offManhattan

What: The 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show

Where: The Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets,
Philadelphia, PA.

When: Sunday, February 28th through Sunday, March 7

Why: Because we could all use some vibrant color in our lives right about now. Bleak winter is out. Jungle fever is in. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s yearly spectacle is considered to be one of the world’s premier gardening events. If you are starting to doubt that spring really is just around the corner, the stunning floral creations on display should set you straight.

Whether you’re unintentionally solo, stag and lovin’ it, or happily hitched, the outer boroughs have got you covered this weekend. From historic cemetery strolls and an anti-Valentine’s Day book party, to salty caramel ice cream and a garden tour of blooming South African plants, here are eight offbeat V-Day activities that are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside—or not.

What: Sounds Like Brooklyn Music Festival

Where: BAM, BAMcafé, and 13 other Brooklyn venues

When: Jan 29, 30; Feb 4-6

Cost: Varies, Free for some locations.

Why: Over the next two weekends, the musically devoted can sample from a wish list of 60+ bands who are waiting for you to be part of their cult following.

What: The Brooklyn Taco Experiment

Where: The Bell House, Gowanus, Brooklyn

When: Sunday, January 31, 1- 5 p.m., free after party

Why: The Atlantic recently tweeted a timeline on food history that dated the tortilla shell back to 5000 BC. Since its discovery, the utensil-less taco universal appeal comes from the limitless sweet and savory combinations found in the middle of its shell.

This Sunday, Nick Suarez and Theo Peck of the Food Experiments are bringing their latest cook-off to jack-of-all-venues, The Bell House. Sunday afternoon will feel like an endless indoor taco truck as 300 people consume the 11,000 four-inch mini corn tortilla shells donated by Tortilleria Chinantla in Williamsburg.

“This time we asked ourselves, ‘What constitutes a democratic food that jumps racial, economic, and regional barriers? And what is a food that everyone likes?’” said Suarez. “The taco was the first thing that came to mind.” The pair will host 30 chefs as they test their taco techniques with fillings like pork, beer, chicken, chorizo, and oh yes, chocolate.

What: Tabla Rasa Gallery fundraiser for Haitian disaster relief

Where: Sunset Park, Brooklyn

When: Saturday, January 23, 1-4:30p.m.

Why: Before the earthquake in Haiti becomes old news and its state of emergency status lessens, along with reporting from the ground, take this opportunity to give—perhaps a second or third time—in exchange for some striking local artwork.

Searching for a broader way to lend a hand to the devastated Haitian population, and feeling “helpless beyond words,” Tabla Rasa directors Joseph and Audrey Anastasi reached out to Brooklyn’s thriving art community for creative donations.

The responses are still pouring in, and over 100 works (including “Ayiti cheri” pictured) are expected at Saturday’s event.

Cost: The event is free and open to the public. Anyone writing a $75 check directly to one of the designated charities, be it Doctors Without Borders or Oxfam, can select an artwork 11″ x 14″ or smaller. Those giving $150 can select from any of the donated pieces. 100% of the donations will go to the cause.

How to get there: Take the yellow line’s southbound R Train to 45^th St., walk to 48^th St., turn right and walk down to #224. (Table Rasa, 224 48 St., Brooklyn, 917.880.8337, for more information about the event, visit www.TablaRasaGallery.com)

What: “Hollywood In the Heights” Film Premiere/Centennial Celebration on behalf of Brooklyn Heights Association

Where: St Francis College, Founder’s Hall, Brooklyn

When: Wednesday, January 20th, 7p.m.

Why: Before Brooklyn Heights became known as a second hand fashion destination and the home of the annual, well attended Brooklyn Book Festival, its historic streets lined with row houses, mansions, and brownstones were the backdrop for legendary movies that put the neighborhood on the map.

What: The 6th Annual Northeast Winter Wine Festival

Where: Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, Great Island of New Castle, New Hampshire

When: Festival events begin on January 15th and continue until February 27th, 2010

Why: Your future dinner party guests will thank you for broadening their palates. The festival will feature food prepared by many well-regarded New England chefs, and vintners from prominent local and worldwide wineries will offer pairings and tasting seminars.

Matthew Wexler, a chef at Good Commons in Vermont, hits the streets of New York City and beyond to discover the places and people that make him feel Good. This is the first in a four-part “Do Good” series about interesting volunteer opportunities throughout the outer boroughs.

What: Adopt a Food Program

Where: Soup kitchens and food pantries throughout the five boroughs

When: 6-month commitment during 2010

Why: To help the approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers who rely on emergency food. To the average passer-by, there is nothing unique about the door at 2241 Church Avenue in Flatbush—except for the 50 people lined up outside of it on this cold December morning. They represent an alarming number of city residents having difficulty affording food. The 2nd floor food pantry, operated by CAMBA, sees upwards of 2,400 visitors a month. I have arrived to bag a few groceries and find out more about CAMBA’s participation in the newly launched Adopt a Food Program.

What: 3rd Ward’s New Lost City/New Years Eve Party

Where: Two former factories in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

When: Dec 31st, 9:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.

Why: Across two buildings and five themed spaces, not too far from the frigid Times Square ball drop celebration, an end-of-the-decade party awaits like you’ve never experienced. Brooklyn locals and outer-borough bashers will pop champagne and shake away the last hours of 2009 with the help of 13 DJ’s and more than a dozen artists. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. . .