Fourth of July Plans? Recommendations for the Perfect Independence Day

The Fourth of July is on a Wednesday this year - wa wahhh. But, hello? We live in New York City meaning there are tons of options to par-tay. True - there isn't an extra day to recover and sloth on the couch, but buck up because these places will make that morning after hangover worth it. Because Baby - you're a fireworkkkkk - let your colors burssttt. By Lauren Saiger

Macondo

Macondo

157 East Houston Street nr. Allen St.

Time:  All day long!

What:    Raise your flags, it's the Fourth of July and Macondo wants us to celebrate. This Latin-tapas fiesta palace will be offering frozen pitchers of coconut mojitos and watermelon margaritas all day to compliment your empanadas and spicy small plates. 

Cost: $20 a pitcher

Why it's special? The laid back, fun environment will make you want to celebrate all day.  Plus the prices are cheap and you can stay as long as you'd like. We wouldn't steer you wrong, the fun factor here exceeds all expectations!

Grey Lady
77 Delancey Street nr. Allen St.
Time:  Dinner

The Grey Lady, Lower East Side

What:  The Grey Lady Shore dinner will be a serious feast consisting of lobster stew, market tomato salad, New Jersey sweet corn with a little Mexican street-style twist, a pound of Maine steamers, 1.5lb Maine lobster and a special dessert! Can you say "let freedom ring!"

Cost: $40 - Reservations recommended.

Why it's special? You may not be taking a weekend getaway, but this place will certainly make you feel like you're on holiday. With the windows open, wind blowing through your hair, cocktail in hand and mounds of seafood, you might as well be in Montauk. Make sure to come with an appetite - this will be a feast to remember. 

The Liberty Belle Spectacular, The Empire Hotel

44 West 63rd Street nr. Broadway

Time:  5pm

The Empire Hotel Rooftop
Photo Credit: The Kong List

View of Fireworks from Press Lounge

What: A vintage Fourth of July rooftop extravaganza. Enjoy live entertainment including burlesque dancing and music as well as fireworks and delicious cocktails under the stars! Don't worry - if you get hungry they'll have some juicy hamburgers and hot dogs to nibble on as you peruse the singles scene. 

Cost: $25 group/$30 advanced purchase/ $35 at the door.  Buy tickets here.

Why it's special? Dress up in your vintage 1920-1950's attire and join the party. The Liberty Belle Spectacular is one of our favorite events in the city. Dance, drink and oohh and ahhh at the fireworks at 9pm. 

Press Lounge
653 11th Avenue nr. 47th St.
Time:  6pm - 2am.
What:  Passed hors d'oeuvres, food platters and desserts from 6-10pm.
Cost: $325 per person, reservations required.
Why it's special? Enjoy some of the best views of the Macy's firework extravaganza that New York has to offer! The prices may seem steep, but trust us - the view, food and drinks will make it worth your while!

Chelsea Brewing Company

Chelsea Brewing Company 

Pier 59 West Side Highway nr. 18th St.

Time:  5-9:30pm

What: Open bar including their award-winning beers along with liquor and wine, passed appetizers, dinner, dessert and brewery tours.    

Cost: $175 

Why it's special? Lots to do and see here including their brewery tours throughout the evening. Once 9:15 strikes, walk down the pier for front row seats to the fireworks.

Pulled pork sliders, Dukes

Dukes
99 E. 19th Street nr. Park Avenue South

Time:  12pm-1am

What:  BBQ & Beer

Cost: $10 pitchers, $25 beer towers, ribs, burgers & all the fixings

Why it's special? Can't leave the city for a BBQ? Duke's will be grilling up all your favorite meat-loving treats all day long. Ribs, burgers, chili - they got it all. And naturally, the sides will runneth over. 

Photo Credit:  New York Street Food

Fireworks and Food Trucks 
The Waterfront at Pier 92

Time:  12pm -12am

What: Enjoy some of NYC's best food trucks while you dance the day away to a live DJ during this all-day beach party on the Hudson with Wyclef Jean and Lil' Jon. Some of our favorite truckie friends like Phil's Steaks, Souvlaki GR, Milk Truck, Valducci's Pizza, Bistro Truck, Crepes Truck, Feed Your Hole, Sweetery, Cupcake Crew and Big D's will be grilling, cooking and baking their signature treats all day long. 

Cost: Tickets range from general admission ($35) to a VIP Terrace table for 6 including vodka, champagne and a rose liqueur for $1,050. If you're feeling baller status this Independence Day, opt for the Magnum Cabana. Details and pricing are here.

Why it's special? It may just be the Hudson, but hey...everything feels better when you're on the water.  An unobstructed view of the Macy's Fireworks show, our favorite food trucks and lots of drinks! Folks - it's Wednesday. This is as good as it gets.

Pera Soho Rooftop Extravaganza
54 Thompson Street nr. Broome St. 

Time:  Three seatings at 1pm, 4:30pm and 8pm

What:   Unlimited food and drinks including platters of meats, heaps of shellfish, a buffet of scrumptious cold cuts, salads and desserts. Sip on watermelon mojitos, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee or tea. 

Cost: 1pm and 4:30pm seating ($55) & 8pm seating ($65) 

Why it's special? If you're holiday-ed out or still broke from that Vegas bachelor party last weekend, this may be the way to go. Grab your favorite friends, book a table and enjoy. 

Rooftop view, 230 Fifth 

230 Fifth

230 Fifth Avenue 20th Floor nr. 27th St.

Time: Opens at 11am

What: Rooftop barbecue - hot dogs, ribs, burgers, corn on the cob and grilled veggies

Cost: Two drink minimum until 9pm. 

Why it's special? 360 degree views of Manhattan which makes for the perfect venue to sip on cocktails while enjoying the fireworks. There's no cover and two drinks seams like a pittance compared to last year when you guzzled that jungle juice faster then the frat guys that invaded your share house. This my friends, is a step up in the world. 

Photo Credit: TONY Offers and Experiences

Tipsy Parson

156 9th Avenue nr. 20th St.

Time:  12-8pm

What:   Before heading west to see the fireworks, make a reservation for an exclusive July 4th BBQ at Tipsy Parson brought to you by our friends at TONY Offers and Experiences.

Cost: $50 per person which will get you a family-style feast and two drinks.  

Why it's special?  Perhaps one of the best deals around? What screams Fourth of July more than eating and drinking your way through the day with their Southern plates and sumptuous sides? wEE recommend their Carolina BBQ pork ribs and their catfish po' boy!

Let Freedom Ring from your friends at Eatery Expert! And don't forget; Write us for free, personalized restaurant recommendations. It's what we do best.  

SPLURGE! Favorite Restaurants of NYC's Best Fitness Instructors

You've heard it before, food lovers. The more calories you eat, the more you should burn. Translation: you gotta move more than you mangia. You have to wonder between endless sets of burpees and mountain climbers and turning up the resistance on your bike another turn to the right, do fitness instructors ever splurge? Have their lips ever touched a baguette? Is sugar a curse word to them? Does cheese exist in their world? Can they even pronounce 'Momofuku' and how do they feel about pork buns?

The truth is, most of NYC's most sought after fitness instructors are huge food obsessives, but in a good way. They enjoy going out and eating and of course, showing that if you burn a gagillion calories a week, you have more room to dig into the good stuff every once in a while.

We've rounded up a few of Manhattan's favorite fitness instructors and found out where they like to chow down and how many of their classes it would take to burn off their favorite dish on the menu. Yes, they're human and eat food that isn't limited to boneless skinless chicken breast and kale. And guess what? They look amazing doing it. By Joleen Zanuzoski, Editor

Darryl Photo: Vegas Magazine 

Darryl Gaines, TranscendCycle™at Equinox 
Truffle parmigiano fries at Delicatessen 54 Prince Street nr. Lafayette St. 
His energy is infectious and his playlists will have you riding "TO THE BEAT!" in no time. Darryl's bikes book up 26 hours on the dot before class time and as Darryl-devotees know, if you missed the booking window you better get ready to be a part of a sprawling, anxiety-filled line of wait-listers before class begins. After his Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon classes at Equinox SoHo, you can find Darryl and his loyal following snacking and discussing the stars (literally - Gaines is a professional and highly respected astrologer) at nearby Delicatessen. How many classes would it take to burn off his favorite indulgence? "One class, of course! Ok...maybe two," he says. The truffle-parm fries clock in at about 1100 calories, so Transcend first, then get your truffle on. His classes fly by so quickly, this seems like a double splurge to us.

Tracy Anderson, Tracy Anderson Method
Biscuits at The Lion 62 West 9th Street nr. Sixth Ave. Yes, she's trained Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow with her signature workouts, but when she's not training Hollywood's hottest, Anderson can be found toning locals at her TriBeca studio or promoting her new fitness and nutrition plan, Metamorphosis. Her ultimate indulgence is John Delucie's biscuits at The Lion. "I have been addicted to his biscuits since the moment I savored one at The Waverly Inn. I will follow him anywhere he puts those biscuits! I always change up the entrees and usually drink a Sancerre." Her second favorite dish? "[The Lion's] bread pudding. I have [Chef Delucie] sub the fruit for chocolate every time." Well, she doesn't get that body eating biscuits and chocolate.

Nicholas Pratley, SoulCycle
Sea Salt Caramel and Hazelnut Gelato at Eataly 200 Fifth Avenue nr. 23rd St. Pratley is the newest, chiseled addition to the SoulCycle NYC universe and we would like to personally thank Australia, Los Angeles and God for sending him to us. His classes are high-energy, no nonsense and you will find yourself throwing $31 in the air with utter glee every time you snag a bike to one of his spin-a-thons. What's better than seeing a fit man like Nick sweat it out? Watching him savor a cup of gelato. Follow him to Eataly and snag a cup of sea salt caramel or Piedmont hazelnut gelato from Batali's Gelataria. "I LOVE food, so the more options the better - that is why Eataly is such a joyous place." It will only take one or two SoulCycles to burn off this creamy, cooling indulgence.

Kristi Molinaro, 30/60/90 at Equinox
Pappa al Pomodoro at Bread Tribeca 301 Church Street nr. Walker St. Walk into any Equinox in NYC and it's a guarantee you will bump into someone sprinting to lock down a spot with their mini-step in one of Molinaro's HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) classes. 30/60/90 is designed like a 45-minutes personal training session except it's in a room packed to the gills with Molinaro's loyal following. "Since each 30/60/90 class burns about 550 calories, I would probably have to take two classes to burn off my splurge meal as long as I kept the bread to one piece and wine to two glasses! And since HIIT burns additional calories for the 36 hours after your workout, I might even be able to sneak in another glass of wine." Molinaro's indulgence after a hard day of making "every second count" to her 30/60/90 devotees: The insanely delicious tomato soup with bread and olive oil with a glass of pinot noir at Bread in NoLita or TriBeca.

Keoni Hudoba, Barry's Bootcamp 
Salted Caramel Cupcake at City Cakes 251 West 18th Street nr. Eighth Ave. It's hard to miss this Hawaiian heartthrob galavanting throughout NYC. Not only will his infectious laugh wake you up at one of his early AM Barry's sessions, so will his great one-liners that will push you to the limit. With Keoni's envious build, you would think he lives, eats and breathes egg whites and protein shakes, but no no. He is a may-jor foodie. "I love food but I love dessert more! I have a serious sweet tooth." Hudoba can't get enough of Marc Stellrecht and Benny Rivera's City Cakes in Chelsea. You can find him there on a weekly basis, digging into one of their salted caramel cupcakes or nibbling on a half-pound peanut butter or oatmeal raisin cookie. "If you do my Barry's class correctly, it would take about half of the class to burn off a City Cakes cupcake." Oh, well if you put it that way - I'll take a dozen cupcakes and a dozen Barry's classes, please. Now, move!

Stephanie Culen, SacredStrength™ at Equinox
Green Vegetable Curry at Spice Market 403 West 13th Street nr. Ninth Ave. There is something about a yoga class led by Stephanie Culen that just makes everything right in the world. You could be having one of those "I'm over New York - I'm moving to the West Coast!" kind of days and she will make you zen out in no time. Her signature yoga class is Vinyasa-style with a faster flow, letting you move and shake those chakras in the sweatiest way possible. All yogi levels are welcome and her gentle, hands-on approach is absolute perfection. Her splurge when she isn't leading a packed class into their final savasana? Jean George's Spice Market in MePa. "It takes me to India with the authentic Kerala decor. I order a Ginger Margarita and the  Vegetables in Green Curry with Coconut Sticky Rice." With her enviable yoga body, it's hard to believe she even knows what coconut sticky rice tastes like.

Photo: Karen Thornton, The Peche

LA Russell, Megaformer Hardcore 65 at SLT
PB&J Doughnuts, Doughnut Plant 220 West 23rd Street nr. Seventh Ave. 
This California girl is notoriously known in the SLT community as seriously hardcore and the Megaformer Hardcore class is a testament to how intense a pilates reformer can really be. When LA isn't noshing on healthy snacks like the green juice, cheezy kale chips and funyuns at Organic Avenue she splurges on a peanut butter and jelly doughnut at Doughnut Plant. "I love the quirky atmosphere - it's genius to add rosewater cream to a doughnut and top it off with a flower petal!" Each class combines cardio training, weight bearing exercise and Pilates, burning 500-650 calories in 50 minutes.

Omar Sandoval, Titan Method at Equinox

Jumbo Cheeseburger and Sweet Potato Fries at Chirping Chicken 355 Amsterdam Avenue nr. 77th St. If your workout regimen involves kicking, punching, striking or swishing a wooden sword in the air, most likely you have taken a class with "The Titan," Omar Sandoval. Sandoval teaches 28 classes a week consisting of Ilaria Montagnani's Powerstrike, Impact, Bodystrikes and Forza workouts and his own signature class, Titan Method. The class consists of intense five-minute rounds of weights and cardio involving anything from jump squats to burpees, followed by a short recovery and then doing it all over again for 60 minutes. Not only will you burn major calories in class, but Sandoval guarantees a calorie burn twenty-four hours after you leave the gym. How does he refuel? Usually with a healthy order of chicken and rice and beans from Chirping Chicken where he is called "Somamu" by the staff which means "strong man" in Swedish. When he's feeling naughty after teaching for six hours he goes all out. "I order a triple cheeseburger and sweet potato fries from Chirping Chicken. Sometimes a side of chicken strips, too. I will sweat it off the next day." So there you have it folks - you have to do six hours of insane Titan-esque workouts to burn off a huge cheeseburger. Don't shoot the messenger. 

Sara Carr, CrossFit NYC - The Black Box

Crispy Bacon at Craft 43 East 19th Street nr. Park Ave. South After getting smoked in a heavy lifting competition by a 70 year old man in her first CrossFit class, Carr has been throwing tires around and whipping people into shape on the regular. This former gymnast and heavy lifter loves to indulge her inner glutton at Tom Colicchio's Craft. "Everything on the menu is great, but the two things I always order are the crispy bacon appetizer and the sugar and spice doughnuts for dessert. The bacon comes in cubes and never fails to taste amazing with a really great texture. Plus, any CrossFitter will tell you a good meal is never complete without bacon! Also, another favorite at Craft is the 30-day dry aged sirloin which comes with the bone marrow." She isn't much for counting calories, but thinks "one or two grueling CrossFit workouts should  annihilate the calories consumed on a meal at Craft." Anything that allows me to eat crispy bacon with wild abandon, sign me up! 

Featured Request of the Day! - Bridal Shower

Request: Best Restaurants for a Bridal Shower

EE's Recommendations:

1. Trattoria Cinque  363 Greenwich Street nr. Franklin St.  I'll start off by saying that this place is such a hidden gem, especially for large groups. I've been to a number of larger parties here and have always had a blast! They have 2 rooms private rooms that accommodate large parties and offer a sit down dinner, passed hors d'oeuvres and have a great cocktail list. They allow you to tailor the party to your liking, making it the perfect venue. 

Trattoria Cinque

2.  Alison Eighteen  15 W. 18th Street nr. 5th Ave.  If you are looking for a place that'll truly impress both parties, Alison Eighteen undoubtedly will. It opened this year, but trust me Alison is no newbie to the industry.  The space is delightful and the food is up to par.  They have a private area downstairs that will accommodate up to 100 people for the occasion.  Similar to Trattoria Cinque, you'll be able to customize your event however you would like! 

Alison Eighteen's private room

3. Locanda Verde 379 Greenwich Street nr. North Moore St. The room is absolutely stunning and the food is some of the best I've had anywhere in the city - especially their chicken for two and scrumptious pastas.  I guess you can tell it's one of my favorite restaurants for any occasion! If it's in your budget and they have availability, you must book their private room.  

Private room and customized menu at Locanda Verde

How to Create the Perfect NYC Picnic in the Park

One of the best things about New York are the beautiful parks that surround every corner of the city. Throughout the five boroughs there are 1700 parks and playgrounds to run, rollerblade, tan, swim, and of course, picnic! Picnics are one of the best ways to gather a group of friends, family or just the one you love and eat alfresco.

Dust off your picnic basket (ok, you probably don't have a picnic basket) and pack it up with some of these favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or a growler of beer and soak up NYC in all its natural glory. Instead of dining in and doing the usual routine, mix it up and take these snacks to-go, creating the most enviable picnic around. By Sarah Mintz and Joleen Zanuzoski

Buvette
Photos: Buvette

One-Stop Shop Picnic Planners at Buvette
42 Grove Street nr. Bleecker St.
Chef Jodi Williams is wrapping up her perfect indulgent treats in a basket and offering them to her loyal following as a part of her new summer picnic program that is soon to come. Charcuterie, cheeses, croissants and much more will be offered from this French gastroteche. Bonus: If you need wheels to complete your picture perfect day, vintage bicycles will be available to rent. Can we say 'perfect date?' Gentlemen - take note of this one. Nearby Place to Picnic: Hudson River Park

Salumeria Rosi 

Meats and cheeses at Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Avenue nr. 73rd St. 
If sandwiches are on your menu, Salumeria Rosi is a required stop before you spread out your picnic blanket. Most of the meat is supplied by Parmacotto, the most popular deli meat in Italy. The selection of mortadella, salumi, prosciutto and tons of cheese is major and if your are still hankering for more check out their prepared foods case, filled with bean salads, peppers, greens and more. Nearby place to picnic: Riverside Park 

The Growler Station 

Jug o' Brewski at The Growler Station
26 West 8th Street nr. Macdougal St. 
Ditch that six-pack of Coors Light and graduate to the next level - it's all about the craft beer these days, folks. Not only do you get to carry around a snazzy growler of brew, you can fill it up with one of the Growler Station's 24 craft beers on tap. Chose between a 32oz or 64oz growler depending on how many people you are entertaining, or maybe how thirsty you are? We're not judging. A couple quality option on tap at the moment? Cisco Brothers Summer of Lager and Smuttynose Brewing Company Wheat Wine? Fill 'er up! Nearby place to picnic: Washington Square Park 

The Main Dish at Charles' Country Pan Fried Chicken
2839 Frederick Douglas Boulevard nr. 151st St. 
A picnic would not be complete without some crispy, crunchy fried chicken and if you ask anyone around, they will send you to Charles' in Harlem. For $12.99, get a bucket of chicken and while you're at it, throw in some black eyed peas and banana pudding. You won't regret it. Nearby polace to picnic: Jackie Robinson Park 

Levain Bakery's cookies
Photo: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Gallery

Cookies and carbs at Levain Bakery
167 West 74th Street nr. Amsterdam Ave. 
We're not uncovering any kind of cookie secret by listing Levain's legendary cookies. Take this as a gentle reminder to not forget these amazing treats that are perfect to pack up and take with you. These cookies are the most decadent disc of sugar around. For $3.75 each, they better be. Need some bread for your sandwiches? The sourdough baguettes are a fantastic for sandwich making. Nearby place to picnic: The Great Lawn, Central Park

Fruits and veggies at Forager's Market
300 West 22nd Street nr. Eighth Ave.
Broccoli raab, grilled yams, honey roasted baby turnips, edamame & leek salad to name just a few farm fresh prepared dishes you can grab and go at this new Chelsea addition. Also, if you're not in the mood to make your own sandwiches or really want to pick up a chicken fresh off the rotisserie, stop into Forager's and make your picnic complete. Nearby place to picnic: The Highline

Pork buns at Momofuku Milk Bar
251 East 13th Street nr. Second Ave.  
In addition to compost cookies and crack pie, you can pick up David Chang's infamous pork buns to go at one of the three Manhattan milk bar locations. Call ahead for the quickest turnaround if you're planning on ordering more than a dozen and trust us, this is probably the wisest decision. These buns will be disappear before you can say "frisbee."Nearby place to picnic: Tompkins Square Park

Bottle of Rosé at Pasanella and Son Vintners
115 South Street nr. Peck Slip
In 1882, the building that houses Pasanella & Son used to be a brothel. Now it houses one of the most well respected wine stores and vintners in town. It's mandatory that you head down to South Street Seaport and pick up a bottle of their own rosé from Tuscany to complete your summer picnic. Not only do you feel like you're stealing it for $10.99 a bottle, the provencal freshness and subtle cherry aroma makes it the perfect pairing with charcuterie and barbeque. Cheers! Nearby place to picnic: Battery Park 

HEAT WAVE! Best Summer Treats to Beat the Heat

Basil & Sweet Potato Gelato, il Laboratorio del Gelato
Photo: Tina Wong, The Wandering Eater

New Yorkers - brace yourself. It's officially summer and we are in for a heat wave! Nothing tastes better than ice cream or a smoothie on a hot summer's day so we've narrowed it down to a few favorite cold, refreshing treats to make you say "ahhhh" during this spicy summer solstice. Speedos and bikinis optional. Joleen Zanuzoski, Editor 

il Laboratorio del Gelato, Basil, Sweet Potato and Black Sesame Gelato $4.25 - $6.75
188 Ludlow Street nr. East Houston St. 
You will never run out of flavors to sample at "The Lab" because on any given day there are 48 gelati and sorbet to taste from a list of 200. When the weather gets too hot to handle, lick your lunch and order some of their savory options. Favorites? Basil with sweet potato is one of the tastiest combinations I have tried to date, and a single scoop of the black sesame gelato is truly a treat sent from the heavens.

Ten Ren, Red Bean Taiwanese Shaved Ice $5
75 Mott Street nr. Canal St. 
Yes, I agree. The last place I want to be on a sweltering day is Chinatown, for obvious reasons. However, this Asian sweet treat may be worth the trip. Ten Ren serves the best Taiwanese shaved ice outside of Flushing. Yes, the syrup is a little on the sweeter side but the sugar laced slush will give you an extra kick to power through the heat.

I Love Watermelon Smoothie
Photo: Haute Living

Juice Generation, I Love Watermelon Smoothie $6.97
Several locations throughout Manhattan

If you're trying to keep your sweets in check, go with this fruity beverage located at the eight locations of Juice Generation around Manhattan. Fresh watermelon juice is combined with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and you have the option to add in protein (soy or whey) and other healthy goodies for a little extra boost. If you get hungry, try some of their nutritious, low-cal snacks found in the cooler.

Kelvin Natural Slush Ice Cube, Arnold Palmer Slush $3.50-$4.50
Little Red Square Park, Bleecker Street & Sixth Ave. 
The slushy truck that is synonymous with ice-cold sugary (but all-natural!) goodness has a permanent parking spot in the West Village with it's new Ice Cube. The Arnold Palmer (1/2 tea, 1/2 citrus slush) is truly a must try, and the spicy ginger is pretty spectacular as well. Feeling saucy? Mix in mint, basil, white peach, raspberry, strawberry or mango to your slush to make it your own cool-down creation. The Ice Cube is open 7 days a week, 12pm to 9pm. 

Donatella's Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

Donatella, Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich $7
184 Eighth Avenue nr. 19th St. 
We're not saying you will feel more inclined to throw on your bikini after devouring two of these sweet creations, but you're surely going to feel a cool breeze of delicious take over your taste buds. The soft, moist cakes are filled with vanilla gelato and topped with a hint of strawberry rhubarb jam. Perfection.

La Newyorkina, Pineapple Mint popsicle $4
The Highline at West 22nd Street
Translated to "the girl from New York," these artisanal Mexican ice pops are the perfect treat while strolling the Highline or perusing the Hester Street Fair on the weekends. Flavors are constantly changing and supremely unique. Tamarind coconut, anyone?

popbar's Blood Orange popSorbetto

popbar, Blood Orange popSorbetto
5 Carmine Street nr. Sixth Avenue
Delicious, refreshing and made with 100% real fruit? Sold! This bar o' popsicle is filled with every flavor your taste buds desire - gelato bars, sorbet bars, yogurt bars, frozen hot chocolate, and more. Basically all they need is an actual bar and a liquor license and they're a one-stop shop. Feeling adventurous? Dip your pop in chocolate or add "poppings" like shredded coconut or pistachios. 

Recent Recommendations from the Experts!

RECOMMENDATIONS of THE WEEK

Recent recommendations the EE team provided to the needy, hungry & thirsty that wrote in to us. Need a recommendation? Ask Eatery Expert

1.  Nantucket on the LES: Grey Lady 77 Delancey Street nr. Allen St.

Lobster rolls & Oysters.You'll feel like you're near water and 
we're not talking about the Hudson!

2.  Out of the Ordinary Group Dinner: Mono + Mono 116 East 4th Street nr. First Ave.

Best Korean fried chicken and live piano bar!  
Depending on the night, there's also a DJ!

3.  Mangia! Italian Happy Hour: Porsena Sinistra 21 East 7th Street nr. Third Ave.

Mondays & Tuesdays, 5:30-7, $1 oysters and white sangria
Photo: Teverina Dreaming

4.  Private room for up to 15 people:  Sauce Restaurant 78 Rivington Street nr. Allen St.

wEE recommend the meatballs! 

5.  Tasting menu worth the splurge: Atera 77 Worth Street nr. Church St.

Tasting menu in TriBeca? Yes, please! 

6. Best wings downtown: Pok Pok Wing 137 Rivington Street nr. Norfolk St.

Fresh chicken wings marinated in fish sauce, garlic and sugar fried to perfection!
Photo: Capitalnewyork.com

7.  Alfresco dining: The Nomad Rooftop 1170 Broadway nr. 28th St.

Nomad's amazing rooftop - enjoy a seasonal five-course tasting menu.

8.  Somewhere new for after dinner drinks: The DL 95 Delancey nr. Ludlow Street

Delicious cocktails and small plates.

9. Entertaining guests from out of town: Rosemary's Enoteca & Trattoria 18 Greenwich Avenue nr. W. 10th St. 

Rustic & delicious. 
Photo: Urbandaddy

10.  Speakeasy in the East Village: Proletariat 102 St. Marks Street nr. First Ave.

Shhh, don't tell. This is our little secret.
Photo: LIFTLUXE

Featured Request of the Day!

Request: Dinner with friends in the East Village

EE's Recommendations: 

Guacamole Trio, Mercadito

1. Mercadito 179 Avenue B nr. 12th Street I love Mercadito for large groups because they have a menu that is just for sharing for parties of 7 or more! You can pick a price point of $30-$45 per person and you get all different types of their delicious Mexican food. Everything from their guacamole to their ceviches and tacos are unreal. 

2. Supper  156 East 2nd Street nr. Avenue A Delish, lively Italian restaurant that isn't on the major $$$$ side. Great wine list and fun atmosphere. The restaurant has a back room and lounge area to accommodate larger groups. Make sure to save room for dessert! 

3. The Toucan & The Lion  342 E. 6th Street nr. First Ave. This is a newcomer and it's getting a lot of buzz so book immediately if you're planning on taking part! It's an Asian gastropub and boy is the food yummy! When I was there, we ordered a bunch of small plates which is especially great for a larger party. Their menu is really diverse, but if you like burgers, you must get one for everyone to try!