For a limited time, New York pastry-lovers have the chance to be crowned royalty

by Jessica Festa on

Until January 15, people who dine at any three of Pastry Chef François Payard’s locations in New York will have a chance to be crowned king or queen for the day. The critically acclaimed Payard will be serving a traditional Galette des Rois, or King’s Cake, which is a flaky, buttery-rich pastry with flavors of Tahitian vanilla and Valencia almonds. The delicacy stems from a 14th century tradition in northern France that celebrates The Epiphany where people bake the cake in honor of the Three Kings who visited baby Jesus.

Another interesting part of the custom that Payard is reenacting is hiding a treasure inside of each cake. Whoever finds the trinket, in this case a ceramic macaron, inside the massive cake will be crowed king or queen for the day, literally, as each cake comes served with a paper crown. For those on a lucky streak, if you collect all six macaron colors you can tweet a photo of your good fortune or bring the trinkets into the shop for a free 24-piece box of (edible) macarons.

The Galette des Rois are served in three sizes, 4p ($24), 6p ($33) and 8-10p ($46), and, in order to ensure availabilty, it is advised to pre-order the cakes by calling (212) 995-0888 x 131.

Pastry Chef François Payard’s three locations include:

  • FPB – 116 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10012; Tel: 212.995.0888
  • FC Chocolate Bar at The Plaza – 1 West 58th Street, Concourse Level, New York, NY 10019; Tel: 212.986.9241
  • François Payard Bakery – 210 Murray Street, New York, NY 10282.; Tel: 212.995.0888

Alice in Wonderland pop-up restaurant opens in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

by Jessica Festa on

And, you probably thought Alice in Wonderland was just a fairytale. Not anymore, as Swallowtail Canada presents their pop-up restaurant, Down the Rabbit Hole, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from November 24-December 17, 2011.

Diners will not just enjoy delicious cuisine, but will actually experience the world of Alice in Wonderland. The night begins just outside an enchanted forest where guests will be greeted by a frantic rabbit who will lead them “down the rabbit hole”. Does this sound familiar?

Once they reach their destination, attendees will get to interact with their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters, such as being served tea by the Mad Hatter, and have unique experiences like enjoying soup from a bottle that is labeled either “Big” or “Small”. Choose wisely, because the bottle you pick determines what you’re next course is.

The pop-up restaurant is predicted to be so bizarre that it has even caught the attention of Celebrity Chef and Food Network Star, Bob Blumer, who is currently on the hunt for the “World’s Weirdest Restaurant”.

From what it sounds like, Down the Rabbit Hole has a great chance of winning.

Tickets are $129 per person and include five Wonderland-themed courses, a cocktail creation by Swallowtail, and the interactive show, which is performed by actors from In the House Festival. The location of the venue will not be disclosed until a week before the reserved date. Dates and times that still have tickets available include:

  • Saturday, November 26: 4PM and 8PM
  • Saturday, December 3: 4PM and 8PM
  • Saturday, December 17: 4PM and 8PM

To reserve your spot, e-mail theswallowdive@gmail.com or call 778-319-9453.

From the Bay to Brooklyn: San Francisco, California, Japanese restaurant pops up this November in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Chefs James LaLonde and Ryoji Kajikawa of the Mojo Cafe in San Francisco, California, love creating Japanese-by-way-of-California delicacies for their pop-up restaurant, SloMo SF. On November 18, 19, and 21, 2011, New Yorkers will also get a chance to experience their cuisine through a series of pop-up dinners at Sweet Deliverance in Brooklyn.

These pop-up dinners cost $90 per person and include a seasonally-inspired 7-course Japanese meal with drinks. Some menu and drink items you can expect are:

  • sake-steamed clams
  • Japanese fried chicken
  • ramen with housemade stock and noodles and seasonal garnishes
  • beer
  • sake
  • persimmon cocktails

For more information and to order tickets, visit Brown Paper Tickets.

Sweet Deliverance is a two-level commercial kitchen space located at 1287 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.