Where to Spend Memorial Day 2015
Spring may seem like it just started, but the unofficial start of summer is just around the corner. That would be Memorial Day this Monday 25th, which — in addition to being a time to commemorate those who died in the armed forces — is equally known as a day for picnics, barbecues, and general out-of-doors merriment. So here’s where to spend those precious extra hours off work, from a beachside jaunt to Coney Island Smorgasburg, to a crawfish boil at Narcissa, and a joyful Hawaiian luau at The Dutch.
Narcissa
John Fraser and Co. are hosting their very first Memorial Day weekend Crawfish Boil, at the Standard hotel’s in-house eatery, Narcissa. Newspaper will cover all of the tables May 23-25th from noon to 8pm, which, in addition to piles and piles of bright red mud bugs aka crawfish, will be covered with corn, grilled andouille sausage salad, and pecan pie.
Read MoreThe Dutch
While actually spending Memorial Day in Hawaii would, of course, be preferable, dinner at The Dutch might be as close as you get without leaving New York. That’s because Andrew Carmellini’s Soho staple is hosting its annual luau on Monday the 25th, serving family-style platters of Tuna Poke, Charred Long Bean Salad, Lomi Tomatoes, Taro Chips and of course, plenty of crispy Suckling Pig.
Read MoreRed Hook Lobster Pound
Now that its undergone an extensive renovation, Brooklyn’s original Red Hook Lobster Pound is an ideal spot for a crustacean staycation. You’ll feel like you’re on the Eastern seaboard instead of in urban Red Hook, while sipping on fruity, refreshing Cape Codders (vodka, cranberry and cucumber, offered on tap), throwing back raw oysters, and even taking a trip to the bathroom, decked out with beach chairs and umbrellas, and featuring a soundtrack of twittering seagulls and crashing waves.
Read MoreConey Smorgasburg
The al fresco food fair, Smorgasburg, is setting up shop at Coney Island for the very first time this year, starting Memorial Day weekend and lasting throughout the summer. Twelve of the market’s most popular vendors — including Bon Chovie, La Newyorkina and yes, the Red Hook Lobster Pound — will peddle their wares from shipping containers positioned along the boardwalk, along with two bars selling (what else?) Smorgasbeer!
Read MoreDitch Plains
Celeb chef (and sometimes surfer) Marc Murphy named his mini-chain of fish shacks after a laid-back Montauk beach. So where better to kick off the summer than with Lobster Rolls or Ditch Dogs (mac and cheese-slathered hot dogs), at his casual-chic spot in the West Village, along with a glass of Rosé Sangria, followed by S’mores or a delightfully drippy ice cream Ditch’wich?
Read MoreJimmy
Rooftop bars are already highly sought after in the city come summer; but a rooftop bar with a pool? Expect Jimmy at The James hotel to be duly packed come Memorial Day, with sun-worshipers and bathing beauties, downing Dirty Gibsons and Pineapple and Sage Swizzles, and nibbling on delicate snacks such as Shrimp and Lobster Wontons and Deviled Duck Eggs.
Read MoreArrogant Swine
Memorial Day and barbecues go hand in hand. So if you don’t have your own backyard grill or smoker (or an invitation to visit someone who does), you’ll want to commandeer one of the outdoor picnic tables in Arrogant Swine’s massive courtyard, and feast on trays full of Carolina Pulled Pork and Mac and Cheese pressed in waffle irons, accompanied by plenty of whiskey and beer.
Read MoreDo or Dine
Start your Memorial Day celebrations early, by heading to Do or Dine for their annual Rub-a-Grub backyard party on Sunday, May 24th. Tickets are $15 general admission or $30 for a VIP pass, which include live music, signature quirky dishes like the infamous Foie Gras Doughnuts, and seriously boozy drinks.
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