At Chocolate Zoom, we’re all about bringing you the best and latest information about (what else!) chocolate. But in this month’s guide to the city, we felt compelled to direct not only to some of the finest cocoa-related events, but also to make sure that you do not miss out on any of the other food fun in the process. That’s why the first event on our list has nothing to do with chocolate (at least not without a little creativity).
It may not be sweet, but what would a summer be like without a hotdog eating contest? Nathan’s Famous July 4th International Hot Dog Easting Contest, which has been held every summer since 1916 is the only place you need to be this Independence Day. Liberate your inhibitions about shoving pounds of pig down your gap and indulge your curiosity. The location: festive Coney Island on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. Nathan's Famous.
After you’ve sufficiently loaded your belly, head over to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, which will feature more than 80,000 explosions! 1010WINS will feature a synchronized musical program as Glittering Gems, Flickering Butterflies and Giant Silver Swallows light the nighttime sky. Here’s a tip: head to Roosevelt Island to beat the Manhattan crowds. The other island features a show with clowns, jugglers and face painting – but be forewarned: coolers are not allowed and you will need to purchase tickets for the show. For more information, visit Macy's or Rioc.
Cap your evening off with a trip over to the Great July 4th Festival on Water Street, where, we should note, the fireworks look much better with a conefull of chocolate ice cream. NYC Street Fairs.
The Annual Seaport Music Festival, which is part of the River to River Festival, features outdoor music concerts that are packed to the hilt with music loving fans. The festival brings some of the finest indie, Latin and classic rock groups to Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. Seaport Music Festival or River to River.
If you’ve never been, the Hampton’s Greek Festival is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Greek culture. Dine on some fine baklava straight from the kitchen, or meander through the Hellenic craft section, hand-made jewelry stands or spend some time watching the traditional Greek dancers. Location: Queens County Farm Museum, located on Little Neck Parkway. Note: there is a small admission fee to the event. Queens Farm.
For a taste of hometown culture, stick around for the Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow, which features more than 40 different American Indian nations. Attend one or all of the three-day intertribal dance competitions or shop around for authentic Native American arts, crafts, jewelry and foods. Queens Farm.
Just about every good American is aware of the Queens’ reputation for producing fine jazz. This summer, swing on by the Queens Jazz Festival, which is located on the Quad at Queens College. For no entry fee, you can enjoy soulful music, tasty treats and plenty of old-time fun.
If wine tasting is on your seasonal to-do list, there no better place than at the Mark Hotel’s July 12th wine class. Master Sommelier Rich Dean will swivel the basics of the Germanic Riesling during an evening of edifying instruction.
Bring the kids along for the July 14th Bastille Day Kids’ Morning Market Meeting at the Union Square Café, located conveniently in Union Square. Together, you and your little chefs can learn the basics of making crepes and crepes soufflés from skilled pastry chef Emily Isaac.
You may want to leave the kids at home to hone their skills during this next event: the Finger Lakes Wine Festival located in Watkins Glen from July 14-16. This festival will feature more than 70 wineries, offering a total of over 500 wines. Attend a wine seminar, pursue the art or craft vendors and take in some fine live music. This festival is brought to Watkins Glen by the Corning Museum. Expect to pay a pretty penny for tickets, but the price is well worth the experience. Wine Fest
Still can’t get enough wine events? Well, it is summer after all! We have plenty more events to send your way! July 19th marks the second German Riesling Dinner at the Mark Hotel. Or, if wine is not quite on your pallet, head to the Chefs & Champagne evening, which features Charles Heidsieck from the James Beard Foundation. Location: The Wolffer Estate Vineyards & Stables in Sagapanack.
As the end of the month draws near, celebrate a successful July at the Mark Hotel with Jodi Stern, of Vin de Vino on July 26. Stern will introduce the class to wines from Austria by focusing on dessert wines (mmm – that’s a lip-licking great way to head into August.)
On July 30th, you’ll have an opportunity to squeeze in the last ounce of Juicy July fun with "Have a Night with a Hotshot Chef." Bon Appetit will bring an expert chef to the Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry kitchen at the Hotel Shelburne on Lexington Avenue.
