And the answer is ...
b) matzoh balls
The Brooklyn Brewery moved into an abandoned matzoh ball factory in Williamsburg in 1996, and expanded again in 2009. They offer tours of the brewery on Saturdays at noon, and offer tastings there on Friday nights. Chances are, your local New York bar has a Brooklyn brew on tap as well!
An interactive blog for those who love history, trivia and fun facts about NYC.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
New York's most most famous hometown beer company, Brooklyn Brewery, has been a staple of local watering holes not too lng after its creation in 1987. Co-creator Steve Hindy learned to brew beer during a six-year stay in the Middle East, where alcohol was not sold and its consumption forbidden.
When business was booming, Hindy and his co-owner, Tom Potter, bought an abandoned factory and transformed it into a brewery. Before then, however, the factory had produced:
a) eyeglass lenses
b) matzoh balls
c) dress shirts
d) tires
Check back on Thursday for the answers to this week's trivia question!
When business was booming, Hindy and his co-owner, Tom Potter, bought an abandoned factory and transformed it into a brewery. Before then, however, the factory had produced:
a) eyeglass lenses
b) matzoh balls
c) dress shirts
d) tires
Check back on Thursday for the answers to this week's trivia question!
Labels:
brooklyn brewery,
new york trivia
Friday, August 27, 2010
What to Do This Weekend in NYC
Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
Where can you find mustard seeds, mushrooms and more right in New York? You don't even have to go to one of our favorite NYC farmers' markets. Just look down. Steve Brill, the “wild man” of NYC, is taking a group of intrepid city slickers foraging around the urban jungle to find what’s growing right underneath their feet. The pickings are definitely cheaper than what you’ll find at your local Whole Foods, and you won’t have to worry about choosing paper or plastic at checkout.
Sun, August 29, 11:45am-3:45pm; $15 suggested donation Meet at Dyckman St and Broadway; RSVP 24 hours in advance to 914-835-2153
DRINK
This weekend, drink for a good cause: more drinks! One of our favorite jazz bars, Puppets, is throwing a weekend fundraiser to ensure that they can keep their doors open. Have some drinks, take a look at the tasty (and all-organic) menu, enjoy some live music (with
no cover charge), give whatever donation you can and help support a great Brooklyn business, plus all the musicians that depend on it!
Sat, August 28, 5pm – Sun, August 29, 4am; donations encouraged 481 5th Ave, Brooklyn; puppetsjazz.com
SEE
Take a look back at New York history in action—literally! Revolutionary war re-enactors are bringing the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle against the British after the Declaration of Independence was signed, back from the past. After the battle, celebrate our victory and join the parade led by the Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine or stroll through scenic Green-Wood cemetery and find some city history for yourself.
Sun, August 29, noon; free 500 25th St, Brooklyn; green-wood.com
SHOP
Get some of the city’s best food deals in … the world’s biggest train station? For the first time, Grand Central Market, the gourmet food emporium and a haven for NYC foodies, is offering its own dining week that ends this weekend. Specialty foods include cupcakes, cheeses, spices and more. Stock up your kitchen and check out the goods!
Sat and Sun, August 28-29 87 E 42nd St, Manhattan; grandcentralterminal.com
PLAY
NYC summer events are winding down this weekend, so take one last spin around the dance floor. Dress up in your 1920s finest (we’re picturing strings of pearls and suspenders) and hightail it down to Governors Island, where the Jazz Age Lawn Party is in full swing. Michael Arenella’s Dreamland Orchestra provides the music, St. Germain provides the liquor, and Governors Island provides the scenery. All you have to bring is your dolled-up self.
Sat and Sun, August 28-29, 11am–6pm; $10, advance $7 Governors Island; dreamlandorchestra.com
EAT
Where can you find mustard seeds, mushrooms and more right in New York? You don't even have to go to one of our favorite NYC farmers' markets. Just look down. Steve Brill, the “wild man” of NYC, is taking a group of intrepid city slickers foraging around the urban jungle to find what’s growing right underneath their feet. The pickings are definitely cheaper than what you’ll find at your local Whole Foods, and you won’t have to worry about choosing paper or plastic at checkout.
Sun, August 29, 11:45am-3:45pm; $15 suggested donation Meet at Dyckman St and Broadway; RSVP 24 hours in advance to 914-835-2153
DRINK
This weekend, drink for a good cause: more drinks! One of our favorite jazz bars, Puppets, is throwing a weekend fundraiser to ensure that they can keep their doors open. Have some drinks, take a look at the tasty (and all-organic) menu, enjoy some live music (with
no cover charge), give whatever donation you can and help support a great Brooklyn business, plus all the musicians that depend on it!Sat, August 28, 5pm – Sun, August 29, 4am; donations encouraged 481 5th Ave, Brooklyn; puppetsjazz.com
SEE
Take a look back at New York history in action—literally! Revolutionary war re-enactors are bringing the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle against the British after the Declaration of Independence was signed, back from the past. After the battle, celebrate our victory and join the parade led by the Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine or stroll through scenic Green-Wood cemetery and find some city history for yourself.
Sun, August 29, noon; free 500 25th St, Brooklyn; green-wood.com
SHOP
Get some of the city’s best food deals in … the world’s biggest train station? For the first time, Grand Central Market, the gourmet food emporium and a haven for NYC foodies, is offering its own dining week that ends this weekend. Specialty foods include cupcakes, cheeses, spices and more. Stock up your kitchen and check out the goods!
Sat and Sun, August 28-29 87 E 42nd St, Manhattan; grandcentralterminal.com
PLAY
NYC summer events are winding down this weekend, so take one last spin around the dance floor. Dress up in your 1920s finest (we’re picturing strings of pearls and suspenders) and hightail it down to Governors Island, where the Jazz Age Lawn Party is in full swing. Michael Arenella’s Dreamland Orchestra provides the music, St. Germain provides the liquor, and Governors Island provides the scenery. All you have to bring is your dolled-up self.
Sat and Sun, August 28-29, 11am–6pm; $10, advance $7 Governors Island; dreamlandorchestra.com
Labels:
nyc weekend,
weekend events,
weekend in nyc
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Which NY borough has had the most tornadoes?
And the answer is ...
d) Staten Island
Of all the five boroughs, Staten Island has had the most tornadoes on record, with three only since 1990. The 2007 tornado in Brooklyn, however, was stronger than any of these. Although it initially touched town on Staten Island, it didn't become a powerful force until later in the storm, when Bay Ridge and Sunset Park neighborhoods were particularly affected; the Cyclones, Brooklyn's minor league baseball team, weren't the only tornado in town that day.
d) Staten Island
Of all the five boroughs, Staten Island has had the most tornadoes on record, with three only since 1990. The 2007 tornado in Brooklyn, however, was stronger than any of these. Although it initially touched town on Staten Island, it didn't become a powerful force until later in the storm, when Bay Ridge and Sunset Park neighborhoods were particularly affected; the Cyclones, Brooklyn's minor league baseball team, weren't the only tornado in town that day.
Labels:
new york trivia,
nyc tornadoes,
trivia answers
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
The rain in NYC this week has been unrelenting, but it pales in comparison to the storms in New York just three summers ago. On August 8, 2007, a tornado blew through Brooklyn, hitting parts of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park especially hard and shutting down subway service around the city.
Not only was the 2007 twister the strongest to hit New York on record, it was also the only one ever to hit Brooklyn. But there have been several tornados to hit other boroughs in recent years. Which New York borough has had the most tornados on record?
a) Queens
b) Manhattan
c) The Bronx
d) Staten Island
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Not only was the 2007 twister the strongest to hit New York on record, it was also the only one ever to hit Brooklyn. But there have been several tornados to hit other boroughs in recent years. Which New York borough has had the most tornados on record?
a) Queens
b) Manhattan
c) The Bronx
d) Staten Island
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Best of New York: Dog Parks
Dog owners in NYC don’t often have backyards at their disposal, but city dogs can still get a workout at one of the numerous dog parks around New York. In celebration of our upcoming Dog-Friendly Race, here’s a rundown of our favorite puppy parks in NYC.
Tompkins Square Park Dog Run
Located in the heart of the East Village, this was the first dog run ever built in Manhattan; in the 1980s, when the area was a high-crime neighborhood, locals would gather their dogs here informally for a safe place to play. Having been granted official status in 1990, the recently-renovated dog run now boasts swimming pools, water stations, and picnic tables where owners can relax and socialize as well.
E 7th St & Avenue A, Manhattan
Dog Beach at Prospect Park
For a summer treat, head down to Prospect Park, where Dog Beach is open for the season. A mini-vacation to city-bound pups, the Puppy Pools are only open during the summer; special off-leash hours allow the dogs to swim comfortably and escape the heat on the scenic pond’s shady banks. On the first Saturday of every month, snacks (for both dogs and owners) are provided at the park by FIDO, a Brooklyn dog owner association. Come check out what Prospect Park has to offer at the Amazing Dog Friendly Race, where dogs and their owners will embark on a scavenger hunt and obstacle course throughout the park!
95 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn
Hillside Dog Park
To avoid the crowds that gather at many NYC dog parks, Brooklyn locals favor Hillside: there’s ample room in big and little dogs alike in this sizeable dog run. Wood chips, rather than gravel or sand, provide the ground cover, keeping mess to a minimum; you won’t find it in your shoes the next day. And the proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River Promenade make for a scenic walk on the way home.
Columbia Heights & Vine St, Brooklyn
Riverside Park
Besides offering a beautiful view of the Hudson River (and being one of our favorite picnic spots in NYC), Riverside Park is also a paradise for dogs. A spot that’s particularly dog-friendly, with long stretches of the park designated off-leash zones all day long, Riverside also provides three designated dog runs (at 72nd, 87th, and 105th Sts), where pups can meet and mingle with other dogs through fountains and over special dust-free ground covering. For the more cautious canines, “small dog” areas are gated off from the rest of the run, so they can play safely.
475 Riverside Drive, Manhattan
McGolrick Park
A neighborhood favorite, this tucked-away Greenpoint haven is an intimate and beautiful alternative to the chaotic dog runs at bigger parks. Although the dog run is small, it is as well-maintained as the manicured lawn surrounding it, and the towering trees provide a welcome shade for pups and humans alike. The locals are a friendly and loyal bunch—the dog park equivalent of “Cheers”—and they’ll all be glad you came.
Nassau Ave & Russell St, Brooklyn
Friday, August 20, 2010
What to Do This Weekend in NYC
Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
In most places outside of city limits, summer means county fair time. And county fair time means lots and lots of fried food. Whether you’re nostalgic for the fairs of your childhood, or just want to pig out for a day, join the Minnesota State Fair Day food tour around Manhattan on Sunday. Your guide will lead you to the best approximations of fair food in NYC, from milkshakes to funnel cakes.
Sun, August 22, noon; pay as you go Meet at Fat Annie’s Truck Stop, 131 W. 33rd St, Manhattan; mnstatefairday.com
DRINK
Put your taste buds (and your alcohol tolerance) to the test at the Brooklyn Wort’s Amateur Brewing Competition. 20 local contestant will be pouring from their own home-brewed concoctions, from IPAs to Belgian ales. Cast your vote for Brooklyn’s finest, and wait to hear the results by soaking up the suds with some free BBQ.
Sat, August 21, 2:30 pm and 5pm; $20 Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn; 347-240-5850, brooklynwort.com
SEE
As the summer winds down, enjoy the last weekend of car-free streets and entertainment at Manhattan’s Summer Streets. All Saturday, Park Avenue and Lafayette Street will be closed to motorized vehicles for 7 miles, all the way from Tribeca to the Upper East Side. Street performers and activities are set up at rest stops along the way, the most popular of which are the open dumpster pools (they’re clean!). Put on your bathing suit and walking shoes and take back the city!
Sat, August 21, 7am-1pm; free Visit nyc.gov/summerstreets for routes and information.
SHOP
This weekend marks the last of Greenpoint’s Backyard Bazaars, our favorite shopping event turned garden party. Browse the clothing, crafts, jewelry and vintage housewares from a dozen local designers—all at a discount—while relaxing in the boutique’s garden and sipping your free mimosas (or, for the less girly-drink inclined, beers). We recommend purchasing before imbibing.
Sat, August 21, noon-6pm; free admission In God We Trust, 70 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn; greenpointbackyardbazaar.blogspot.com
PLAY
Get a team of friends together for our last Come All Race of the year! The Amazing New York Race lets you see NYC in a whole new way. Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY and complete crazy challenges in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! The winning teams receive prizes including massages, photo tours, food, drink, jewelry and more. Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.
Sunday, August 22, 12:30p-6pm; $35 per person Meet at Dave & Busters, 234 W. 42nd St, Manhattan; theamazingnewyorkrace.com
EAT
In most places outside of city limits, summer means county fair time. And county fair time means lots and lots of fried food. Whether you’re nostalgic for the fairs of your childhood, or just want to pig out for a day, join the Minnesota State Fair Day food tour around Manhattan on Sunday. Your guide will lead you to the best approximations of fair food in NYC, from milkshakes to funnel cakes.
Sun, August 22, noon; pay as you go Meet at Fat Annie’s Truck Stop, 131 W. 33rd St, Manhattan; mnstatefairday.com
DRINK
Put your taste buds (and your alcohol tolerance) to the test at the Brooklyn Wort’s Amateur Brewing Competition. 20 local contestant will be pouring from their own home-brewed concoctions, from IPAs to Belgian ales. Cast your vote for Brooklyn’s finest, and wait to hear the results by soaking up the suds with some free BBQ.
Sat, August 21, 2:30 pm and 5pm; $20 Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn; 347-240-5850, brooklynwort.com
SEE
As the summer winds down, enjoy the last weekend of car-free streets and entertainment at Manhattan’s Summer Streets. All Saturday, Park Avenue and Lafayette Street will be closed to motorized vehicles for 7 miles, all the way from Tribeca to the Upper East Side. Street performers and activities are set up at rest stops along the way, the most popular of which are the open dumpster pools (they’re clean!). Put on your bathing suit and walking shoes and take back the city!
Sat, August 21, 7am-1pm; free Visit nyc.gov/summerstreets for routes and information.
SHOP
This weekend marks the last of Greenpoint’s Backyard Bazaars, our favorite shopping event turned garden party. Browse the clothing, crafts, jewelry and vintage housewares from a dozen local designers—all at a discount—while relaxing in the boutique’s garden and sipping your free mimosas (or, for the less girly-drink inclined, beers). We recommend purchasing before imbibing.
Sat, August 21, noon-6pm; free admission In God We Trust, 70 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn; greenpointbackyardbazaar.blogspot.com
PLAY
Get a team of friends together for our last Come All Race of the year! The Amazing New York Race lets you see NYC in a whole new way. Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY and complete crazy challenges in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! The winning teams receive prizes including massages, photo tours, food, drink, jewelry and more. Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.
Sunday, August 22, 12:30p-6pm; $35 per person Meet at Dave & Busters, 234 W. 42nd St, Manhattan; theamazingnewyorkrace.com
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