Top Philly Barbacoa Spot Visits for Immigrant Rights Event — and More Intel

— May Day marks the international recognition for workers’ rights, with this year holding significance in the U.S. in light of Donald Trump’s polarizing position on immigration. Among events around the city, fiercely independent South Philly Barbacoa is coming to NYC for a #Right2Work, pay-what-you-can dinner and discussion panel on undocumented workers rights at Downtown Art (70 E. 4th Street). Owners Cristina Martinez and Benjamin Miller will cook with Tunde Wey of New Orleans and Carolina Saavendra of Oaxacan restaurant La Morada in the Bronx among others.

South Philly Barbacoa went from cart to brick-and-mortar restaurant over a year ago and has since landed on Philly’s Eater 38 list, with Martinez earning a spot among semi-finalists for “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic” for this year’s James Beards.

The story of Martinez and Benjamin Miller is oft-told because they’ve developed such a big fanbase and they’re outspoken about Martinez’ undocumented status. “We are not in hiding,” Miller told Bon Appetit. “The best thing to do is just get the truth out there.”

Martinez emigrated from Mexico in what turned out to be a grueling journey, worked in a restaurant where she met Miller. They fell in love and are now married. She was later fired for her undocumented status. To earn a living, Martinez made pig’s brain quesadillas and later barbacoa out of her home, which eventually led to their selling it from a cart. The couple opened a brick and mortar location with a bare-bones menu of “where-have-you-been-all-my-life lamb tacos” and consomme that often sell out before dark. Those interested can sign up for space here. Doors are at 6:15 p.m. with dinner at 8 p.m. — Melissa McCart

— It’s food carts versus the city in a new lawsuit in which two street vendors claim their carts were taken away in an “unconstitutional seizure and destruction” by the Department of Health.

— One of Paris’ hottest restaurants is coming to NYC. Frenchie chef-owner Gregory Marchand will be cooking for one night only at wine bar Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (249 Centre Street). To snag a reservation for the Thursday, May 11 pop-up, email reservation@compagnienyc.com.

— Ferry riders have a new dining option at their disposal: Convenience store New Stand has partnered with the NYC Ferry fleet to bring Joe Coffee, Bien Cuit, Brooklyn Brewery, and more on board, starting with the Rockaway and East River routes on Monday.

— This week it’s NYC’s only Burmese restaurant for the New York Times’ Ligaya Mishan, who reviews Together in Brooklyn.

— Actor Alan Cumming is leaking new decor details about his upcoming Club Cumming, which mainly center around Jesus Christ. “I think Jesus would like the décor of the bar,” he told the Post. “Right now I have a sign at the loo that says ‘One gay at a time, sweet Jesus.’”

Dan Geneen

— Some newcomers to note: Moemen at 201 Allen Street is under new ownership and now called NYC Falafel Co.; Champion Pizza joins the Columbus Circle subway station Turnstyle food hall with square grandma-style slices.

— This year’s Governor’s Ball food lineup is out, and as per usual, the music festival is full of heavy hitters such as Roberta’s, Momofuku Milk Bar, Mighty Quinn’s, and more.

— Here’s a lovely spotlight on Queens butcher Akropolis Meat Market, which among other things, tells the story of its 35-year history in the neighborhood.

— And finally, in honor of the fact that abcV has not one, not two, not three, but four of the recently-scandaled $400 Juiceros in its restaurant, here’s a video of how those very fancy juicers work: