For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in NYC is its endless supply of fun, odd, and inspired cultural events. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to even begin planning your week. To help you make sense of it all, Flavorpill Deputy Editor Mindy Bond shares the very best of what’s on offer this week. It’s just a taste of what you can find on the new Flavorpill, so if you like what you see, be sure to sign up.
Tuesday, April 16
FOOD/WINE: Tasting Brooklyn Eating your way through Brooklyn is actually possible thanks to Brooklyn Exposed and their annual Tasting Brooklyn buffet blowout. Now in its third year, this foodtacular celebrates Brooklyn’s diverse food and dining culture by showcasing the edible goods of more than two dozen eateries and drinkeries across the borough. Featuring both established and new, this year’s culinary treats come from places such as Alice’s Arbor, Tanoreen, Fletcher’s BBQ, Palo Santo, Clover Club, Dassara and Allswell. And this isn’t purely a gluttonous affair; part of the proceeds go towards the Brooklyn Recovery Fund, an effort that provides support to local nonprofits working with those affected by Hurricane Sandy. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, April 17
BOOKS: Selected Shorts: Etgar Keret & Gary Shteyngart We already thought Selected Shorts was one of the best bookish events New York City had to offer, since we love watching actors and actresses try and interpret the work of some of our favorite authors. This particular time around, however, is something a little extra special since it will be the work of the always entertaining Gary Shteyngart, and one of Israel’s greatest living, and most hilariously absurd writers, Etgar Keret. And while the two readers are great picks, Willem Dafoe, Parker Posey, Denis O’Hare, and Alex Karpovsky will be the ones reciting their works, and BD Wong is dealing with the hosting duties for this star-studded literary event. — Jason Diamond
FILM: Tribeca Film Festival The house that Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro began building over a decade ago feels like it underwent an “indie” renovation for its 12th edition. And frankly, we like what the programmers have done with the place. Case in point: this year’s 12-day affair opens with Tom Berninger’s directorial debut Mistaken for Strangers, a distributor-seeking doc about indie rock band The National. From there, we find a grand mix of over 140 shorts and features broken into categories. Hotly anticipated name-droppers include Richard Linklater’s Before Midnight, David Gordon Green’s Prince Avalanche, and the vehicle for Penn Badgley’s break-out performance, Greetings from Tim Buckley. This year’s standouts in the non-fiction realm are Nicholas Wrathall’s Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia; Sean Dunne’s Oxyana, a gut-wrenching snapshot of a West Virginia town with a serious drug problem; Benny and Joshua Safdie’s profile of the sports star that never was, Lenny Cooke; and Dan Krauss’ The Kill Team, a riveting investigation of the platoon accused of killing for sport in Afghanistan. On our list of festival can’t-wait-to-sees are Lance Edmond’s feature debut Bluebird, Jenee LaMarque’s The Pretty One, and Christina Voros’ documentary about the House of Gucci, The Director. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, April 18
Friday, April 19
FESTIVAL: Megapolis Audio Festival
PERFORMING ARTS: Michael Alan: The Adoration Of Women
Saturday, April 20
MUSIC: Record Store Day It’s no secret that we heart independent record stores here at Flavorpill. From Other Music to Permanent, Generation to Academy: we applaud them all. Today marks the day when our faves across the city (and around the world) celebrate their independence, so to speak. By now you probably know the drill, as tons of labels, stores, and artists put out special releases in honor of the occasion. Some of the things you’ll find this year include a limited-edition 12″ vinyl EP from Tame Impala, a special Sub Pop 1000 Compilation LP, a 12″ vinyl reissue of Orange Juice’s Rip It Up, and a Deluxe 180 Gram vinyl LP on purple wax with gatefold sleeve of Captain Beefheart’s Frank Freeman’s Dance Club. Bands, DJs, and other surprises are also in store. On a sad note, the day also marks the passing of Sound Fix. The record haven, which opened in 2004, is closing. If you’re in the hood, pay your last respects by picking up an album or two. Happy crate digging! — Leah Taylor
PARTY: 4th Annual Party Like an Animal Extravaganza
Sunday, April 21
FOOD/WINE: 1st Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo If you’re looking to get high this weekend, we suggest heading to East River State Park for this po-po-approved, endorphin-exciting two-day expo. One of the fastest growing industries in the US, hot sauce offers a thrilling ride for your taste buds and comes in a number of varieties. Featuring over 40 vendors, this fiery fest also includes eating contests, live music and an awards show. Saturday is highlighted by a chicken wing cook off and a pizza eating match, while Sunday serves up spicy cookies, a Blood Mary Mix Down and a brownie eating competition. As the Knicks would say, bring on the heat! — Mindy Bond