This evening, I joined a bunch of friends in celebrating my good friend Albert‘s birthday at a dive bar in Williamsburg. The large outdoor patio featured two grills for us to cook up our own food, and the weather made for easily one of the nicest summer evenings we’ve had in NYC this season.

East River Bar
97 South 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Yesterday, we threw a Rockabilly Hob Nob at Self Edge New York – the highlight of the afternoon was definitely the set Omar and the Stringpoppers played right outside the store. The energy they brought to their live show was infectious… it’s refreshing to see a band performing that’s genuinely having a good time.

This weekend we had a crawfish boil to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Over 60 pounds of fresh mudbugs were overnighted in from Louisiana for the occasion, and we were in good hands being that our organizer, Talida, has had prior experience. Coupled with red potatoes, kielbasa, corn on the cob, and some cold beers, it was the perfect meal for a summertime backyard party.

Fatted Calf Charcuterie
644 1st Street / Napa, CA

Darioush Winery
4240 Silverado Trail / Napa, CA

James Cole Winery
5014 Silverado Trail / Napa, CA

Russian River Brewing Co.
725 4th Street / Santa Rosa, CA