NYC Tastes

It's New Brew Friday and today we're checking out the brand new Fifth Hammer Brewing in Long Island City, Queens.  This enormous spot opened by former Gun Hill and 508 Gastorbrewer Chris Cuzme boasts 15 barrels and a huge tap room filled with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs perfect for lounging on a weekend afternoon. We tried out quite a few of their selections and our two favorites were the bright sour berliner weisse Cherry Giggle Gaggle and the crisp hoppy pale ale Tasty Feelings.  In addition to the awesome glassware all of the tap handles are made from actual hammers which makes for a fun unique atmosphere.  This area of LIC is becoming its own little beer hub with other great spots like LIC Beer Project and Transmitter just blocks away.  Cheers to New Brew Friday! Fifth Hammer Brewing 10-28 46th Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101

Saturday I was invited to the charming new Tutti Matti restaurant in LIC for an afternoon of Italian cuisine with the Creative Shake & Eaters Drinkers group. Tutti Matti was showcasing some of their incredible cocktails including the Pinna made with Hendrick's Gin, Limoncello, Lemon Juice & Basil and the Borgo Rosso with Grey Goose Vodka, Basil, Strawberry and Prosecco; pretty much everything I love in one big martini glass. The restaurant specializes in all different kinds of wood fired pizzas done Amalfi Coast style with big puffy edges, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella Fior di latte and the perfect balance of char and chew in the dough. They also had a variety of pastas made in house including a hearty Lasagna with beef ragu and a spicy Maccheroncini Dello Stretto with Sicilian tuna, spring onion and calabrian sausage. The pizzas and pasta were delicious but my two favorites of the afternoon ended up being an a...