"Take an umami-rich tomato-based stew. Add just enough rice. Garnish at will." That's the description for Sunday's Jollof Festival, a celebration of the West African rice dish taking place at the 26 Bridge venue in DUMBO. Teams representing at least four countries are slated to participate in what's being dubbed the "Jollof Hackathon," whereby teams of a few people will present their rendition of the versatile dish. Tickets begin at $28.
A Wine & Sweets Fest rolls into Queens on Saturday and Sunday via the LIC Flea and Food. Swing by the Hunters Point fest for unlimited sips of wine and desserts (three per ticket) from Dilena's Dolcini, 10Below, Acai Brazil, Brooklyn Coffee Co, City Sticks, Empanada Papa and several dozen more. Tickets begin at $36.
Kedgeree (Chez Ma Tante)
Greenpoint's exceptional new restaurant Chez Ma Tante quietly began serving weekend brunch a few weeks back with an interesting dish on the menu: kedegree. "This dish is a British staple, commonly found in the local pub or restaurant. Living in England as a kid, it was one of my favorite dishes to eat out with my parents," chef and owner Aidan O'Neal tells Gothamist. "At Chez Ma Tante, our kedgeree starts with a generous amount of aioli at the bottom of the bowl, buttered and curried jasmine rice, hardboiled eggs, gently olive oil poached cod and then finished with a salad of celery, onion, parsley and lemon." Try the dish ($15) between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
There are wine sommeliers and mustard somms and now: a "mermmelier" oyster expert. Kevin Joseph will be posting up at Megu in Chelsea and offering "The Ultimate Empire Oyster Experience" of a la carte oysters accompanied by 16 "accouterments" like Japanese Mignonette and Three Citrus Sancerre Foam. The restaurant is also offering an Imperial Oyster Experience for $300 that includes unlimited oysters and a bottle of Beau Joie Special Cuvee Brut Champagne. The oyster pop-up will be offered Wednesdays through Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., until August 5th.
