If you’re in dire need of a winter escape, but find yourself inconsolably stuck in town, the folks at The Diamond (who just so happen to be in Beer Book 5) have just the thing for you: a “Winter Beach Bazaar” this Saturday at 4pm. There, you can do the limbo and eat fish tacos and merrily delude yourself among the fellow wintery-weary. We know, snow. But check it: it’s free to just show up, and your first drink free as long as you’re sporting a Hawaiian shirt/tropical-themed attire over those layers. Plus there’s the chance to win a $20 bar tab if your Aloha attire is deemed the most awesome. Sounds like the perfect post-Valentine’s Day recovery celebration, and maybe even a way to get a head start on snagging a spring fling.
And of course, there will be beers: Montauk Brewing Company’s flagship brew, Driftwood Ale ($6), will be on tap exclusively for this event (it’s not available anywhere else in Brooklyn). It was my favorite of the brews I got to try at Montauk Brewing Company’s headquarters where I stopped in last weekend on a winter getaway; once you have a pint of that slightly sweet, amber-hued ESB (Extra Special/Strong Bitter), you’ll want to hop on the next train out to The End for more. Also, expect a draft on tap from Oceanside, NY’s Barrier Brewing Company, a closer Long Island outpost.
Beyond the beer, you can also treat yourself to $2 oysters from Open Oyster NYC and the aforementioned fish tacos, and further feed your warm weather fantasies by winning a limbo contest. And you can get ready for summer by picking out beach wear and wares from local vendors Brooklyn Beach and K. Belo Swimwear, who will be setting up shop alongside Acme Tees, M. Carter, Nuer Jewelry, Wax & Cruz and Wilhelm. From what we understand, buying a bikini makes summer come faster, so let’s all get up to Greenpoint and buy some.