Last week at the 92nd Street Y some people took time to hear the fantastic Mike Colameco host the legendary chef Jacques Pepin, critic Gael Greene (now of the Insatiable Critic blog), food maven Arthur Schwartz, and old-school restaurant mogul Michael Whiteman hash out whether NYC dining scene was better then ever. Pretty cut and dry, no? Schwartz and Greene mostly argued that it is not a better scene today, lamenting the arrival of the......

May 26 - 27 Barbecue at Flatbush Farm The gang at Flatbush Farm hosts a barbecue the last weekend of every month, including this one. Feast on grilled clams, barbecued chicken legs and ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, veggie chili and more. 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 76 Saint Marks Avenue, Brooklyn. Call 718-622-3276 for details. May 29: Is New York Dining Really Better Than Ever? Ask the experts! Mike Colamenico will moderate a panel discussion......

July 8: Red, White & Views! Sparkling Tasting The 14 Wall Street Restaurant is highlighting eight types of bubbly for you to sip while you enjoy their panoramic views. Nosh on artisanal cheeses and learn, once and for all, how to open those bottles without taking out someone's eye. $40.00, reservations required. Email NIKI_LEBOUQUIN@ yahoo.com or call (212)233-0320. 6-8pm, 14 Wall Street, 31st Floor Penthouse. July 9: Chips, Soda, and a Chowhound Drop by Tekserve......

Arthur Schwartz's New York City Food: An Opinionated History and More Than 100 Legendary Recipes, by Arthur Schwartz (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2004) Gothamist sends our parents a Junior's cheesecake every year for Christmas. It's to the point that they're hooked, and we can't get them anything else. We imagine getting the frantic call: "What did we do? Where's the cheesecake???!!!" So every year, we go online and order a cheesecake. (This year they got......