It's no secret that Prohibition-style lounges have been spreading across the U.S. This evening, the Museum of the City of New York joins the trend by opening a speakeasy that will serve historically accurate drinks out in the open—on the museum terrace, which faces Central Park.
Staff will be mixing cocktails that were popular during Prohibition (1920–1933), according to old menus from the museum's archives. The City Room blog has published some of the recipes, in case you want to try your hand at a Rum Scoundrel or Clover Club at home.
The admission fee of $12 ($10 for members) covers one drink and access to museum exhibitions, including "Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson," timed to the 400th anniversary of Hudson's arrival in New York Harbor. 1220 Fifth Ave., between 103rd and 104th Sts., speakeasy open Wednesday nights, 6–9 p.m., through August 26.
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This weekend: Sandcastles in Canada
The beach buckets and sand shovels will be out in full force in Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada this Saturday, for the Sandsculpture Championships. Held on the lake's Devonshire Beach (about three hours north of Edmonton), there are three categories of competition—family, children's, and the more competitive "open" category. It's a little pricey to compete (about $4.50 for kids, $27 for families, and $91 for "open"), but it's all free to watch. This year's theme is "The Adventure of the Imagination," so finished sculptures are sure to run the gamut. Check out the huge octopus from last year. Judging is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to peruse the entries to pick their favorite. The top prize is $3,000—not too shabby for an afternoon's inspiration. Also happening on the beach is a volleyball tournament, and there are family-friendly activities like face painting, tug-of-war, kayaking, and a watermelon-eating contest. Now, that's what summer's all "aboot."
10 top Paris food blogs
For those who are planning a Paris binge or simply want to digest the food scene vicariously, the following blogs are totally delicious. David Lebovitz A pastry chef and author who combines sweet recipes with acidic (and hilarious) tales about life in Paris. He also offers plenty of restaurant recommendations and reviews. Chocolate & Zucchini One of the earliest and still most-popular food bloggers, this young Parisian compliments her recipes with an incredibly helpful French-English food glossary, and guide to favorite markets, shops, and restaurants. Dorie Greenspan The author of four baking bibles, Dorie spends a good part of every year eating and writing in Paris. When she tells me where to buy pastry, I listen. Alex Lobrano's Diner's Journal The long-time local correspondent for Gourmet magazine wrote an excellent restaurant guide in 2008. He shares news and updated recommendations on this restaurant blog. John Talbott's Paris The most prolific eater/writer I have ever followed. As co-host of the food-geeky eGullet France Forum, John Talbott has his finger on the pulse of the local restaurant scene. The blog houses his own reviews, along with regular summaries of what everyone else has said. Adrian Moore The self-styled "bad boy" of the local food scene, Adrian has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in his role as a five star hotel concierge. Restaurant reviews and the occasional rant. Ms. Glaze Pommes d'Amour Now cooking in New York, this young foodie spent several years in the kitchen of a three-star Paris restaurant and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the local food scene. She also created a Paris tour for teens that many chaperones will find handy. Simon Says! The personal blog of Francois Simon, lead critic for Le Figaro and (some say) the inspiration for Anton Ego, the ill-humored critic from Ratatouille. Many articles in English, thanks in part to his collaborator Joe Ray. Chrisoscope Practice your French or simply enjoy the food porn from this prolific and opinionated eater. Handy categories will help you find a restaurant that's open for brunch or on Sunday. Meg Zimbeck Can I nominate myself? Here's my personal blog, where you'll find the reviews and other bits that don't make it into Budget Travel. CLICKABLES Paris: 10 top free events in July and August Our Affordable Paris blog coverage