Well Happy Summer! We have a few fun ways to kick it off in style. There are movies under the stars, the Renegade Craft Fair, and Katz’s celebration of the 30^th anniversary of When Harry Met Sally. Central Park’s Belvedere Castle has re-opened and Roe Piccolo (a Tomatoes Got Talent alum) is performing at Don’t Tell Mamas. Pastis, on of the restaurant’s that made the Meatpacking District trendy in early 2000’s is back, and Gael Greene has the scoop. And if you love Italian food, Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on a fun food event she is hosting – the street foods of Italy – and it supports a good cause too.  

June 22-23. Renegade Craft Fair

Head to the Brooklyn Expo this weekend to this sunny marketplace curated with over 200 local and national creatives. Shop fresh summer goods and discover independent design as you groove to Black Gold Brooklyn vinyl tunes, sip on Donna Cocktail Club drinks, try your hand at rug-making with Tuft Love, munch on food truck bites, and more. Get the details.

Katz’s Deli Celebrates “When Harry Met Sally”

Can you believe it’s the 30^th anniversary of this iconic movie? And who can forget that famous scene in Katz’s deli when Sally (Meg Ryan) demonstrates to Harry (Billy Crystal) how woman can fake. Well for the month of July, Katz’s Deli is celebrating including a contest on July 12 when guests can reenact the Sally part. Later in the month there’s a special screening of the movie. And Katz’s is offering a “I’ll Have What She’s Having Package” that includes a pastrami and turkey sandwich that they will ship anywhere nationwide. Get the details.

June 28. Belvedere Castle Reopens

Named for the Italian meaning “beautiful view,” Central Park’s Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. With its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park’s most beautiful and famous landmarks: the Delacorte Theater, the Great Lawn, the Turtle Pond and the Ramble.

Originally designed in 1865 by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, Belvedere Castle was intended to be a Victorian Folly, a fantasy structure that provides a great backdrop and views, but without a real intended purpose.  With its strong stone façade, grand turret and flag, the castle was merely a stunning attraction in Central Park.

This all changed in 1919 when the National Weather Service began taking measurements from the castle’s tower with scientific instruments that determine wind speed and direction. Additionally, just south of the castle, other data such as the rainfall was recorded and sent to the weather service’s forecast office at Brookhaven National Library on Long Island. Belvedere Castle is still used for this purpose today. Get the details.

Movies in the Parks

The movies under the stars are back in several City parks from now through September. There are FREE movies almost daily. On June 24 you watch The Birdcage at Bryant Park. On June 27^th watch Bohemian Rhapsody on a rooftop. Get the schedule.

June 29. Roe Piccoli at Don’t Tell Mama

We love that so many of our Tomatoes Got Talent show contestants have been inspired to do their own cabaret shows. Roe Piccoli (a psychologist by day and chanteuse by night) has her first solo show at Don’t Tell Mama. She is terrific.  Get details and tickets.