September 15 & 16: Party at the Red Hook Ballfields Celebrate the extension of the vendors' permit through the end of their season in October and add on extra festivities for Mexican and Central American Independence Day. Caesar Fuentes, the organizing force behind the vendors, promises that "the food vendors committee will host a livelier than usual weekend event - more soccer games, pinatas, music, and a 2 day art exhibit featuring photographs taken by......

Mario Batali, Iron Chef, TV personality, cookbook author, and restaurateur sat down with us at Otto Enoteca Pizzeria in Greenwich Village to discuss his latest philanthropic project -- a cookbook with recipes from celebrities, including the likes of Kristen Davis, Ashley Judd, and Harrison Ford. Mario paired up with fellow Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis to edit the recipes. The cookbook is free and available online at CelebrityPastaLovers.com. Each time the book is downloaded,......

This week'sNew York Magazine wraps up some of the city's best cups of hot chocolate -- you know, the kind that drinks like a meal. Their top choice, the decadent cup at City Bakery ($2), is rich enough to make even the most passionate chocolate lover feel close to overdose levels (don't forget that February is the month where they feature a new hot chocolate flavor every day). Other mentions include the gianduja hot chocolate......

As some of you have pointed out, one of our favorite summer spots, NYC Icy, is no more. Like you, we had the same reaction -- severe depression. Where are we supposed to go now to get our cool summer treats on, especially on a day like today?!? We've come up with a few suggestions on our own, and the Daily News added a bunch to our list. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria/Gel-Otto Gelato Cart Yes, not......

Okay, so you couldn't shell out the cash for the Grand Tasting, but you still want to taste and learn about wines. We're right there with you, so we've found a few wine events that are more reasonably priced: Michael's Restaurant holds "Five at Five Fridays." Every Friday at 5 pm, sommeliers Richard Bill and L.A. Estilow will choose five wines and offer an unlimited five glass flight for one hour for $30. No reservations......

Beer, wine or cocktails? Wine. What could I order that will get me laughed right out of the bar? A pina colada out of a blender. Who has been your favorite celebrity patron? I would never answer that question; I'm too discreet. Aw, c'mon . . . Well, I served Michael Stipe, which was pretty cool. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, One Fifth Avenue at Eighth Street, (212) 995-9559.......

Word on the street is that Otto Enoteca Pizzeria is changing their menu. As of Monday, Otto will be removing the daily fritto (fried dish) and adding pastas to their menu. Gothamist looks forward to checking out the new additions, carbs be damned. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, One Fifth Avenue at Eighth Street, (212) 995-9559.......