The allure of pop-ups is that they are often a temporary chance to try something different, and perhaps exclusive, at a place you already know and love. Appearing suddenly and unexpectedly, the notion of the pop-up began on the East End with retailers taking a summer vacation of their own, showcasing their wares in temporary locations from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Now on the North Fork, they have evolved to become a collaborative effort to highlight and embrace the community. Appealing as they are ever-changing, here is what is popping up on the North Fork this month.
Grace & Grit at Bridge Lane Wine
Food pop-ups? Sure, we love them. But a cocktail pop-up? Intriguing. Grace and Grit, a catering company based out of Southold, is serving up libations and small bites at the Bridge Lane Tasting Room in Mattituck on Saturday, March 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Sip craft cocktails like a Meyer Lemon Collins, Barrel-Aged Negroni, or Blanco Bitter Blossom. To complement these drinks, Grace and Grit is offering tasty snacks likes a mezze platter, cheese plate, and different tartines. Reservations are not required, and seating is first come, first serve. To sip and sample, visit www.bridgelanewine.com.
PAWPAW at Bruce’s
Chef Taylor Knapp’s menu is a celebration of the bounty of the North Fork. Bruce and Son in Greenport houses pop-up restaurant PAWPAW on select Saturday evenings with two seatings. The tasting menu features unique, out-of-the-box dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients farmed, fished, and foraged on Long Island. Think dishes like monkfish liver hushpuppy with dill cream and yeast, grilled parsnip with horseradish yogurt, seeds, and brown butter, and goat’s milk cake with hay ice cream and carrot. They also pair with select wineries each weekend where guests can enjoy pairings, glasses, or bottles with their meal. Knapp and his wife, photographer Katelyn Knapp, host these intimate dinners for $60 per person. To experience, visit www.pawpawpopup.com.
The Village Cheese Shop at The Market Greenport
More cheese, please. The Village Cheese Shop on Love Lane in Mattituck has a new outpost inside The Market Whole Foods and Supplements Café in Greenport. This permanent pop-up, known as the Cheese Cave, is open Friday through Sunday in the organic market. Cheese connoisseur and cheese shop owner Michael Affatato has a menagerie of revolving cheeses offered each weekend. To celebrate this newest venture, The Market and Cheese Cave is hosting a “Cheesy Fashion Show” with funky looks from The Times Vintage on Thursday, March 8. Mouthwatering details at www.thevillagecheeseshop.com.
Maker Fair and Food Truck Rally
On the grounds of Peconic Community School in Riverhead on Saturday, March 24 there will be a Maker Fair and Food Truck Rally. Described as a celebration of makers and the things they make, including finds from artists, artisans, scientists, foodies, knitters, engineers, builders, performers, and more. The elementary school endeavors to create an education that fosters resilience, reflection, and compassion in their learners. The annual maker fair brings together creatives of similar ideals, and also highlights regional food and drink, to emphasize a true sense of community. Learn more at www.peconiccommunityschool.org.
