Eat (RED), Drink (RED), Save Lives

Most of us have heard of the (EAT RED DRINK RED) Campaign, Bono’s global fund to help combat AIDS through the purchase of affiliated products.  And he’s joined with Mario Batali and Pat LaFrieda this year to take the fight into the hospitality sector, recruiting a number of New York restaurants to serve (RED) dishes and cocktails from June 1st-10th, and pledge a portion of proceeds.  So here are just a few items to order for a great cause this week — from the (RED) Label Burger at Michael White’s Costata in SoHo to the Rhubarb (RED) Cocktail at Matthew Lightner’s Atera in Tribeca!

Babbo: Not only did Mario Batali help spearhead the local, New York (RED) campaign, he’s participating at all of his restaurants, including West Village favorite, Babbo, by offering a Prime Flank Steak Tartare with RED Onion Marmellata.

Ivan Ramen: Ivan Orkin is going RED at both Slurp Shop in Hell’s Kitchen’s Gotham West Market, and his new eatery on the Lower East Side.  So be sure to get the Spicy RED Chili Ramen; rye noodles, minced pork and smashed egg in a dashi-chicken broth.

Atera: If you can’t snag a seat at one of Matthew Lightner’s 20-course tasting dinners, a visit to the comparatively relaxed Lounge can be every bit as enjoyable, where mixologist Benjamin Foote is currently contributing proceeds from his Rhubarb (RED) cocktail.

Zengo: At Richard Sandoval’s Latin American meets Asian eatery, Zengo, Red Rooster alum Joel Harrington will serve “Red Cooked” Pork Belly with Tea Smoked Beet Puree, Radish-Crimson Frill Mustard Green Salad and Crispy Red Onions.

The John Dory: At April Bloomfield’s oyster destination, The John Dory, they’re currently offering a refreshing “Anne Bonny” cocktail made with honey, cucumber, Gran Classico, rum and egg white.  It gets its RED blush from fresh, muddled strawberries!

Recette: They’re shaking up a festive Pomegranate Caipirinha at Jesse Schenker’s intimate, West Village boite.  Talk about the ultimate libation for Drink (RED) and the World Cup!

Morimoto: Guests can enjoy the Ichigo RED at Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship sushi palace, a specialty cocktail made with Belvedere RED, St. Germain, ginger sour, strawberry puree and shiso leaves.

Costata: If you’re looking to lunch for a good cause, Michael White and PJ Calapa’s hulking White Label Burger (a delectable, Pat LaFrieda blend topped with bacon marmalade, McClure’s pickles, and American cheese) is also turning (RED) this week!

For more information, visit www.red.org