City Bakery holds its 18th annual Hot Chocolate Festival throughout February, and TONY associate editor Amy Plitt plans to sample all 25 flavors—she’ll let you know if they’re worth your time (and calories).

I was stoked for today’s hot-chocolate flavor: Earl Grey tea (the favored drink of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek!). Earl Grey is my favorite tea precisely because of its distinct flavor. When it’s brewed correctly, it tends to be citrusy, with floral notes—which comes from the bergamot that’s used to flavor it. (And it smells delicious.) As I’ve said before, citrus and chocolate pairings are usually yummy. Right? In this case, not so much.

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Still reeling from the Saints victory over the Colts yesterday? Well, come Tuesday, February 16, you can celebrate the team in style at TONY’s Dining & Libation Society Louisiana rumble.

Join Eat Out’s Jordana Rothman, along with barkeeps Lynette Marerro and Jim Kearns, at Rye House for bottomless beer and unlimited N’awlins drinks like Sazeracs and French 75s. Chef Greg Johnson has devised a lineup of Southern eats (jambalaya, po’boys, beignets and more), and the Red Hook ramblers will provide danceable ragtime tunes all night.

All this can be yours for just $55. In? We thought so. Reserve your spot here.

City Bakery holds its 18th annual Hot Chocolate Festival throughout February, and TONY associate editor Amy Plitt plans to sample all 25 flavors—she’ll let you know if they’re worth your time (and calories).

Vanilla bean is a quintessential flavoring used to punch up confections; pretty much every sweet treat, from brownies to pancakes to regular cakes, is aided by the addition of a little vanilla. In a dark hot cocoa, like City Bakery’s (shot-sized cup $2.50; regular cup $5; with marshmallow $5.50), the vanilla serves to mellow out the chocolate’s tannic bitterness—and it’s what makes today’s cocoa so yummy. Read more »

Mmmm beer. (Photograph: Jolie Ruben)

Paste magazine is best known for thoughtful coverage of indie music, film and culture. This Wednesday, February 10, culture refers to really good beer. The Atlanta-based monthly is hosting a party at The Stag’s Head celebrating its recent Best American Breweries of the Decade list. Sixteen taps will flow, each representing one of the mag’s favorite brewers. Expect selections from craft-brew heavyweights like Allagash, Ommegang, North Coast and—specializing in awesomely tart sour ales—Jolly Pumpkin. The party starts at 7:30pm and all beers run a mere $4 per pint. Paste staff will be on hand discussing hops, malts and probably the new Vampire Weekend album.—Bret Stetka

We have to admit we got a little teary-eyed watching Drew Brees snag a Super Bowl win for the city of New Orleans last night, but when it comes to sporting moments that pull the heartstrings, nothing tops the Winter Olympics. In anticipation of Friday night’s opening ceremony, TONY has tracked down some spots that will be rolling out the TVs and booze specials for the Games. Check out the list after the jump—trust us, you’ll need a stiff drink to help you hold it together.

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Last year's Valentine's Day collection from Kumquat Cupcakery. (Photo: Shani Bar-on)

Pop-ups come and go. But a handmade candy bar lasts—well, if not forever, at least until your willpower fails and you eat the sucker. Starting Thursday, the lovely ladies at Kumquat Cupcakery and Liddabit Sweets will be selling artisan treats out of a temporary storefront at Greenpoint’s Kill Devil Hill, whose owners are renting out the space to various artists, performers and vendors over the next two months. Sweet Shop will be open from 10am to 7pm daily from Thursday the 11th through Sunday the 14th, and both teams have whipped up festive Valentine’s Day treats—like Liddabit’s heart-shaped hibiscus and agave syrup lollipops ($1.75 each)—exclusively for the occasion. Read more »

Pop Burger puts the Dollar Menu to shame today—and on the eighth of every month—by offering two of its eponymous burgers for a total of $0.88 (normally $6.75). The deal is valid only from 2 to 6:30pm at the Midtown West location. To get the special price, diners must use this electronic coupon, and then text the code to their phone to show to the cashier at check-out.—Julia Fleming

Bread 101
Blow off Balthazar and learn to make your own bakery-quality breads at this hands-on workshop. Former Gourmet food editor Ian Knauer will cover the basics of creating baguettes, focaccia and pain epi (a popular French style). Participants can munch on premade samples and take home what they bake. The Culinary Loft, 515 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts, suite 5A (212-431-7425). 6:30–9pm, $85.

“The Future of Food Journalism”
Rub the crystal ball and peer into the future of food writing at this panel discussion. Eat Out editor Gabriella Gershenson joins Nick Fauchald (Tasting Table) and other industry pros to chat about how the decline of print affects their craft and the restaurant industry as a whole. Before the event, hobnob over complimentary cocktails from 6 to 7pm. The Gabarron Foundation, 149 E 38th St at Lexington Ave (800-883-3307). 7–8pm, $50.

See all eating events this week

Photos: Caroline Voagen Nelson

The Meatball Shop See the Feed first look: The Meatball shop.

Bistro Vendôme Husband-and-wife team Pascal and Virginie Petiteau may have both grown up in Brittany, France, but they met at an Irish bar here in New York. Together they ran the midtown bistro Jubilee—he in the kitchen and she the front of house—until leaving to open this bistro in the former March space. While the casual decor doesn’t cleave to tradition (no menu-scrawled mirrors or red banquettes here), there are many familiar dishes, including escargots, tuna tartare and steak frites (your choice of filet mignon, sirloin or rib-eye). Seasonal specials, such as cassoulet, tripes à la mode de Caen and beef-cheek shepherd’s pie will be sold through the end of winter. 405 E 58th St between First Ave and Sutton Pl (212-935-9100)

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef Having just opened the dessert spot Led Zeppole on 14th Street, the owners of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza & Brewery didn’t wait long to unveil this sandwich shop. Only three varieties are available in the small, seatless space: house-made roast beef with Cheez Whiz and jus on a roll; roast beef with fresh mozzarella and dark gravy on a hero; and pastrami on rye with coleslaw and mustard. Sides of hand-cut fries and potato and macaroni salads round out the menu. 149 First Ave between 9th and 10th Sts (212-253-1500)

City Bakery holds its 18th annual Hot Chocolate Festival throughout February, and TONY associate editor Amy Plitt plans to sample all 25 flavors—she’ll let you know if they’re worth your time (and calories).

Today’s hot chocolate flavor: caramel. As anyone who’s ever enjoyed a Caramello candy bar knows, the sticky sweetness of the sugar-and-cream confection pairs perfectly with chocolate. The trick is to keep the combo from getting too sweet, which the City Bakery just manages with its caramel-flavored cocoa. Read more »