Mild temperatures this week won't stop the winds of winter from bearing down on us, so celebrate the final breaths of warmth aboard Grand Banks, Tribeca's floating bar/historical space that's concluding its season this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the ship is offering pay-what-you-want oysters, a final tip of the hat to bivalves for the season. Before you start throwing dimes around, note that all the profits will benefit the Maritime Foundation, which supports historic vessels and maritime history. To help loosen your wallet, special farewell cocktails are also on the menu.
It's a big weekend for beer, too, starting with the Bronx Brewery's One Year Anniversary Bash beginning at noon on Saturday. In addition to their excellent pale ales, the brewery is bringing in eats from Arthur Avenue delis and the Bronx Baking Company, plus R&B and funk performances in their lively backyard and tasting room.
Over in Brooklyn, the new Coney Island Brewing Company, which just opened a tasting room on Surf Avenue, is kicking off its Freak Week celebrations with a Freaktoberfest party on Saturday. Swing by from 4 - 9 p.m. for the unveiling of three new brews; show up in costume and get half off your first beer.
Sweet Potato Sunrise
Take in views of the water at Pier A Harbor House'sApple Fest beginning at noon on Saturday. Expect a boatload of apple products including dishes like potato pancakes with homemade apple sauce, shucked oysters with cider mignonette, grilled corn on the cob with apple butter and red candied apples. There'll also be a farmer's market on site selling locally grown applies, plus hot and cold apple cider, outdoor bars selling hard cider and sparkling wines, and seasonal activities like pie-eating contests and bobbing for apples.
Williamsburg's newest beer barBill Baker's begins brunch service this weekend with a very neighborhood-appropriate all-you-can-drink deal. For $20, you'll get two hours of unlimited brunch cocktails including a Roasted Tomato Bloody Mary with candied bacon, a Blood Orange Mimosa and an Arnold Palmer made with Baker's Wit Beer. To soak up all the booze, a new selection of food items like the Sweet Potato Sunrise ($12)—a gut busting combo of roasted sweet potatoes topped with duck confit and a poached duck egg—and Salmon Pastrami ($12) served on a bagel.
