We've been sweating in the summer weather for weeks, but the moment of truth is finally here—the summer solstice is upon us, meaning longer days, shorter nights, and the constant drip of window AC units. This week's food events are here to help you cope with the sweltering heat while taking advantage of the fact that the sun won't set until 8:30 p.m.
Kick off the week (and the summer) with free ice cream from MealPass, a new subscription lunch service. If you live or work in Manhattan below 59th Street, you can snag free ice cream sandwiches courtesy of Melt Bakery and frozen yogurt from 16 Handles at locations throughout the city by downloading MealPass's iOS app. The sandwiches come in classic, red velvet, and maple flavors and can be picked up at various locations including Bryant Park and the Financial District. For more info, check out the ice cream map here.
Andrew Kist
Summer means longer days, and longer days require caffeine. Trademark Grind is stepping in to help you adjust to the never-ending daylight by offering free brew to its first 50 customers on Tuesday morning. They'll also be serving up coffee-infused cocktails, including the Morning Buzz (Tin Cup whiskey, Jäger spice, Orgeat, and of course, coffee), for anyone who needs a pick-me-up before (or during) happy hour. The Late Late on East Houston and Sweetwater Social in NoHo are also serving up coffee cocktails to keep the buzz going all night long.
via Marani
On Wednesday, head to Rego Park to chow down on Georgian delicacies—rated the fourth-best cuisine in the world—with the Queens Dinner Club. The five-course feast will be held at Marani, a unique kosher restaurant that is known for serving both meat and dairy under the same roof. Menu items include herring, beef and lamb soup dumplings, beef stew, and decadent khachapuri. Dinner will be accompanied by trivia, games, and surprise gifts from Marani. Purchase tickets here.
Start your weekend early with the third installation of PIZZAFEST, a three-day festival combining beer, pizza, and rock music. The fest begins on Thursday night at The Acheron, where bands including Sirs & Madams and El Silver cabs will be playing while chefs from Vinnie's sling fresh pies. In addition to copious pizza, cheap beer, and live entertainment, there will also be prizes, tape releases, and other surprises. Tickets are $6 for the day, or $18 for a weekend-long Chee-Z-Pass and can be purchased here.
