Hudson Vines

Online resource

Current Events

Non-Alcoholic Bar Kickstarter in Brooklyn Receives Interesting Reaction

Cocktails and Spirits, Current Events

In one of the latest developments in the on premise non-alcoholic beverage space, an enthusiastic team seeks to fund a “Zero-Proof Cocktail Bar” via an online Kickstarter campaign. Based upon the mixed response on reddit, many challenges lie ahead but there’s clearly a need for an inclusive non-alcoholic space in the community.

“Bar Cocktail” by Leeroy/ CC0 1.0

Kickstarter.com project:

Help Build New York City’s Newest Zero-Proof Cocktail Bar

Help us build Mockingbird, a bar for all, welcoming the sober and health-conscious.

Hey there!

We’re Evan and Coulton, and we’re on a heartfelt mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinks. Our journey began when Coulton, once an avid cocktail enthusiast, decided to quit drinking. We soon realized that the non-alcoholic options in NYC were sorely lacking, so we took to our kitchen with a spirit of adventure. After many experiments and a bit of magic, we crafted some truly wonderful drinks.

Living in Brooklyn, we’ve always been drawn to the vibrant energy of a good cocktail bar. Yet, we noticed a missing piece: these places didn’t offer the same captivating experience for non-alcoholic cocktails. This spark of realization inspired us to create Mockingbird – a bar where non-alcoholic drinks receive the same love, care, and complexity as their traditional counterparts.

“Drink Beverage” by Julia D’Alkmin/ CC0 1.0

As of August 16 2024, complete funding was unsuccessful for the initial crowdfunding campaign goal. The community’s response was encouraging though. Years ago, people would have smirked at such an idea. Times have changed. Especially when it comes to personal wellness and general health, people are much more aware than in the past. The rise of colon cancer and its direct link to lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption has made people think twice when it comes to what they choose (or choose not to) voluntarily consume.

“Free Gin and Tonic cocktail“/ CC0 1.0

The “Nogroni” Non-Alcoholic Trend

Cocktails and Spirits, Current Events

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect upon and enjoy the season’s best offerings. And with so many creative sommeliers and bartenders, there’s no better time to enjoy your favorite cocktails and wines, with or without the alcohol. Non-alcoholic beverages have continued to expand in popularity and can be found alongside alcohol containing options. The “mocktail” has evolved from selections like “virgin strawberry daiquiris” to more sophisticated creations. The trend reflects both the demand for more creative diverse beverages as well as those of overall wellness. For even without considering the negative health effects from alcohol, there’s also the calories. So if you’re like me and love to experience great cocktails minus the dreaded hangover, there’s good news. Non-alcoholic drinks are increasing in popularity and have dramatically improved over time. The “Nogroni” tastes much better than it sounds. Non-alcoholic drinks are now being crafted with the same enthusiasm as their alcoholic counterparts; the era of inventive cocktails has brought a new creativity to both cuisines and menus. For example, New York City’s “Double Chicken Please” (which was named the Best Bar in North America this year) offers a winter melon mocktail as part of its menu. The trend has also extended into the retail market, with a slew of non-alcoholic beverages available to consumers. Demand-driven, the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic drinks has spawned several innovative approaches. And while a non-alcoholic bar may sound like an oxymoron, the industry appears to be trending in that direction (at least partially). Nine Orchard Hotel, a NYC Michelin guide food and wine destination, now offers guests “spirit -free” menu options. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Located inside the elegantly restored Jarmulowsky Bank, a remarkable treasure of original elements and Neo-Renaissance architecture — it’s a destination in and of itself. New York City is replete with incredible finds such as Orchard Hotel’s Swan Room, yet I only discovered it through reading Punch, an online publication. I highly recommend visiting their site at punchdrink.com. It’s an outstanding well-written publication encompassing drinks, culture and history. Their most recent article on the rising demand for non-alcoholic beers is worth reading.

NYCWFF 2023 Returns, Many Events Already Sold Out

Current Events, Food Festivals NYC

New York City’s legendary wine and food festival sponsored and presented by Capital One is scheduled for October 12-15. The ever-popular event remains in high demand; several exclusive dinners are completely sold out – and it’s not even October yet. The festival’s lineup and highlights are featured in Business Wire’s latest press release below:

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (NYCWFF) returns October 12-15 and this year, it’s bigger, more exciting, and more diverse than ever before. Celebrating 16 years of culinary excellence, the Festival is set to offer an unforgettable epicurean experience like no other, all to support its charitable partner, God’s Love We Deliver.

With over 400 chefs, mixologists, and wine and spirit producers coming together, this year’s lineup promises to be the most robust yet, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic culinary landscape of New York City. From celebrity chefs to big restaurants and independently owned gems across all five boroughs, NYCWFF strives to support and provide a platform for NYC’s restaurants and bars, resulting in one of the most eclectic Festivals for consumers and partners alike. The Festival is proud to support its charitable partner God’s Love We Deliver, the New York City metropolitan area’s only provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for individuals living with severe illness. The Capital One Cardholder Pre-Sale will begin on June 14 at 9AM ET for eligible cardholders, with tickets to select events available on Capital One Entertainment. Tickets for the general public will be available on June 21 at 9AM ET. The 2023 program of events is now available at www.nycwff.org.

In honor of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Festival’s official closing party will be a traditional cookout MCed by Angela Yee from Power 105.1’s Wake Up with Yee and hosted by Rev Run, JJ Johnson and a special performance by DJ CASSIDY. The event will spotlight dishes that capture the richly layered flavors of Black culture while paying homage to the art form that originated in the Bronx. Adding to the excitement of this year’s Festival, Platform by the James Beard Foundation, a new show kitchen, event space, and educational hub at NYC’s Pier 57and Marc Murphy’s newly opened MM Kitchen Studio will host select events from the new Demo & Dine Series. The series will offer guests an intimate experience, combining a live cooking demonstration with an opportunity to taste two signature recipes dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in the industry, including Marc Murphy, Scott Conant, Kardea Brown and Nadia Caterina Munno (@thepastaqueen). Making its Festival debut this year and serving as the definitive insider’s mecca for content creation is FoodieCon®, which will feature a top-notch roster of the most influential digital content creators in the food and beverage community. With a prime location and extraordinary atmosphere, the Hard Rock Hotel New York will headquarter this exciting addition to the lineup.

For the first time ever, NYCWFF will set sail with Sunset Sips at Sea presented by The Social Shell. Festival guests will embark on a memorable journey aboard La Barca Cantina, a floating bar, which will cruise down the majestic Hudson River all while enjoying luscious seafood bites crafted by New York City’s finest restaurants. Set against the breathtaking panoramic views on the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center, Aspire One World Observatory, will host three extraordinary Festival events including the new Baking Championship: Fall Flavors, hosted by Duff Goldman and Carla Hall. This spirited competition will celebrate the artistry as an esteemed lineup of chefs showcase their creativity with a seasonal twist. Harbor NYC Rooftop, a new venue on the Hudson River, will host several Festival events, including the return of Disco & Drinks sponsored by Average Socialite, hosted by comedian and Instagram sensation Claudia Oshry (@GirlWithNoJob) and Founder/CEO of Spritz Society Ben Soffer (@BoyWithNoJob).

Get ready for the highly anticipated fan-favorite Grand Tasting makes its return to Hudson River Park’s Pier 76. The sprawling 245,000 sq. ft. outdoor area will be transformed into a gastronomic wonderland showcasing hundreds of winemakers and distillers from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio and the nation’s most talented chefs and culinary personalities. Pier 86, Home of the Intrepid Museum will be the epicenter of nighttime revelry, hosting the hottest and most electrifying themed parties with headliners like Rachael Ray, Alex Guarnaschelli, Geoffrey Zakarian, Sunny Anderson, Katie Lee, and Gabriele Bertaccini hosting festivities throughout the weekend.

Experience the diversity and vibrancy of NYC’s culinary scene with more than 30 one-night-only Intimate Dinnersprepared by the world’s most critically acclaimed chefs and paired with a variety of high-end wines and spirits from the Festival’s exclusive provider, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized as you embark on an adventure curated by culinary luminaries such as Alain Ducasse, Maneet Chauhan, Daniel Boulud, Amanda Freitag, Marcus Samuelsson, Dominique Crenn, Andrew Zimmern, Eric Adjepong, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Masaharu Morimoto, Tyler Florence, Chintan Pandya, Antonia Lofaso, Tiffany Derry and many others.

Last year alone, the Festival’s charitable partner God’s Love We Deliver, delivered 3.2+ million medically tailored meals, with the help of 14,000 volunteers, to more than 10,500 individuals. Annually, the Festival generates millions of impressions for God’s Love, raising awareness to grow the organization’s base of volunteers and clients. To date, NYCWFF has generated more than $14.8 million for its charitable causes with one hundred percent of the Festival’s net proceeds supporting its mission to EAT. DRINK. FEED NYC.

The Festival’s headquarter hotel, the Thompson Central Park will offer attendees a vibrant and stylish base during the Festival week. This luxury hotel provides a retreat in the heart of the city, allowing festivalgoers to immerse themselves in the energy of NYC while enjoying top-notch hospitality.

Stay up to date by following the conversation all year long on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using @NYCWFF/#NYCWFF and on TikTok at @NYCWineFoodFestival

Source/Credit: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230613374436/en/The-Food-Network-New-York-City-Wine-Food-Festival-Presented-by-Capital-One-Returns-October-12-15-With-an-All-Star-Lineup-of-Wine-Culinary-Events-in-Support-of-God%E2%80%99s-Love-We-Deliver

New Omicron Subvariant – Experts Issue Warning

Current Events

Experts have issued a new warning for the rapidly spreading COVID subvariant of Omicron, XBB.1.5 — it is super infectious and rapidly spreading, particularly in the Northeastern United States where it now represents nearly one-third of all cases.

This topic was recently covered by WebMD : “New Omicron Subvariant Is ‘Crazy Infectious,’ COVID Expert Warns.” According to the article :

“Ashish Jha, MD, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, tweeted a few days ago that the spread of XBB.1.5 is “stunning” but cautioned that it’s unclear if the symptoms of infection will be more severe than for previous variants.”

For more information, please check the article by WebMD

Latest Updates – COVID-19 in New York City

Covid-19, Current Events

Following an alarming 30% increase in Covid related deaths back in December 2022, this week’s statistics show decreasing hospitalizations over the past 7 days. NYC publishes the latest COVID-19 data at NYC Health, for the most current information, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page#sum. Another great resource is Gothamist’s “Coronavirus Statistics: Tracking the epidemic in New York” where one can find a chart of the most recent data as well as geographic details on rates of infection, vaccination rates etc.