May always feels like the month when NYC starts to come alive again. Warmer days become more frequent and you start to notice the outdoor dining set ups and rooftop openings.

We’re reveling in this spring awakening by hosting aperitivo at one of our favorite bars in NYC! We want to do like the Italians do and drink a spritz at 3pm on a Sunday.

FYI since you’re signed up to this collective you’re hearing about it first 😉

We’re back Eating Along the 7 Train — a series we did 10 episodes of last year. You guys kept saying bring this one back, so we did and we’re loving it!

Masa Madre, a newish bakery in Queens serving Latin American and international baked goods went down as episode 12 in the series.

Chef-Owner Jose definitely knows what he’s doing as he’s spent the last 25 years perfecting his craft. He started as a dishwasher when first came to the U.S. from Mexico City and eventually made his way into the kitchen as a pastry chef, becoming one of the youngest in NYC at that time.

You can sense his passion and certainly taste it in his pastries. These are some of the can’t miss items if you make a visit;

• Conchas — You can get these plain or filled with delicious fresh cream.

• Tortas — Multiple options for the filling but go for the head cheese one if you want something classic-Mexican.

• Banderillas — A long thin puff pastry which is the perfect accompaniment to a that morning cup of coffee or their Mexican hot chocolate.

And there’s plenty more goodies to try like their croissants, donuts and dulce de leche pastry.

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• Aperitivo with us!! — May 18th @ Bar Madonna. Sunday Spritz Session. RSVP here if you want to join!

• A Pop-Up Called Pancakes — All month @ S&P Lunch. It’s drinks not pancakes lol. Running Fridays through Sundays 8pm-midnight by alums of Milday’s and Clover Club.

• Eleven Madison Park Alumni Series - May 8th, May 30th @ EMP. Alumni chefs return to the restaurant! A shared experience with seating at communal tables in their private dining room.

• Block Party in Williamsburg — May 10th @ Mo’s General.

• Chef Nate Kuester Residency - Until May 10th @ Fulgrances, Greenpoint. Chef Nate has over 10 year experience in fine dining and is doing a residency here while working on his new project, Aftergold.

• Queens Taste — May 13th @ New York Hall Of Science. This annual event brings together over 50 restaurants, beverages and breweries hailing from Queens to showcase the flavors of the boro. Proceeds support the QEDC's initiative to support economic growth in Queens. @itsinqueens

• Taste of Tribeca - May 17th. Bringing together chefs from over 50 of the neighborhood’s restaurants.

• Rib King - May 24th @ Industry City. Get your fill of ribs at this all inclusive event where one rib will be named king of them all!

• Masala y Maiz x Corima Collaboration Dinner - May 31st @ Pier57. Mexico City’s Masala y Maiz and NYC’s Corima together for a one-night-only collaboration.

If you’ve ever struggled getting into Angel Indian restaurant, you’re in luck as our favorite place for Indian food in NYC is opening a second just around the corner from their original.

I Cavallini, the new restaurant from Nick Curtola of The Four Horsemen seems likes it’s readying to open. He posted to instagram that he’s spending most of his time there and they’re now hiring the rest of their team.

Of course, North America’s 50 Best Bars list is now out. Mexico City bar, Handshake Speakeasy, topped the list again, continuing theirs and the city’s dominant streak in the bar world. A few NY favorites were on there too, including a No.5 entry in their first year of eligibility for Sip & Guzzle.

Fish Cheeks opens this month in Williamsburg, the ever popular NoHo Thai spot is opening on Metropolitan Av on May 13th.

Ever had a Purple Drank? I (Si) have never had one but I’m going to change that at Romeo’s soon who are putting their craft but fun cocktail spin on this southern American icon. This will go on their new menu alongside a pickleback shot with pickle juice from Clemente Bar.

Also, Martha Stewart popped up in Queens this week. In an unlikely collaboration, she hosted a dinner at Hellbender with Chef Yara Herrera!

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