Zagat 30 Under 30: New York City

We were on hand last night at The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg to see some of our friends and favorite young stars collect awards for Zagat’s “30 Under 30”, which honors young up-and-comers in the food and restaurant world.

We got to spend some time with Sophie Slesinger of Saxelby Cheesemongers.

Sophie Slesinger, one of 2013's 30 Under 30

Sophie Slesinger, one of 2013’s 30 Under 30

Zagat’s profile of Sophie:

This young cheese maestro’s passion for the industry was set when she worked at a French bakery in her hometown outside of Washington DC. After getting her degree at Emory University, she arrived in New York City and ultimately landing a gig working with cheesemonger Anne Saxelby, helping to produce her fromage-focused show “Cutting the Curd”on the Heritage Radio network. Slessinger also focuses on working with wholesale customers and doing marketing and events. Though she’s passionate about working in dairy, her ambitions may take her away from the cheese world. “My great uncle had a bakery in Sicily and my mom makes biscotti cookies. I’m kind of thinking about something that has to do with the tradition of my family,” she says.

Sophie  and Pepe

Saxelby Cheesemongers’ Sophie and Pepe

Sophie and Pepe check out the Bosco Photo booth

Sophie and Pepe check out the Bosco Photo booth

The list is an awesome display of NYC’s top young talent, and worth a read for some Tuesday morning inspiration.

Cold Press Juice is Hot: Insiders Speak Out

The NYT Dining Section today has a fresh take and scoops from the biggest names in the juice business and how it has boomed. From the early pioneers to the massive distributors of late, it’s an interesting take on different juicing methods, their defenders, and detractors.

Opportunity: The Yard is Seeking a Cafe Partner on The Lower East Side

The Lo-Down reports on The Yard, the co-working space, searching for a partner to operate a cafe within their space on the Lower East Side.

Read the full report for finer details: The cafe would be breakfast and lunch, there’s about 900 square feet available for the restaurant, and seating for 26.  A walk-up window for to-go orders is also a possibility.

Governors Island is Calling For Guest Food Vendors

There’s a new opportunity on Governors Island This Summer:

For the first time, Governors Island will allow for “Guest Food Vendors” to come out to the Island for one or several weekends during the season. They no longer require a full season commitment. They average 9,000 people per day during the season.

The permit fee will be $600 per weekend. (The fee will be returned in the case of inclement weather.)

  • This season the Island will be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from May 25-September 29. Hours are 10am – 7pm, with staff ferry running at 7am, 7:30am, 8:15 am, and 9am. Vendors will be able to access the Island before 10 am in order to set up, and may break down their operation earlier than closing time in order to leave on the last boat.
  • Each vendor will be required to follow the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requirements for a Temporary Food Establishment and to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in connection with its food operation. Vendors are responsible for maintaining Food Protection Certificates at all times.
  • All mobile trucks, tables, tents, or carts must be self contained. Power and storage will not be available.
  • There are two locations for food vending concessions, you will be joining their season long food vendors. Please specify which location you would like when you complete the permit. Map below:

Vendor Locations Map

If you would like to sign up to become a part of the 2013 season, contact Lynda Realmuto (contact information below) for a additional details and to receive a copy of the permit.

Lynda Realmuto
Director of Special Events and Public Programs
The Trust for Governors Island
10 South Street New York, NY 10004
212-440-2225
lrealmuto@govisland.nyc.gov
govisland.com
govislandblog.com
govislandpark.com
@gov_island

 

A Strong Showing For Food Genius in “40 Under 40”

Crain’s “40 Under 40” was just released, and there’s a handful of New York food entrepreneurs on the pages.

Rhys Powell, Founder healthy lunch venture, Red Rabbit

Laura Maniec, Sommelier/Owner of Corkbuzz Wine Studio

April Bloomfield, Chef of Spotted Pig, Breslin’s

Zoe Sakoutis, Founder of Blueprint Juice

Concession Opportunity for the Sale of Specialty Food from Mobile Food Units at Various Locations Citywide

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation  is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale of specialty food from mobile food units at various locations citywide.

All proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be submitted no later than Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 3 pm.

Hard copies of the RFP can be obtained, at no cost, commencing on Thursday, March 21, 2013 through Thursday, May 2, 2013, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays, at the Revenue Division of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, which is located at 830 Fifth Avenue, Room 407, New York, NY 10065.

To download the RFP, visit http://www.nyc.gov/parks/businessopportunities and click on the “Concessions Opportunities at Parks” link. Once you have logged in, click on the “download” link that appears adjacent to the RFP’s description.

For more information or to request to receive a copy of the RFP by mail, prospective proposers may contact the Revenue Division’s Project Manager, Lauren Standke, at (212) 360-3495or at lauren.standke@parks.nyc.gov.


Opening in New York: If You Can Make it Here You Can Make it Anywhere

From angling for prime real estate to fierce competition for customers, opening a restaurant in Manhattan, comes with a host of challenges. But it also comes with great benefits. NRN talks to some top operators about challenges.

 

Fany Gerson’s Paletas Are Coming Back!

It won’t be long before La New Yorkina’s Paletas return.

Our friend Fany Gerson made a touching video-thank you for the heartfelt appreciation towards her Kickstarter backers. She’s raised an impressive $21,244 as of this morning, in efforts to replace all that La Newyorkina lost to Hurricane Sandy.

Fany writes:”Friends, I am so grateful, humbled, amazed, excited and overjoyed with your response, help, pledges and sweet notes.  Thank you so very much!!!  Your pledges have helped me reach our goal to purchase a Paletera Maker and return to making your favorite Ice Pops.”

Rebuilding a Chocolate Factory Post-Sandy

Crain’s New York delves into the Madeleine Chocolate Factory.

How do you rebuild when a million pounds of chocolate Santas, Hanukkah gelt and other goodies end up floating down the factory floor? It helps if your banker has a sweet tooth—and knows your business.

Merry Christmas From Tara Paige!

We hope that you have a wonderful holiday, however you spend it. If you’re not working today, and have decided not to cook, DNA has a great list of restaurants that are open, traditional ideas and non.

May this and all days be successful, merry, and bright.