yiddish, is ‘bashert,’ which means ‘meant to be.’ More details here.
–On Saturday, Jan. 21, the Essex Street Market is hosting a specialty coffee cupping event. “Third-generation coffee roaster Peter Longo of Porto Rico Importing Co. will walk (guests) through two distinct coffee cuppings, highlighting the various flavor profiles of each and sharing his insights into the elusive world of coffee production.” Reservations here.
–Feltman’s of Coney Island first took on this neighborhood with a pop-up at Parkside Lounge, then opened a more permanent location on St. Mark’s Place. Now Mikey’s Burgers on Ludlow Street is carrying the hot dogs. According to an email from Feltman’s, you can now order a Shine Dog (with pickles, jalapenos and tomatoes) for $5.45.
–On Sunday, Feb. 12 the Museum of Chinese America and Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith (co-authors of the Pocket Chinese Almanac) have teamed up for a dim sum brunch at the Golden Unicorn. You’ll learn how to order dim sum in Cantonese and follow Cantonese traditions as Lunar New Year celebrations begin. $40. Here’s the Facebook invite.
–A few local spots are participating in New York Restaurant Week, which begins Jan. 23. They include Pig & Khao, Beauty & Essex, Vandal and Essex.
