This past rainy Saturday afternoon, I attended Thrillist’s Fest of the Best event, “celebrating NYC’s finest dining establishments from 2014”. The event was held at Villian, a warehouse space at 50 N 3rd Street in Williamsburg near the river’s edge.
It was a consumer event. There was no wine poured, only beer and cocktails made with Grey Goose vodka who was one of the sponsors. The event space was smaller than I anticipated and it soon became crowded with the young hipsters who live in the area. Things didn’t start off on the right foot when a half hour into the event, the venue ran out of the sponsored spirit. Fortunately a shipment of Grey Goose finally arrived to the relief of the patrons and I was able to indulge in my drink of the day, a Moscow Mule which was made with Grey Goose melon vodka and ginger beer. There were several local restaurants serving their signature dishes and we were to vote on our favorites.
My favorite dishes:
Crave Fishbar: Shetland Island Salmon Crudo
Bacchanal: Confit Lamb Shoulder with Mint-Olive Caper Relish
The Monarch Room: Seared Octopus with Fennel and Citrus
Other restaurants at the event
Seoul Chicken: Next day Fried Chicken with Habanero Honey
Horchata: Guacomole De Calabaza with House Made Tortilla Chips
Two Hands: Avo Toast with Smashed Avocado, Olive Oil and Sea Salt
French Louie’s: Snails Merchand De Vins
The Randolph: Warm Grain and Kale Salad
BLT Fishshack: Oysters on the half shell
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