Back Forty's Butchering Class, Oysters and Beer Fest, More

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining events going on around the city:

1) Butchering Class
When: Today, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Back Forty
What: This afternoon, chef Michael Laarhoven is teaching a butchering class at Back Forty. Participants will learn butchering techniques and tricks as they watch demonstrations of how to break down a whole chicken and a pork shoulder, among other things. Samples and a house cocktail will be available for students to taste at the end of class. Tickets are $80, and are still available online here.

2) Spring Oyster Shuck & Cask Festival
When: Today, starting at 12 p.m.
Where: Bierkraft
What: All weekend, Park Slope's Bierkraft will be home to the third annual spring oyster shuck and cask festival. Expect fresh-shucked, fairly-raised oysters and fresh cask beer from local breweries, including KelSo, Greenport Harbor, and Peekskill. Weather permitting, the event will be held in the bar's beer garden. Admission is free, just pay-as-you-go.

3) Return of The Hester Street Fair
When: Today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Hester Street
What: Today marks the return of the Hester Street Fair with the 2013 edition of the Hester Eats Food Festival. Food vendors will make up over a third of the market, including Luke's Lobster, Oaxaca Tacos, and newcomer Khao Man Gai.[Photo: Atisha Paulson]

4) Brooklyn Beefsteak
When: Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. & 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Bell House
What: Tomorrow afternoon, The Bell House will host the Brooklyn Beefsteak, an all-you-can-eat-and-drink beef and beer extravaganza. There will be piles of steaks from Pat LaFrieda and endless pitchers of McSorley's light and dark ales. Guests will go home with a souvenir apron.

5) Bacon & Sour Belgians
When: Today, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where:
What: Jimmy's No. 43 will host a casual afternoon of Belgian sour beer and food tastings. There will be more than ten different Belgian brews, each paired with various bacon-ized dishes, buttermilk biscuits, and other items. Tickets are $45, and are available online here.

Also of Note: Smorgasburg is on for this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with vendors like Pizza Moto, Red Hook Lobster Pound, and Mighty Quinn's. Looking to try a new restaurant this weekend? Try Per Se veterans Matt Danzer and Ann Redding's new traditional Thai restaurant, Uncle Boons, check out the lunch menu at Lafayette, or head to Midwood to try Di Fara spinoff MD Kitchen. If it's brunch you're after, take a look at Eater's Spring 2013 guide to New York's 15 Hottest Brunch Restaurants, or check out the new menus launching at Gabe Stulman and Tien Ho's Montmartre and contemporary American newcomer Greenwich Project. Or, take advantage of the nice weather this weekend by dining al fresco at Gran Electrica or Gowanus Yacht Club.

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