offManhattan

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. . .

What: 56th Annual Québec Winter Carnival

Where: Across two major sites: Place Loto-Québec (located in front of the Québec Parliament) and Place Desjardins (located on the Plains of Abraham)

When: From January 29 to February 14, 2010

Why: Because celebrating the holidays felt more like work than vacation, and this is the second best thing to a European getaway. No other event in the world can compete with this big daddy of all winter carnivals: imagine an ice palace, sleigh rides, outdoor dance parties with hip hop, disco, and Latin music, a snow sculpture competition, and canoe race, all within a charming, historic downtown district.

What: NY Creates Sixth Annual Craft Fair at BHS

Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, Ground Floor

When: Dec. 11-16th, weekdays 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; weekends 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Why: If you’re in the mood to do a little one-for-me-and-one-for-you holiday shopping while enjoying free admission to one of New York City’s great cultural hidden gems, make time for this event. Back at the Brooklyn Historical Society for the third year, New York Creates organizer Ted Berger (and former executive director of the New York Foundation for the Arts) said, “One of the reasons we do it here [BHS] is because we think people need to see this important cultural resource. Architecturally, it’s a beautiful building and it has wonderful exhibits. This event is an opportunity to shop, support a broad spectrum of artists in the city, and see an extraordinary place.”