NYC Tastes

It's an absolutely gorgeous day to be in NYC.  The sun is shining, there's actually a cool breeze instead of the crazy humidity we've had all week and the Union Square Greenmarket is hosting its 2nd Summer Friday of the year with the Beer and Spirits of New York Pop Up. All evening local brewers, distillers and cideries will be on hand giving out free samples of their beverages like From The Ground Brewery in Red Hook and Plan Bee Brewing in Poughkeepsie; possibly the nicest brewing couple in the business churning out refreshing honey Saisons and Wild Ales. Aaron Burr and Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cidery... ...and my favorite local distiller Port Morris with their stunning Pitorro Coquito.  Every time I have this spirit I'm floored.  It's got those great coconut, vanilla and cinnamon flavors of a regular coquito but there's no work.  It's all right there in the bottle ready to go. In addition to the free samples there are various food vendors on hand...

The International Restaurant and Foodservice show returned to the Javits Center this Sunday for three full days of food panels, culinary demonstrations and exhibitions showcasing current food trends in the industry. Taste NY had its own special pavilion pouring beer from Sixpoint, Ommegang and 212 in addition to  wine from  Dr. Frank Konstantin .  I always enjoyed their Dry Riesling but I had no idea they produced such incredible sparklers.  I absolutely fell in love with the Chateau Frank Blanc de Blancs.   Over in the spirits section I found another surprising love Pitorro Coquito from  Port Morris Distillery  in the Bronx.   Pitorro is a potent moonshine usually found throughout homes in Puerto Rico. Owner Rafael Barbosa persuaded his uncle to bring his recipe to NYC and together they have come out with a line of three different Pitorro's.  The classic cane sugar Pitorro Shine, an Anejo aged in wood barrels and the Coquito; a sho...