Bar Illegal Pop-Up, Lots of New Brunches and More

1) Bar Ilegal Pop-Up
When: Tonight and Tomorrow, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: JBird
What: Ilegal Mezcal is hosting the pop-up Bar Ilegal at JBird on the Upper East Side. Mezcal is the only spirit being served, with iterations that include infused as well as various wild agave mezcals, alongside Mexican beer. Food options include homemade tamales and you should expect a few appearances from local bartenders like Josh Mazza and Steve Laycock of The Gilroy.

2) Brunch at Rossopomodoro
When: Today and Tomorrow
Where: Rossopomodoro
What: Rossopomodoro is rolling out an Italian brunch menu today with dishes like panettone with creme fraiche and cranberry apple compote, and pizza cacio e uova (topped with pecorino, mozzarella, and a soft egg.)

3) Brunch at Cooklyn
When: Today and Tomorrow
Where: Cooklyn
What: Cooklyn is also launching brunch service this weekend with a menu that features riffs on classic brunch dishes like the key lime ricotta stuffed French toast and a fried oyster benedict.

4) A Meal in 19th Century New Orleans 
When: Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Chapter One
What: Chef Warren Baird is putting out a three-course, $39 menu that celebrates the best of New Orleans. Expect oyster loaf, gumbo, pecan pralines and the city's famed sazerac to drink. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 212-842-9146.

5) A Lesson in Hog Butchery
When: Tonight, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bedford Cheese Shop
What: Learn how to break down a whole hog from Bedford Cheese Shop's "butcher-in-chief." This class includes a breakdown of the various meat cuts as well as a hands on lesson in butchery basics. And you get to take a lot of pork home.