We’ve got a full photo gallery that captures just some of the festivities of the afternoon. And we’ve got the full menu on display below. A special thanks to the many outstanding restaurants that both participated and over-delivered to the delight of the sold out crowd- and to you, our readers, for giving us an additional vote of confidence by grabbing all of our remaining tickets prior to the event. We’ll be gearing up for another #BrunchBash in the fall, so make sure to stay tuned to LocalBozo.com and to all of our channels of social media so that you’re first in line when #BrunchBash time comes calling once again!  And until then, cheers!

(All photos courtesy of Stephanie Pearl Photography)

- Jane Van Arsdale

LocalBozo.com’s #BrunchBash Menu: Saturday, May 9th 2015

THE FOOD:

BIG DADDY’S: “Fried Chicken & ‘Waffles’”

CALLE DAO: “Barrio Chino Omelette”

CHAPTER ONE: “Everything Bagel & Lox”

POCO: “Lobster Mac & Cheese”

PRIMO 135: “Baby Blueberry Pancakes,” “Mini Crabcakes” & “Crostini with Pear, Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil”

SOCARRAT PAELLA BAR: “Socarrat Brunch Paella”

SWINE: “‘The Flying Pig’ Bacon Flight”

THE RUNNER: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread”

THE WREN: “‘The Weekender’ Bloody Mary”

DEVOCION: “Drip Coffee” & “Cold Brew Iced Coffee”

THE BEERS:

ALLAGASH BREWING CO.: “White” & “Saison”

ALPHABET CITY BREWING CO.: “Easy Blonde” & “Alpha Male IPA”

THE ESSENTIALS:

Brunch Cocktails like the “Brunch Bash-Osa” and “Brunch Bash-Driver” poured by Linda Lou Sarris (The Cheeky Chef)

**Special thanks to DISTRICT TAP HOUSE for hosting the Official #BrunchBash After Party, and allowing us to keep the party going!**

Tuesday was a special evening for us here at LocalBozo.com as a few hundred guests headed out to Santos Party House on the Chinatown/Tribeca border in honor of our outlet’s first ever food tasting event, “Local Eats.” We had been working around the clock to secure some of our favorite newly opened New York City restaurants, paired alongside some of the finest craft beers and pours of local wines in a two hour all you care to consume frenzy. Whether you told a friend about our event or decided to attend yourself, we extend our deepest appreciation in helping to make Tuesday night a complete success for us. We made sure that we kept the cost of tickets reasonable and had some of the best food offerings of any recent event that we can think of. And it certainly seemed like the entire crowd enjoyed themselves on this night. If you’ve got any pictures or memories you’d like to share with us, send them along to localbozo@gmail.com and we’ll try and have them posted in this space. We hope that this is just the first step in the next line of events for us and that you’ll continue to support us by just reading our pieces, Tweeting us out, and checking up on our calendar of events for what’s doing in and around the City. Thanks for reading and for being a part of this journey with us.

READ:  The Couch Sessions was kind enough to recap their “Local Eats” experience HERE.

READ:  Eat Along With Me also had some nice things to say about “Local Eats” HERE.

READ: Solo Dove PR also recaps her tasty rundown of “Local Eats” HERE.

Each spring, at the end of April, the Jacob Javits Center plays host to the New York International Auto Show, bringing in hundreds of exciting and interactive exhibits featuring cars of every conceivable make and model.  Earlier in the year however, the Center hosts an expo show of a different kind- The New York Boat Show.  In 2010, 66 million Americans dropped anchor in domestic waters, but with a slowly recovering economy still reeling from a devastating downturn, luxury items like boats, yachts, and jet skis find themselves remaining in leftover inventory.  The New York Boat Show aims to turn it all around in 2012. Here now is our look back at the 2011 Boat Show as we prepare for the 2012 version, coming through New York City this weekend.

Much of the focus on last year’s show revolved around the affordability of the financing of these high priced items, with some boats starting at just $250 per month.  But while things should turn around, the economic effect on the Show itself has been damaging.  Brett Marshall of our favorite display- Silverton Yachts- revealed that while their company used to bring roughly 10 boats to display at the Boat Show, they are down to just two.  And with boat sales being sluggish, several smaller companies have been forced to merge together in a necessary integration for business to continue.  But rather than focus on the reduction in business, The Boat Show remained focused on a return to normalcy.

Aside from an expo with the size and scope to rival the Auto Show, the Boat Show brought out all the stops at last year’s event.  First off, “Deadliest Catch” dockhand Russell Newberry was brought on hand to meet fans and boating enthusiasts (and LocalBozo.com) all free of charge, to discuss his experiences on the Discovery Channel show.  The “History of Boating” expo had a variety of vintage vessels, including boats from 1899 and 1937, as well as photos and memorabilia celebrating the history of boating in the United States.  Additionally, offshore racing champion Miss Geico (the boat) was on the showroom floor along with the recently crowned Miss Geico (the person) to sign autographed posters for fans.  Admittedly, ours is still hanging in the LocalBozo offices.  These interactive displays only surrounded the boats and equipment themselves as names like Yamaha, Cobalt, Grady-White, Boston Whaler, and Sunseeker, whose exhibits were both fascinating and breathtaking.

New York alone is the 5th ranked boating state according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and as the country’s main center for commerce, it’s only fitting that Manhattan would host the country’s biggest boating expo.  LocalBozo.com correspondent Nick Uhas spent a full day at the 2011 New York Boat Show taking in conversations with vendors, going aboard some of the mammoth yachts, and even chatting with the aforementioned Russell Newberry about fishing in New York, amongst other things.  Check out our full video above to learn more about what makes the New York Boat Show such a special event in our city each year.

-Jane Van Arsdale

A modern style mash-up of casual and class radiates from the quote covered walls of DBGB Kitchen & Bar (aptly named after Chef Daniel Boulud), which meshes eccentric French fare, German inspired cuisine, and traditional American comfort foods into an open & contemporary marketplace.  The immense Tavern area welcomes patrons during the walk from door to Host-stand, with floor to ceiling windows and more resembles a chic lounge than a restaurant waiting area.  The approach to your table allows you to glimpse at the potentially decadent offerings that other eaters have chosen, as the seating areas are both unobstructed and also face the working kitchen and dessert area.  In decorative uniformity, hundreds of bottles of wines and raw cooking materials line the space’s borders, just below the polished cookware donated by some of the most famous Head Chefs in the history of food preparation, with food related quotes from some of history’s most notable persons.

The wide-ranging beer list provides both local and international flavors from the SixPoints Brooklyn brewery to assorted Belgian & German favorites, and the formidable wine list is far reaching and vast.  The cocktail list is equally impressive.  We like the “White Cosmopolitan,” which while relatively undersized, is a syrupy burst of sweet flavor as it coats your tongue.

However, what is truly remarkable about DBGB Kitchen is the comprehensive and diverse menu.  The selection of appetizers range from cold (Tuna Crudo, $11) to hot (Jim’s Matzoh Ball Soup $8, Escargots $14), and even feature selections from their Raw Bar.  Make sure to have your wallet stuffed with cash though, as oysters run $3 each, and the petit order for sharing starts at $30.  The fodder called “Links, Bangers, & Saucisses” features 14 different sausages varying from pork, veal, lamb, chorizo, beef, and vegetable (btw $9-$15 per link), encompasses the flavors of many different regions and is a literal world tour of sausage making.  We like the “Beaujolaise” ($13) combining pork, mushrooms, onion, and bacon with red wine over creamy lentils.  For the more advantageous eater, the “Boudin Basque” ($14) is a concoction of spicy blood and pigs head sausage and scallions served over mashed potatoes.  Tongue, bone marrow, tripe, and selections of pigs feet are the French specialties presented, all served with innovative sides ($9-$17 ea) for more experimental eaters.

DBGB’s main courses are divided between Mer, Terre, and Burgers, with the highlights being the Striped Sea-bass ($24, served with skin over leeks, potatoes, almonds, and topped with smoked paprika), and the Roasted Duck Breast ($25, served with dates and a savory lemon-pistachio glaze).  Meat-lovers will froth over the steak frites ($29), a 10 oz. black angus ribeye with a thick peppercorn drizzle and salted french fries, and “The Piggie” burger, which is a 6 oz. hamburger, topped with pulled pork delivered daily from Daisy May’s BBQ (46^th & 11^th Ave,) specifically for this burger.

DBGB Kitchen & Bar is a true convergence of innovative and eclectic cooking styles.  Coupled with an ambiance that promotes a progressive trendiness, DBGB is simply Manhattan hotspot that manages to be cool, yet gives a nod to food’s historic identity.

Gramercy is a young, exuberant neighborhood, littered with tasty restaurants owned by celebrity chefs.  Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio’s Craft is an outstanding combination of modernity and sophistication, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with innovative farm to table menu options.

The interior of Craft is non-descript to a degree- the tables are bare- large, wooden, and rectangular.  The ceiling is lined with dozens of illuminated light bulbs, which shine upon the exposed brick walls, for a truly unique dining atmosphere.  And the subtle décor allows you to give your undivided attention to the cuisine, which it fully deserves.

Tasting menu aside, Craft’s dinner selection hosts a plethora of diverse choices- from the first courses featuring raw oysters ($3 ea.) and cured octopus ($18) to table options like the suckling pig ($78), and the 28 day dry-aged porterhouse ($125), which as some have suggested- may be the best in New York City.  What’s interesting about the menu is that all of the entrees are served a la carte much like a steakhouse, so patrons must order some of the tasty side dishes to fully compensate.  Coupled with the fact that the waitstaff will bring out tastings straight from the chef throughout your meal, and you are treated to a genuinely distinct dining experience.

We started our first course with the Wagyu Capaccio ($25), a high grade, thinly sliced, raw beef plate, topped with a cooked hard-boiled egg, and crispy french-fried onions.  The balance of flavors shifted constantly in our mouths- from the savor of the cold serving of beef, to the crunchy and salty onion, to the creaminess of the egg, as each ingredient fought for supremacy, but ultimately brought out the best in each other.

The entrees were just as spectacular in their own right.  The roasted diver scallops ($30) were served pan seared with a side of delectable drawn butter, and although there were only four of them, their bulbous size and perfect cooking allowed them to literally be bursting with juice at every flavorsome bite.  Similarly, the roasted black bass ($28), also served pan seared, was flawlessly prepared and garnished with fresh rosemary was one of the tastiest pieces of fish that we have enjoyed in some time.  Expertly seasoned, the flaky fish was absolutely mouth-watering and smooth going down.

Craft also offers so many different side dishes that choosing one can be daunting.  In fact, we’d actually like to go back again just to taste some of the alternates.  The restaurant offers five different roasted vegetables, three different sautéed vegetables, six different mushroom varieties, and four different potatoes.  Our one recommendation- if you dine at Craft, the gnocchi is an absolute must try.  These are so soft and silky that you can literally flatten them with your tongue and the creamy white sauce surrounding the potatoes compliments them admirably for an exceptionally delicious flavor.  We were less impressed by the sautéed spinach ($9), which was a generous portion, but was ordinary compared to the rest of the evenings meal.

Craft seems to get all of the little things right.  Tremendous food.  Terrific service.  And even an occasional celebrity sighting- LocalBozo managed to get a glimpse of Law & Order SVU’s Christopher Meloni inside.  Leaving the restaurant the hostesses hand out muffins to take home, completing an evening that you will remember as truly special.

18 Avenue B, between 2nd & 3rd Street, Lower East Side, (212) 477-7137
Getting There: F, V to Lower East Side- Second Avenue

Zaitzeff

A gem of a burger spot that’s almost impossible not to get to from any neighborhood in Manhattan?  Zaitzeff, with its non-descript, black awning, features every basic characteristic that we look for in a premium burger spot.  The different menu options are listed on an enormous chalk board.  You order your meal, customized exactly how you’d like it, right at the counter.  And you can even sit down and enjoy a beer while you devour it.

Inside, the eatery isn’t much.  Some elongated wooden tables and chairs fill out the main dining area, with just enough space for a small line to form at the front counter to order.  From the front of the line you can see the cooks working, as the sights and smells of fresh hand cut French fries sizzling in cast iron skillets, envelope your senses.  The front counter is lined with different domestic and imported beer choices, and a wine rack features some basic pairings for whatever you decide.

But alas, the food here is the true drawing point, and while the menu features salads, organic chicken, and even a BLT, the burger is king.  Each of the sandwiches are served on Portuguese muffins, a nice change of pace from the tired hamburger bun or potato roll.  Prices vary based on the size of the cut (served in quarter or half-pound sizes or in sliders) and meat selection (sirloin, Kobe beef, turkey, or veggie), but range from $8.50 to $15.50.  But trust us, the quarter-pound option is a fine size.  Topped with lettuce, tomato, and grilled onion, the Kobe beef burger was a perfectly seasoned and admirably cooked hamburger.  Most of the burger’s juice was sopped up by the aforementioned muffin, but the burger was neither soggy nor sloppy, until of course we topped it with ketchup.  Side offerings include cheese, bacon, fresh avocado, and sautéed mushrooms and range from $1.25 to $2.00 per topping, and although the burgers are not necessarily cheap, you get what you pay for- a premium, delicious tasting burger.  The fries at Zaitzeff are also a perfect side dish because at only $5, you are handed a bulbous portion that can comfortably feed three people.  And with the option of Idaho French fries, sweet potato fries, or a combination of both, the lightly salted but freshly prepared basket is an outstanding compliment to the flavorful burger.

Living outside of the neighborhood and unless you are gainfully employed down there, the Financial District does not often offer much reason for repeat visits.  That is, until you taste a burger at Zaitzeff.

Dining out at a New York City steakhouse is an experience that should be relished and celebrated and when it is all over and everyone’s stomachs are filled to the brim, it should be remembered as an evening that was special.  Some former employees of Peter Luger’s have managed to find their niche by opening a restaurant that provides just that- the aura of something exceptional.

Ben & Jack’s steakhouse is an absolutely outstanding restaurant that delivers on every level of service.  From the friendly and impeccably dressed hosts to the engaging bartenders that welcome guests, each trip to the restaurant makes you feel like you’ve been there before, and that Ben & Jack’s is truly happy to have you back.

Inside, the décor of the restaurant shows a clear focus on tasteful, understated elegance, which is only furthered by performance of the staff.  The waitstaff was more than willing to offer food and wine recommendations and answer any questions; we found them to be as polite as they were attentive.  We began our meal with a few bottles of red wine (Francis Ford Copolla 2007, Pinot Noir, $55) from the Steakhouse’s vast wine list, followed by sizzling, thick strips of Canadian bacon ($2.95 per slice).  The cuts were nicely charred, but were fatty (yes, even for bacon), subtly dulling what would have been an otherwise delicious taste.

Where the bacon may have lacked, the steaks more than overwhelmed.  In fact, it is possible that the words you are reading here simply can not do justice to quite possibly the best steak in Manhattan.  Flawlessly cooked with a crispy, charred, and seasoned exterior and a perfectly seared soft pink medium rare center, even Peter Luger himself would be impressed.  That’s right, Ben & Jack’s dry aged Porterhouse really is that mouth watering.  Paired with savory sides of sautéed spinach ($9.95), tasty steamed asparagus ($11.95), and our favorite, a German potato ($10.95), a crunchy mash up of hash browns, the heaping plates of sides seamlessly complimented the flavor of the “Steak for Three” ($122.85), shared by our party.  Much like other steakhouses, Ben & Jack’s offers the Porterhouse cuts pre-sliced, and in additional party sizes of Two ($81.90) or Four ($163.80).  Other traditional cuts like the Filet Mignon ($39.95), Ribeye ($39.95), and New York Sirloin ($40.95) are also featured on the menu, but we suggest you pass them by and challenge the Porterhouse head on.

Everything about Ben & Jack’s shouts premium- from the tremendous service, to the delicious cuts of steak, to the unassuming classiness of the restaurant’s interior- and while other steakhouses may boast fancier names, the porterhouse at Ben & Jack’s takes a backseat to nobody.  We can only hope that the most recent location on Fifth Avenue does not water down what is one of the finest dining experiences in New York City.

(This restaurant has since CLOSED)

New York Burger Co. is exactly what you would expect, based on the layout of the restaurant. Essentially a fast food spot, the menu offers traditional American cuisine- i.e. a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, chili, salads, and hot dogs- but the fare itself is (pardon the pun) no great shakes.

The doors open to a conventional step-up-and-order counter, where patrons are given numbers, and are welcomed to the fix-ins bar to stock up on a variety of ketchups, mustard, and raw onions. The burger menu offers seven beefy options, with a turkey burger and veggie burger as alternatives. We tried the “New York Cheeseburger” ($6.50) with Vermont Cheddar, and the “Seattle Burger” ($7.75), topped with portabello mushrooms, sauteed onions and the “NY Burger Sauce.” Both of our choices were fairly large and satisfying, but the overall flavor of the meat was relatively unseasoned, and ultimately forgettable. Unfortunately, the mushrooms were almost burnt to a crisp, overwhelming the taste of an otherwise decent burger. The large side of “Idaho Fries” ($3) was salty and serviceable, but could not make up for what the burger was lacking.

The rest of the menu basically offers three variations on a grilled chicken sandwich ($6.75-$8.75), a plethora of salad alternatives ($6.50- $9.75), and some diverse smoothie & shake concoctions ($4.95), all of which appear to be equally sufficient. But when dining out in New York, sufficient simply does not cut the mustard. Affordably priced and informally staged, New York Burger Co. is named after its burger. But to the restaurant’s detriment, with seemingly every restaurant in Manhattan offering a hamburger, a shop with one that is just ordinary is not one that deserves repeat business.

Those of you that attended a college that focused on Fraternity life know the art of the drinking prank.  These pranks often take place as part of a game where one of the unlucky participants is forced through peer pressure to do something unusually degrading.   And obviously, the rest of the group then gets instant pleasure from this.

During my time at a University not to be mentioned here, “Shoot the Boot” was a popular punishment for one’s mistake during any number of drinking games, such as beer pong.  While my memory of this event is somewhat hazy, I remember a time when I made a fatal beer pong error at which point the smelliest guy at the party (of course), removed his sneaker and proceeded to fill it to the brim with beer.  The rest of the party watched as I drank down this agony.  When you shoot the boot it is essential to basically black out, therefore making your memory of this patchy at best.

In 2010, a new form of peer drinking punishment is hitting the scene hard.  Icing- the name alone sounds dastardly- is derived from the drink it comes from, Smirnoff Ice.  This malt beverage is akin to a Zima, and is most often consumed by women or by those who do not like the taste of beer or liquor.  The purpose of the prank is to surprise your Bro with it, hence the name of this devilish trick: Bro’s Icing Bro’s.

Here are the rules. One Bro buys a Smirnoff Ice at the bar, or for some reason, he has one on him.  Then, that “Bro,” must creatively place the Ice in front of the Mark Bro, or as we call it, “The Patsy.”  Once the Marked Bro sees the Ice, he must, and I am stressing this, must drop to one knee and chug the entire malt beverage in one go, while his other Bro’s ridicule him mercilessly.  Fear not Marked Bro, you can block the attempt by having your own Smirnoff Ice in hand at all times. But once again, this is a woman’s drink so you still look bad.

The LocalBozo crew was recently at an uptown bar for some day drinking. Sabotage was in the air- you could smell it.  There was to be some Bro on Bro Icing before the sun went down.  Since it was the first time anyone in our group attempted Icing, some crude planning had to take place.  American Trash, an upper east side favorite that we were drinking at, does not keep Smirnoff Ice in-house.  And thus we had a co-conspirator sneak away to a bodega to pick up and return with a fresh Ice.  The Ice was presented to the Mark casually in a brown paper bag, and the deal went down, much to the pleasure of our other friends.

But with all types of disorderly activity, there lies a negative side.  First off, a lot of bars in Manhattan frown upon anything that appears too frat boy like, which I completely agree with- many a popped collar have been known to Ice.  My biggest gripe would have to be the fact that by “Icing” one is subconsciously supporting and advertising for the Smirnoff company, which doesn’t necessarily sit so well with me.  In fact, there lies an urban legend that Smirnoff actually created this game in order to boost sales and promote a lagging product.

In the end the choice is yours my little partiers.  You can Ice a Bro, or not.  Either way it doesn’t look like this binge-drinking prank is going away anytime soon.  So the next time your Bro hands you an Ice, drop to one knee and start plotting your revenge.

-  Alan Smithee

The Groundlings have been the home to some of Los Angeles’ funniest improvisational and sketch comedians over the years.  From the late Phil Hartman to Will Ferrell, the troupe has been the host to comedy royalty.  This weeks’ Character Actor, our first female, also came from these storied halls, and if the name doesn’t ring a bell, the face and body of work surely will.

Edie McClurg was a member of the Groundlings during its golden age, helping her become established as the stubborn yet dim-witted mid-western character that we have come to know today.  Initially, McClurg worked with fellow Groundling player, Paul Reubens, aka Pee-Wee Herman, on his first play “The Pee Wee Herman Show,” which later became the very popular, “Pee-Wee’s Play House.”  She would also go on to play a supporting role in Cassandra Peterson’s first film, “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark”.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is a classic; we all know that.  Matthew Broderick’s performance as everyone’s favorite high school slacker was brilliant, and we can all agree.  But, without the support of his fellow actors, the film would just not be the same.  Edie McClurg’s, “GRACCCCE,” the high school secretary, spends most of the film sitting at her desk, taking loud verbal abuse from the school principal, Mr. Rooney played by Jeffery Jones.  McClurg plays a brilliant straight-man to all of the chaos that surrounds her.  At the same time however, she displays her impeccable timing by spouting out some of the best one-liners in the film, such as a memorable exchange with Jennifer Gray’s character, where she refers to her as a “little bitch.”  This is also a great visual gag, where she is seen trying to sniff white out- a very popular 1980’s pastime.  Similarly, McClurg also played a secretary in 1986’s “Back to School,” featuring Rodney Dangerfield.

Not sticking strictly to film work, television in the 1980’s similarly welcomed McClurg.  In 1986 she was cast as nosey neighbor Bonnie Brindle on cult-hit “Small Wonder,” a sitcom about a girl who was actually a robot.  McClurg followed up the short lived series with a role on the primetime sitcom “Valerie’s Family,” playing Mrs. Patty Poole.  The show’s name would be changed to “The Hogan Family,” when Valarie Harper wanted too much money (Great job Rhoda!) and Sandy Duncan would be brought in as her replacement.  McClurg’s Mrs. Poole character was the major antagonist of the Hogan family, constantly harping on them about their wrongdoings (again) as the nosey neighbor.   Clearly, McClurg had been type cast throughout most of her personal career, which is not necessarily a bad thing.  For a show during the mostly vanilla 1980’s, McClurg’s Mrs. Poole provided a needed campiness to an otherwise boring family show.  Side Note: check out this show out for some of Jason Bateman’s earliest work.

The 1990’s saw McClurg continue to land roles in film and TV.  One of those standout performances was in the 1993 rollerblading film, Airborne as Edie plays Aunt Irene.  The film is basically a fish out of water story with a Surfer from California who is made to relocate to Cincinnati, OH with his quirky family.  McClurg’s Aunt Irene character is an extreme over the top, almost caricature like portrayal, as she combines the nuances from her prior roles into this one.  The film also contains a very early performance by a young Jack Black, as Augie, the “Bully’s” best friend.  Riveting stuff here.

It is truly a breath of fresh air to see a woman develop into such a prominent character actor in a niche most often filled with men.  She has evolved to the point where the audience cannot tell if she is actually the person she is playing when the camera stops rolling.  For almosto thirty years she has played the nosey neighbor, meddling church lady, and smarmy secretary.  With stints on “The Golden Girls,” “Seinfeld,” “Different Strokes,” “The Jeffersons,” “Roseanne,” “Full House,” “Married with Children,” and “Mad About You,” McClurg’s resume reads like a television Who’s Who.  She has done this all for our benefit.  She has done this to make us laugh.

Next week I will focus on the life and times of Mr. Hank Azaria.  You may know him as Moe from the long running show “The Simpsons”, but there is a lot more you don’t know about him.  Until next time.

-  Alan Smithee