Looking for something to do this holiday weekend? Here are five choice dining events going on around the city:
1) F*cking Delicious Pancake Eating Contest at Jo's
Where: 264 Elizabeth Street
When: Monday at 4 PM
What: The stylish Nolita bar and restaurant is holding its second annual F*cking Delicious Pancake Eating Contest on Monday. The first prize is a $250 Chase Visa check card, and the contest is open to amateurs only. As a bonus, they are offering $9 all-you-can-eat pancakes on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for brunch. Sign up for the competition here.
2) Brunch at Union Square Cafe
Where: 21 East 16th Street
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM - 2:30 PM
What: For the first time in its 25 years in business, Danny Meyer's beloved New American restaurant will serve brunch. Chef Carmen Quagliata's menu includes breakfast items like brioche French toast, zucchini and eggplant with eggs and cheese, and blueberry pancakes. There's also a number of pastas, fish entrees, sandwiches, snacks, oysters, and of course you can order that burger. Check out the full menu here (PDF).
3) Maison Premiere Labor Day Party
Where: 298 Bedford Avenue
When: Monday, Noon - 8 PM
What: Maison Premiere is throwing a Labor Day party on Monday with burgers, barbecued oysters, and French 75 cocktails from Chris Hannah of the acclaimed Arnaud's French 75 Bar in New Orleans. The Maison Premiere Stompers will play music, and they will have an oyster-eating competition hosted by Jim Ryan, the world record holder. If you want to compete, there's a $50 entry fee; e-mail the bar if you're interested.
4) Opening Weekend at Maison Laduree
Where: 864 Madison Avenue
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 6 PM
What: The legendary French macaron shop is now open on the Upper East Side. This is perhaps the biggest pastry addition of the year — people go crazy for those colorful little macarons, and there are plenty of other pastries and sorbets to choose from. Be prepared to wait in line.
5) Shrimp Boil at Ardesia
When: Saturday, 4 - 7 PM
Where: 510 West 52nd Street
What: Mandy Oser's chic Hell's Kitchen wine bar is hosting its second annual all-you-can-eat shrimp boil today. Beer, wine, and rosé are included in the $30 per-person admission price. E-mail Ardesia before 3 PM today to reserve a slot. Note: this event was originally scheduled for last weekend.
Also of Note: Smorgasburg is open today and so are the food stalls at Rockaway Beach. For a new place to eat, consider Joe Ng's dim sum parlor Red Farm or Seamus Mullen's Spanish restaurant Tertulia. If you're looking for bang for your buck check out Eater's list of five affordable alternatives to New York's hottest restaurants. And if you're feeling adventurous, perhaps you might enjoy a meal at one of New York's 10 "secret" restaurants.
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