All Hail the $1 Pizza Slice

Ti's the season for hustle and bustle. This is the time of year that everyone is running around like crazy desperately trying to hunt down the perfect gift. One roams from shop to shop to stand on line after line to get the latest sale items highlighted in the weekly circulars. The whole process is truly tiring but fun nonetheless.  As I roamed through the city this week popping in and out of stores looking for the perfect items, I began to feel famished. I roamed a little further down the street and encountered a 2Bros Pizza.

I love this pizza pallor. It's a perfect place to grab a nice warm tasty inexpensive meal in a hurry.  The spices and flavors in the pizza are simply wonderful. The crust is toasty and brown with just the right amount of crunch.

In 2007, 2Bros Pizza  opened its doors at St. Marks Place, New York and instantly became a neighborhood staple. Since then the company has expanded throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. What is so awesome about this pizza is the quality of taste for the excellent cost of $1.00. In a city where everything seems to cost a stack of bills, it is refreshing to find a delicious treat for one bill. 2Bros Pizza are located:

• 32 St. Marks Place, New York, NY 10003 - East Village
• 36 St. Marls Place, New York,  NY 10003 - East Village
•  601 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011 - Chelsea
• 755 6th Ave, New York, NY 10010 - Flatiron
• 542 9th Ave, New York, NY 100018 - Port Authority
• 557 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018 - 8th Ave
• 31 W 46th St., New York, NY 10036 - Midtown
• 395 Ave Extensions Btwn Fulton & DeKalb, Brooklyn, NY 11201

 2Bros Pizza offers an array of flavored pizzas including Cheese, Chicken, White pie which is classic white pizza with mozzarella and ricotta, Hawaiian pizza, Vegetable and Sausage and Peppers pizza.  So during this holiday season as you journey through New York City shopping, enjoying the holiday lights, sipping hot chocolate, and taking in all the holiday cheer, stop by a 2Bros Pizza and enjoy a heavenly slice of delight.

Bourbon Street Bayside

 BAYSIDE VILLAGE, QUEENS 

 

 My roaming adventures this week lead me to  Bourbon Street restaurant in Bayside, Queens.  

As I drove down Bell Blvd I happened to notice Mardi Gras masks and a large sign that read "Bourbon Street." I said, this looks interesting I better investigate. Now, having resided and fallen in love with Louisiana, I had to authenticate this Cajun cuisine. When I walked through the door I was greeted with a warm smile from the hostess who lead me to my seat. The interior was charming and the ambiance was casual and relaxed.  There is a full bar and large televisions excellent for watching sports.  Away from the bar were quiet dinning areas. The walls held colorful vibrant paintings of jazz musicians, Mardi Gras masks and swanky scenes of New Orleans.  Each table setting included colorful  Mardi Gras beads. The archway has an enchanting French style gate that provided a nice French Quarter “N’Awlins touch.

Now on to the food.  The bread basket came with an array of breads including honey wheat, white roll, corn bread and everything flat bread. The basket was accompanied with a sweet homemade pecan butter. It was a wonderful complement to the breads.  I also had the opportunity to taste a fresh batch of apple cinnamon butter, a holiday specialty for the season. My waitress Kim, who was quite delightful provided some marvelous suggestions to acquaint me with the menu.

 

The water came in the charming bottle

Everything Flat Bread

My meal commenced with BBQ Shrimp. Now this was no average bbq shrimp I have ever tasted. This dish was comprised of plump jumbo shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices in a secret cream sauce served with garlic bread.  The cream sauce was buttery, rich and creamy. It had the right balance of spice with a hint of barbeque. The shrimp was seasoned to perfection and the garlic bread was fluffy with a light crunch. I tell you this reporter had a superb time sopping up each drop of the delicious cream sauce.

BBQ Shrimp with French Bread

Next Kim recommended Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. This hearty dish was prepared with spicy, crispy buffalo breaded chicken cutlets served on top of a mountain of penne pasta swimming in homemade buffalo butter cheese sauce topped off with large crumbles of blue cheese. D-Lish is all I could say as the flavor fusions exploded in my mouth.

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

My meal concluded with a grand slice of homemade apple crumbled pie served with a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a heavenly scoop of vanilla ice- cream.

Homemade Apple Crumbled Pie

Other scrumptious menu items include Pulled Pork Nachos, Almond Crusted Coconut Catfish, Seafood Gumbo,  Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya and so much more. Bourbon Street offers daily dinner specials and live music. Other specials include Thursday night $1 sliders,  Monday - Friday 2 for 1 appetizers and $3.50 Apple Martinis and Cosmos. Upcoming holiday events include Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 15 at 11:30am and Ugly Sweater Party, Wednesday, December 19th at 8:30pm. I'm looking forward to the Ugly sweater affair. Bourbon Street also serves gluten free and vegetarian dishes.

Overall, I had a delightful time. I would have enjoyed hearing some jazz and dixieland music splashed in between the sports report on television. Nevertheless, a girl can't have it all. I miss the southern comforts of Louisiana daily, however, Bourbon Street brought this reporter a little taste of home. The price was moderate, the service was great and the was food fantastic. So if you're roaming through the Bayside, Queens area and you're looking for a new food adventure, check out  Bourbon Street, where their motto is  Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez....Let the Good Time Roll!

Bourbon Street is located 4012 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY.  http://bourbonstreetny.com/index.html

What's Hot! Local Events 12/2/13 - 12/8/13

Yay.. December is here! Let the Christmas season commence. December is my favorite time of year and the Roaming Reporter will have plenty of happenings to report.  December kicks off to an awesome start. Below is a list of this weeks events throughout the boroughs. Enjoy!

Monday, December 2, 2013

 

Gingerbread Lane - Queens

Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. GingerBread Lane, a 1.5 ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy, is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit. Sounds delicious! For more information visit New York Hall of Science

MetroTech Commons  Tree Lighting - Brooklyn 

Join the holiday fun with free refreshments, caroling, and holiday festivities. Located at Jay Street and Willoughby Street . 5:30pm

Holiday Tree Lighting - Brooklyn

Featuring entertainment, giveaways, a sing-along with the Guild for Exceptional Children Choir and a visit from Santa.  Located at Owl's Head Park, 68th Street and Colonial Road 6:30pm.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Meditation - Queens

Take some time away from the shopping madness for a 1hour meditation class. Ongoing Meditation class held at Free Synagogue of Flushing (FSF). Rabbi Micheal Weisser host Mindfulness Mediation at 7:30pm. The synagogue is located at 41-60 Kissena Blvd, Flushing. For more information, call (718) 961-0030 or mail infor@freesynagogue.org. http://www.freesynagogue.org

Hanukkah Celebration - Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Join the Kings Bay Y North for a free family celebration. Event activities include arts and crafts, interactive storytelling, sing-alongs with Gild and latkes and donut eating contest. Located at
King & Grove Hotel (rooftop louge), 160 North St. between Berry Street and Bedford Ave. 
Time: 6 - 8 pm. For more information call 718-407-6377 or info@norlthjwilliamsburgY.org

 Tree Lighting - Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Councilman Stephen Levin is officiating at the annual lighting ceremony and holiday party featuring the dancers from Dancewave and PS 38.  Located at the Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave and Bond Street. Time: 6 - 8:30pm.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 -  Park Slope, Brooklyn

"The Elf on the Shelf"

Barnes and Noble host a holiday tradition with crafts and free fun activities.  Located at Barnes and Noble, 267 Seventh Ave at Sixth Street. Time: 4pm

Tree Lighting -  Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Santa will be on hand with entertainment provided by the Xaverian High School Glee Club and Band, the Guild for Exceptional Children Chorus and Mary Carmosino. Located at Shore Road Park Gazebo, Shore Road and 90th Street. Time: 6:30pm

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" - Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Theatre for a New Audience's inaugural production, directed by Julie Taymor .

Where: Polonsky Shakespeare Center • 262 Ashland Pl. at Fulton Street

Web site: http://www.tfana.org 

"A Christmas Carol" - Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

This is a radio play adapted by Beth Ann Hopkins from the Dickens classic and features Susanna Baddiel, Jordan Coffey, Jonathan Hopkins, Charlie Kravits, Ron McClary, Eleanor McCormick, Vinnie Penna, Clara Strauch, Corey Whelihan and Katie Willmorth.

Where: Robert Acito Park House • Court and President streets

Web site:  http://smithstreetst​age.org

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Brooklyn Movie Night: A Christmas Story - Sunset Park, Brooklyn

The Sunset Park Recreation Center present the fun loving holiday classic A Christmas Story.  

Follow Ralphie on his quest to get the Red Ryder B.B. Gun.  Open to members and non-members.  Rated PG. Located 43rd Street at 7th Ave. Time: 7:00pm - 9pm. Free

 Poetry Jam - Jamaica, Queens

The Roy Wilkins Recreation Center present a Poetry Jam. Youth ages 12 -21 are invited to showcase their lyrical and creative skills to the community. All are welcomed to attend and support the young poets. Located at Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. Time:4pm

Friday,  December 6, 2013

First Fridays - Jamaica, Queens

In partnership with the Jamaica Center BID, JCAL invites Young Urban Professionals (25& Up) who work, shop, live & dine in the Downtown Jamaica area, to join us in livening up the nightlife.
Time: 6pm-10pm . Located at 161-04 Jamaica ave. www.jcal.org

 Holiday First Friday! with the Metropolitones - Bronx

Experience the mansion is all its holiday glory. Entertainment, a cappella sound of the Metropolitones. Do a little shopping, enjoy refreshments and take a free ride on the Bronx Seaside Trolley. http://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/events/calendar.php

Holiday Tree Lighting - Manhattan

Join the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy and members of the community for the lighting of the holiday tree. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and candy canes. Bring the family! Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Holiday Fun Day - Jamaica, Queens

JCAL hosts its annual Holiday Family Fun Day on December 7th! Join us for arts & crafts, music, and holiday sheer! For more information call (718) 658-7400 or visit www.jcal.org

Annual Holiday Family Day: A Storybook Christmas -  Bronx

The Bartow- Pell Mansion Museum hosts a fun-filled holiday fun day. Children and parents will delight in holiday storytelling an crafts, professional photographs with Santa, holiday shopping and more. Time; 10:00am - 1:00pm. Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information (718) 885- 1461 or info@bpmm.org. http://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/

Santa Claus Pajama Story Time - Bronx

This free children's event will feature a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," hot coco and Santa. Reservations suggested, call Van Cortlandt House Museum at (718) 543 -3344. Located at Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway at West 246th Street. Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Colonial Christmas at the Conference House - Staten Island

Visit the Candlelight Christmas Market, featuring the Conference House Collection: Fine crafts, Steve Nutt redware, wooden toys. There will be free hot apple cider and cookies. Home-baked  goods are made from 18th century recipes by the Conference House Auxiliary. Visit with Father Christmas and receive a free gift for children. Enjoy seasonal music, and raffle drawings at 4 p.m.  Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm. Located at the Conference House Museum in Conference House Park,       298 Satterlee Street. http://www.conferencehouse.org/

Waltz of the Flowers - Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden will host a The Nutcracker in a special workshop for children ages 4 through 12, presented by teaching artists from American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Magical waltzing flowers and busy bumble bees will receive basic ballet instruction, enjoy craft activities, and investigate flowering plants with BBG educators. No dance experience necessary - just bring comfortable shoes and get ready to have some fun. Located at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, 900 Washington Ave. Preregistration is required at http://go.abt.org/site/Calendar?id=101021&view=Detail

Winter Solstice Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony at Queens Botanical Garden - Queens

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of family fun, including a winter Garden tour, botanical crafts (additional fee), and live musical performances, as well as our Holiday Marketplace. Plus, Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30pm. http://www.queensbotanical.org/

Schedule
Noon to 5 p.m.: Refreshments and treats for purchase from La Bella Torte
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Photos with Santa (fee applies; must be on line by 4pm)
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Tour the Garden in winter
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Botanical craft activities (additional fee; while supplies last)
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Concert by the Rough Dozen, an acappella group performing seasonal songs
4:30 p.m. to 5p.m.: Tree-lighting ceremony and sing-along

Christmas Tree Lighting Around Town

Christmas Tree Lighting

Here is a list of the Christmas tree lighting happening around town this week. Grab a blanket and a calendar and let the festivities begin.

12/2/13 -  Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square -  5pm - Manhattan 

http://www.winterseve.org/ 

 

12/3/13 - Bryant Park: The Tree Lighting Show - 6:00p.m. -  Manhattan  

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/03/bryant-park-the-tree-lighting-show

12/3/13 - Annual Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting Party - 6:00 p.m. - 8 p.m. -  Brooklyn

http://atlanticave.org/2013-holiday-treelighting/

 

 12/4/13 - Shore Road Park Christmas Tree Lighting - 6:30pm - Brooklyn

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/04/shore-road-park-christmas-tree-lighting 

 

12/4/13 - Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting - 7p.m. - 9 p.m. - Manhattan

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/2013/11/01/2013-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/

 

12/5/13 - Harlem Meer Tree Lighting - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Manhattan

http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/903904068?view=Detail&id=123441 

12/6/ 13 -  Carl Schurz Park Holiday Tree Lighting - 5:00pm -6:00pm - Manhattan

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/06/holiday-tree-lighting 

 

12/6/13 - Carol Gardens Tree Lighting Party - 6 p.m. - Brooklyn

http://mommypoppins.com/event/tree-lighting-and-holiday-party 

 

12/8/13 -Queens Botanical Garden Winter Solstice Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony - 12:30pm - 5:00pm - Queens

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/08/winter-solstice-celebration-tree-lighting-ceremony-at-queens-botanical-garden 

 

 

12/8/13 - Christmas in Richmond Town Traditional Tree Lighting - 5pm - Staten Island

http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/events/details/981-christmas-in-richmond-town

12/8/13 - The Lighting of the Park Avenue Christmas Trees - 6:30 p.m. - Manhattan

http://fundforparkavenue.org/fund-for-park-avenue-tree-lighting.htm

 

 

12/10/13 - Madison Square Lighting Party - 3:30 p.m.  - Manhattan

http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/celebrate-the-season-with-mad-sq-holiday 

 

12/11/ 13 - Brower Park Holiday Lighting - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Brooklyn

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/11/holiday-tree-lighting