People seem to trade in their decadent meal budgets for gym memberships in January, just to replace them sans a hefty enrollment fee come February 1st. In case you're not trying to elliptical away the memory of 2013, though, we've got a few food events lined up to kick off 2014.
On Monday, the folks behind beer-lovers' app Pintley are co-hosting a rare and barrel-aged brew tasting night with Michigan's Founders Brewing Co. The event, held at Clinton Beer Hall in the Financial District, will feature samplings of 8 different beers, including Founders Centennial IPA, Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale and a Curmudgeon Old Ale. The tasting is free to attend, but brews are pay-as-you-go; it runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and you can reserve a spot online.
And Wednesday fills up the week with two top-notch events: in honor of the Epiphany Festival, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is hosting a Galette des Rois celebration in their Le Skyroom space on the Upper East Side. A $30 ticket ($25 for FIAF members) will get you a slice or two of the puff-pastry-and-almond-filling king cake, crafted by the Executive Pastry Chef at Financier Pâtisserie and champagne—the lucky duo that finds a porcelain Baby Jesus in their cake get crowned king and queen. Tickets can be purchased online.
Also on Wednesday, Greenwich Village spot Louro will be hosting a special birthday tribute to Elvis Presley, with a 6-course tasting menu kicking off at 7 p.m. Dishes are homages to the King's favorite foods, naturally, with offerings including a potato cheese soup with beer, braised bacon cooked in peanut butter sauce with roasted sweet potatoes and a bread puree, and a chocolate brownie paired with banana pudding and el producto ice cream. The tasting menu runs $55 a person, and is BYO beer and wine; you can make a reservation by calling or emailing the restaurant.
