Disgraced Chocolatier Mast Brothers Gives It Another Go in NYC

Controversial hipster chocolate company Mast Brothers is treading back into NYC. West Side Rag reports that the chocolatiers are opening up a Mast Market retail shop at 353 Columbus Avenue, at West 76th street, on the Upper West Side. This marks the first time that Mast Brothers — which came under fire in 2015 for their not-quite-so bean-to-bar ethos — has reappeared in NYC following the shutdown of its Brooklyn outpost two years ago. The company has since been operating out of an upstate Mount Kisco factory. Eater has reached out for more information on the UWS opening date.

The East Village gets a new vegan restaurant

Bronx-based Vegan Grill is expanding into Manhattan, according to EV Grieve. The casual, counter-service restaurant is taking over the former location of sandwich shop Dip, at 58 St Mark’s Place, between First and Second avenues.

Natural fermentation festival Wild World returns after two-year hiatus

Natural wine enthusiasts are gathering in Brooklyn on November 1 for Wild World, a one-day festival celebrating natural wine, ciders, and wild-fermented beer. The event will take place at Strong Rope Brewery in Red Hook and runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with tastings, panels, and discussions scheduled throughout the day. Tickets start at $55.

Need last-minute Halloween plans?

Brooklyn Brewery is throwing a special, spooky edition of Linda Loves Bingo, featuring a night of bingo and beers hosted by drag queen Linda Simpson. Tickets are $10 apiece and include a bingo card and a beer. For other events around town this weekend, check out our guide to Halloween festivities in NYC.