This recipe is passed down from my mother. Of course, we measure with the heart, but everything you need to know to make the best Arroz con Pollo is below!
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use bone-in chicken breast for this recipe.
- Seasoning: Cumin, sazón with azafran, bay leaf, salt & pepper.
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, green beans, onions, scallions, garlic, red and green bell peppers.
- Flavor: Tomato paste, chicken broth, and chicken bouillon.
- Oil: Olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil will work.
- Rice: Use long-grain white rice.
- Herbs: Cilantro
Procedure
- Put the chicken breast, 5 cups of water, and the remaining ingredients for the stock in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the pot covered for about 15 minutes. Let it cool, shred, and set aside. Strain the stock and measure 2 ½ cups, then set aside.
- In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, green peppers, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the rice, tomato paste, chicken bouillon, and sazon goya. Stir until the rice is well coated, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the peas, carrots, and green beans and cook for an additional 7 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and cilantro, mix well with a fork, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.
At Great Performances, we believe that Life Happens Around Food®. We make that happen with delicious food, warm hospitality, and culinary creativity. At the heart of our creativity are our chefs. In this series, our chefs raise their voices in our Chefs’ Choir ™, sharing their delicious recipes, helpful tips, and inspiration for creating memorable events. We tap into their culinary genius as we plan your special events for business purposes and collaborate on your special event planning for social and entertainment purposes. Whether you need a corporate lunch, a wedding reception, a milestone celebration, or a nonprofit gala, our chefs bring their inspiration and creativity to ensure you have an exceptionally delicious event.
Our chefs come from myriad backgrounds and experiences, but they all share a passion for food and hospitality. We’ve asked them to lend their voices to share their Mother’s Day memories, stories, and recipes.
Chef Solanki Roy
Venue Chef, 550 Madison
My mother is a powerful Bengali woman, with modernistic views of the world, liberal at heart, intellectual, artistic and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. On Mother’s Day, I fondly remember her and reflect on everything she has done for the family and wish to reunite with her soon for my holidays. The biggest lesson she taught me was, no matter what happens in life always remain humble.
A sampling of Chef Solanki’s menu at 550 Madison.
The best culinary tip passed onto me is, cook from your heart and positive emotions, anything cooked with love compassion and good thoughts tastes good.
Anything cooked with anger, aggression or toxic work environment translates to food. So keep kitchen culture healthy, no yelling, no throwing pots and pans or glorifying abuses in kitchen. It’s not good for anyone, the cooks, the customers or the food.
My mom is a strong and beautiful woman, very talented in the kitchen, and shows us love through her cooking.
The best culinary tip I got from her was to cook with heart and make others happy.
My mom’s best dish is arroz con pollo.
Chicken Paprikash was one of the 15 or so rotating meals that we would eat growing up. I am particularly fond of this dish in the colder months as it always signified a changing in the seasons.
I am from Argentina and moved here a little over 9 years ago, my sister moved here back in 2012.
When we travel back, we always ask our Mom to make us her French Fries. There is “nothing special” about them in terms of technique, cutting, kind of potato used, etc. but at the same time, everything is special about them. It brings both my sister and myself together and brings us back beautiful memories. The fries may not be peeled perfectly, may be soggy and crispy at the same time, may have absorbed more oil than they should but all of that makes us come together.
My sister is 33, I’m 31 but when we ask Mom to make those fries, look at her cooking them and finally share those uneven spuds, we both go back to being kids again.
That is what Mom is all about to me.
The perfect food for me to celebrate Mothers / Fathers Day is Dal.
Ingredients
- Split red lentils (Masoor dal): 250 grams
- Water: 1 liter
- Onion, finely chopped: 150 grams
- Tomato, chopped: 150 grams
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15 grams
- Ginger, grated: 15 grams
- Turmeric powder: 5 grams
- Cumin seeds: 10 grams
- Coriander powder: 10 grams
- Garam masala: 5 grams
- Salt: 10 grams
- Vegetable oil or ghee: 50 grams
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped: 20 grams
Instructions
- Rinse the split red lentils under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the prepared tadka (tempering) to the lentils and mix well. Add salt to taste.
- Allow the dal to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves before serving.
It is ironic that Open House New York, whose mission it is to uncover and share the best of New York City’s built environment, systems, and institutions, is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Do you know about OHNY?
Founded post-9/11, when access to much of the city was closed off due to increased security, OHNY was conceived to advocate for openness as a defining principle of civic life; to open the doors to the people, places, projects, systems and ideas that make our city unique. I joined the Board of Directors in 2020 just as the city, once again, was shutting it doors to the vibrant institutions and civic engagement that characterizes New York.
But both NYC and OHNY have come roaring back!
The OHNY Spring Gala was held last month to honor the design-build team behind the Rooftop Pavilion and Farm at North Javits with the Open City Award. Javits’ CEO, Alan Steel, accepted the award on behalf of the impressive team.
I had multiple privileges this evening: support the event, host a table, and help plan the menu. Our culinary team and GP event planner Morgan Golumbuk took inspiration from OHNY’s directive to create an outdoor picnic feeling at an indoor evening gala! We did just that. As the sun set to the west, and the Rooftop Farm gleamed to the east, guests sat down to a family style meal.
An OHNY event is always unusual. Supporters are NY’ers of all ages and walks of life, though it draws deeply from the professions that contribute to the ‘built environment’ – the architects, designers, builders, engineers, and experts in urban and civic affairs. It is a love fest of city life and feeds our hunger to know more about how the city functions, whom it serves and how it evolves.
April 18th was a celebration on a rooftop farm, in midtown Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, on top of a convention center. Par for the course for an organization that continues to connect all of us to the beauty and wonder of our home. Learn more: New York is Open!
We invited our colleague, Bella Camara, a garde manger cook, to share her experience of working in food service during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a holy month that is observed as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Ramdan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During the month of Ramadan Muslims around the globe fast from sunrise to sunset. Meaning that we can eat or drink anything while the sun is out. Ramadan is the month that the holy Quran began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). It is an obligation upon all Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan except children who have not reach puberty, the elderly, women who are menstruating, women breastfeeding a newborn, and people who are physically or mentally sick. Ramadan is not only the month of fasting but the month of giving charity and feeding the less fortunate.
It takes a lot of discipline and self-control to work in the kitchen while fasting during the month of Ramadan. Many people who are not Muslims always ask, how do we (as Muslims) do it. The reason we can fast while working with food is because many of us have been fasting since we were 14 or 15 years. Even though we have been fasting since we were teenagers, being around food while fasting is very tempting because your sense of smell is heightened, and your body is craving food. But you must focus on the rewards you will get if you do not break your fast before sunset and the sins if you break (without any valid reason) your fast before sunset. We also try to keep our minds off the food as much as possible when we are fasting. It is not that difficult to fast during Ramadan while working with food.
This month we’re celebrating beans, a pantry staple that’s been growing in popularity. Typically found in the canned or dry goods section of a store, a tin of beans can turn into anything from a delicious dip, a savory casserole, or even a dessert. Dry beans are great to keep on hand but do require a bit more planning.
Embrace Wellness Tip: Pair beans with sources of vitamin C such as leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or lemon for increased iron absorption.
Quinoa and beans are sources of iron, an essential mineral whose main function is to make hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Quinoa can taste soapy due to the saponins that coat each grain. To improve the flavor, soak the quinoa for a few minutes in cold water, swishing until you see soapy suds appear. Drain and rinse then continue with your recipe.
Herbed Quinoa and Beans
by Great Performances & GP Embrace: Wellness
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup quinoa
- 2 cans white beans
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- salt and pepper
PROCEDURE
Rinse ¾ cup uncooked quinoa under water in a fine mesh sieve. Combine quinoa and 1-½ cups water (or low-sodium vegetable stock) in a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer about 20 minutes until water is absorbed. Drain and rinse 2 cans white beans. In a large bowl, add beans, 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper and ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, cilantro, etc.). Fluff warm quinoa with a fork and add it to the bowl. Dress with the juice of 1 lemon and 2 Tb olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
When the shimmering glitter of engagement bliss finally settles, newly-weds-to-be are often left facing the formidable undertaking that is planning a wedding. With guest lists and garments being but a few items on the intimidating agenda which precedes the big day, couples arrive wearily at the inevitable and overwhelming question of “Where do I start?”
We asked Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio her thoughts on what these fresh fiancés should focus on in the first weeks of the planning process.
#1 Enjoy the time
Between cake tastings, venue tours, and figuring out how to tell your Texan uncle that you’ve asked the DJ not to play any line dances, you’ll find yourself at the altar before you can say “I do”. Amanda insists that taking things slow and trying to enjoy the planning process is imperative, stating, “Don’t rush into everything! The time will go super fast and we want you to live in the moment and celebrate with all the people that you love.”
#2 Hire a planner
Beyond an average get-together, even individuals most inclined to organization might find themselves unprepared to take on such a vast task. “A planner is invaluable in the planning process,” says Amanda. “They’ll help you with all the details. They’re really your rock as you go through all of the contracts and negotiations, and can really be a good person to help lead that charge.”
#3 Start with a venue
You can’t begin a painting without first picking out your canvas, and so too does this apply to planning the perfect wedding. Understanding what’s possible within a space can help you make informed decisions on all other aspects, from where you’ll get dressed to how big the dance floor is. Amanda assures, “Once you find the best wedding venue for you, all the other pieces will fall into place.” She also points out that venues are often, “…associated with caterers and florists, and have a great preferred list,” which can help to jumpstart those next steps.
Check out our wedding gallery below to get some more inspiration for your upcoming nuptials!
STRENGTH OF A WOMAN PRESENTS: TIFFANY HADDISH
Friday, May 10th at 8:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: $72.70
Live Nation and Mary J. Blige are bringing the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to New York City for weekend full of activities dedicated to empowering, educating, and elevating, women. One of the annual staples of the festival is the comedy show. This year’s show will feature a headlining set from Tiffany Haddish with support from Don’t Call me White Girl and Paris Sashay.
DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM FAMILY MATINEE: HARLEM MOUSE/COUNTRY MOUSE
Saturday, May 18th at 3:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $25
The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a family matinee of Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse – an exciting retelling of Aesop’s Fable, City Mouse and Country Mouse.
Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse references the rich traditions of the Black South, modern-day life in Harlem, and the unique expressions of dance, music and poetry that arise when cultures collide. It unites the dynamic artists of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company together with students from the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Conceived as a celebration of the Harlem community, this full-length story ballet is an uplifting event for the whole family!
“Dance Theatre of Harlem…a premier ballet company and global ambassador for excellence and diversity.” -Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post.
Directed and conceived by Robert Garland and Tai Jimenez
LEO BAR HAPPY HOUR
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!
Thursday, May 9th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $25 includes a free drink
Visit Asia Society’s new exhibition, COAL + ICE with an evening of cocktails, music, and catching up on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 to 8 PM.
Enjoy the gorgeous Garden Court as you look at art, mingle with friends, and make new connections at Asia Society!
A ticket includes one drink, followed by a cash bar. Kindly note this event is only open to guests 21 years old and over.
Music by DJ Kai Song.
DANCING THE GODS
In Partnership with World Music Institute
Asia Society is pleased to collaborate with World Music Institute for Dancing the Gods, an annual festival of Indian Dance celebrating its 13th year, featuring some of the leading performers of Indian dance. Each night begins with a slide presentation by Rajika Puri, festival curator, and acclaimed dance storyteller.
Night One – Kasi Aysola and Archana Raja (Kuchipudi)
Friday, May 10th from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
Kasi Aysola is a performer, choreographer, and nattuvangam artist based in the United States. Apart from his solo performances, as Artistic Director of the Prakriti Dance Company, he also collaborates with and trains artists across America. Moreover, he is renowned for his original rhythmic compositions and the musical insight with which he has accompanied dance artists like Rama Vaidyanathan, Mythili Prakash, and Janaki Rangarajan, all of whom have appeared in Dancing the Gods over the years. WMI last presented Kasi as part of our virtual Dancing the Gods festival in 2022, where he performed the world premiere of a series of Kuchipudi works. For this year’s festival, he will be joined by Archana Raja, a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi practitioner, teacher, and choreographer based in the Bay Area who is currently a student of Kasi in the Vempati style of Kuchipudi.
Night Two – Rama Vaidyanathan (solo Bharatanatyam)
Sunday, May 12th from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
Rama Vaidyanathan is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers of her generation and is also the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar awarded by the central government of India. Her technique is grounded in tradition, yet she brings a fresh approach to her choreography that is evident in the innumerable dance compositions she has added to the Bharatanatyam repertoire. As Director of Ganesa Natyalaya New Delhi, she is actively engaged in teaching and nurturing young dancers, inspiring a whole new generation. Rama opened the very first Dancing the Gods festival in 2011.
IRONWEED: An Evening of Art & Humanity
Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm
Location: BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Tickets: start at $35
Four-time Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo and two-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht star in an innovative mix of live performance and recorded sound directed by Jodie Markell and produced by Brad Gilbert, based on a new play adapted from William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. IRONWEED: An Evening of Art & Humanity offers a heartbreaking look at a man’s end-of-life reckoning during the Great Depression. Set on All Hallows’ Eve in 1938 on the streets of Albany, the play follows one man’s journey through purgatory and his struggle for redemption, bringing to life the poetry, humor, and heartbreak of Kennedy’s prose. The evening includes select readings of scenes from a new stage version of the novel, adapted by Kennedy and Markell. Following the performance, Ruffalo and Hecht discuss the timeliness of IRONWEED and the current crisis of the unhoused with local advocates, moderated by The New Yorker writer and author Vinson Cunningham. This exclusive one-night event offers a memorable, moving experience of the power of creative expression to illuminate the human condition.
DanceAfrica 2024
Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $25
This year, the festival’s anchor performance, under the artistic vision of Abdel R. Salaam, welcomes the illustrious Cameroonian dance company Cie La Calebasse, founded by acclaimed choreographer and dancer Merlin Nyakam. Renowned for captivating performances that blend traditional African dance with contemporary flair, Cie La Calebasse presents an array of traditional Cameroonian dances and music. The program, titled Cameroon: The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures, also fosters a unique collaboration with the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers and The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, joined by Women Of The Calabash, an ensemble known for its mesmerizing polyphonic sound. The artistic vision is brought to life with costume designs by Wunmi Olaiya, lighting design by Al Crawford, set design by Jasiri Kafele, and music and sound design by David Margolin Lawson, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the depth of Cameroonian culture.
First Saturday: In Bloom
Saturday, May 4th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Celebrate spring, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and our exhibitions Artland and Hiroshige’s 100 Famous Views of Edo (feat. Takashi Murakami). May’s First Saturday features a lineup of artists, poets, and musicians from the Asian diaspora in Brooklyn and beyond.
This program is free; registration is required and includes Museum general admission. Tickets are released on a rolling basis. Sign up for the Brooklyn Museum newsletter to be notified of the next release.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market
every Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm
Location: Iris Cantor Plaza, 1st Floor
Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. This weekly event features more than 20 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more.
This event is free and takes place outdoors (rain location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor).
Jake Blount
Presented in Collaboration with City Winery
Saturday, May 11th at 8:00pm
Tickets: start at $40
When Jake Blount stumbled upon a banjo performance in an Ethiopian restaurant around a decade ago, he instantly fell in love with the instrument. Now you’ll instantly fall in love with him — banjoist, fiddler, singer, scholar, and entertainer — as he explores the folk traditions of Black and indigenous Americans. A recipient of the prestigious Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Blount will blend his “charismatic and limber” voice (The Guardian) with blues, bluegrass, and spirituals for a deeply fulfilling musical experience.
An Evening Of Wine
A Benefit for Caramoor’s Education Programs
Saturday, May 18th at 6:00pm
Tickets: $2,500
By joining us this evening, you are contributing to the vibrant experiences that Caramoor offers, fostering a sense of discovery and inspiration among all who visit. We believe these educational programs will ignite a lasting passion for the arts within our community, nurturing creativity and curiosity for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us.
Schedule
6:00pm / Cocktails
7:00pm / Musical Performance by Stella Cole
8:00pm / Dinner by Chef Jesse Schenker & Silent Auction of Rare Wines
10:00pm / Cigar Lounge and Nightcaps
VICTOR GOINES QUARTET
Friday, May 17th through Sunday, May 19th
Tickets: start at $25
Join tenor master, clarinetist, and longtime JLCO member and music director Victor Goines as he leads his 4-piece ensemble at Dizzy’s Club. An artist of compelling versatility, Goines has collaborated with a diverse roster of leaders, including Ahmad Jamal, Ruth Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Lenny Kravitz, Branford Marsalis, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder.
SUN RA AT 110 WITH SULLIVAN FORTNER'S GALACTIC FRIENDS
Wednesday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 23rd
Tickets: start at $25
Celebrating what would have been composer/keyboardist Sun Ra’s 110th birthday on May 22, Grammy-winning, Earth-born, New Orleans pianist/keyboardist Sullivan Fortner has summoned his most galactic-minded of friends to delve into Sun Ra’s inventive and adventurous music. From swing to free to earthy and spacey, Fortner and his fellow explorers – including Sun Ra Arkestra veterans and Grammy-winners – will embrace the eclecticism that marked Sun Ra’s atmospheric musical forays.
In the immortal words of Sun Ra:
In the half-between world,
Dwell they: The Tone Scientists
In notes and tone
They speak of many things…
The tone scientists:
Architects of planes of discipline
Mathematically precise are they:
The tone-scientists
–Sun Ra
ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND COMPETITION & FESTIVAL
Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $25.50
The annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival is one of the most innovative jazz education events in the world. Each year, high school musicians from across North America travel to New York City to spend three days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances at the “House of Swing,” Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
BATTLE OF THE BIG BANDS: NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND CAPTAIN BLACK BIG BAND
Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $40.50
When The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra with Adonis Rose, a 20-piece ensemble of intergenerational voices representing the birthplace of jazz, faces off against the Captain Black Big Band with Orrin Evans, a bold, swinging assemblage of artists from Philadelphia and the mid-Atlantic, expect a high-energy, roof-shaking rumble, as they duke it out to the music of Count Basie, Sun Ra, Stevie Wonder, and more, in one of jazz’s most beloved traditions, in The House of Swing.
First Friday
Friday, May 3rd from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, or activity throughout the day. This month, the museum is thrilled to partner with Welcome to Chinatown for a series of programs that celebrate the culture, community, and resilience of Chinatown. Stop by and learn more about Welcome to Chinatown and how you can support the organization’s recovery efforts.
Sleepless in Seattle Movie Screening
Friday, May 17th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
The Anatomy of a Movie Poster: The Work of Dawn Baillie includes some of the most iconic and beloved posters in modern cinematic history. Throughout the exhibition, Poster House will screen a selection of films from the movie-focused exhibition. On Friday, May 17, there will be a free screening of the romantic classic, Sleepless in Seattle. The year before this poster was created, Dawn became one of the first female cofounders of a Hollywood design studio. This poster was one of the first she created with the use of Photoshop—at the time, a new digital tool many studios were not yet using. Be sure to stop by Café des Affiches for exclusive, themed drinks and snacks to accompany the screening!
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 12th from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Location: on the grounds
Tickets: Mother’s Day is a premium day for admission at the front entrance; $2 surcharge per visitor. Free admission for children 5 & under.
Wonderfully timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Plan to spend the day in the gardens, with a special Family Art Project, a guided walk in the gardens, a session of spring birding, and free sessions of community and family yoga. Links below.
Enjoy the very rare opportunity to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn. Bring your own feast or purchase a delicious picnic curated by our exclusive partner Great Performances. Limited, first come, first served seating will also be available in Armor Hall for picnic purchasers. If you would like to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn, you may bring your own blanket and outdoor folding chairs.
Night Out at Wave Hill: The Birders Lounge
Saturday, May 18th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House
Tickets: $25; including admission to the grounds. Members save 10%
Don’t let the fun end! Grab your friends or a date and spend a leisurely spring evening at Wave Hill with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Enjoy drinks and a lively round of Birders Trivia with local bird guide Gabriel Willow as your host, and hang out on our tented café terrace with gorgeous views of the open lawns and woodlands. Wrap up your evening with a guided nature walk as the birds are heading home to roost or enjoy a quiet sunset from the café terrace or the Great Lawn. No birding experience necessary! Cash bar with a variety of local beers and themed cocktails. Ages 21 and older.
CITYPICKLE AT WOLLMAN RINK
Projected Opening May 1st
Open Daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm
Court rentals, clinics, open play, special events…we have you covered.
We welcome all levels, from beginners to elite players.
Come play on our 14 courts, the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast!
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
BRONX NIGHT MARKET
AT FORDHAM PLAZA
Saturday, May 4th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: FREE with RSVP!
As the longest-running event series in the northmost borough, the Bronx Night Market stands as a transformative force, revolutionizing the foodie scene and cultivating a deep connection to the identity of the Bronx. With a remarkable lineup of 50 local vendors, this iconic market draws over 4,000 guests each time, making it a thriving hub for community engagement and culinary exploration. Beyond its diverse array of cuisines and unique vendors, the Night Market serves as a dynamic platform for local businesses, providing a stage for the wealth of talents within the Bronx. The event embodies the spirit of the borough, celebrating its unique identity through a fusion of flavors, cultures, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Bronx Night Market is not merely a culinary gathering; it is a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience, creativity, and collective pride, contributing to the borough’s cultural richness and economic vibrancy.
FIRST FRIDAY: ART, MUSIC, DANCING! WITH AIM FELLOW CARLA MALDONADO
Friday, May 3rd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Schedule:
6PM – Choreographing The End Of The World: A Dance Workshop with AIM Fellow Carla Maldonado
7PM – Salsa dance tutorial with Instructor Talia Castro-Pozo
7:30PM – Live salsa music by Johnny Mambo & Friends and dancing!
All are invited to The Bronx Museum for this fun evening of art, music, and dancing that is part of our ongoing series of events that take place after-hours on the first Friday of a month. You are welcome to drop-in, but you can let us know if you plan to stop by with an RSVP.
This First Friday features a dance workshop with AIM Fellow Carla Maldonado, as part of our exhibition Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial (Part Two).
In addition, we are thrilled to welcome back salsa dance instructor Talia Castro-Pozo—who will be offering an open-level free salsa tutorial. And the band Johnny Mambo & Friends will be playing live salsa music throughout the evening!
THE FIRST AIM CONVENING: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ARTISTS
Saturday, May 11th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
All are invited to The Bronx Museum for the First AIM Convening! This free event is designed to impart vital advice to artists that can help them succeed in a competitive and difficult-to-navigate industry.
The Convening is programmed and led by artists who completed The Bronx Museum’s flagship AIM Fellowship program in 2023.
SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK
Thursday, May 2nd from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Westchester Avenue and Edgewater Road in Concrete Plant Park
Explore which plants are in bloom in our parks! Learn how to identify different species of flowers and pick up some botany basics on this engaging and educational hike with the Urban Park Rangers!
GARDENING TUESDAY AT THE FOODWAY
Thursday, May 28th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Concrete Plant Park
Join the Bronx River Alliance on select Tuesdays from 10a-12pm for stewardship activities such as litter removal, weeding, mulching, watering & planting at different rain gardens & newly planted tree sites along the Bronx River!
On Tuesday, May 28th, we will be stewarding the Foodway at Concrete Plant Park. We will meet volunteers at Concrete Plant Park (1370 Westchester Ave) Bronx, NY.
NATURE STORY TIME
Saturday, May 18th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we take our time in nature! We will begin our meet-up with a storytime circle under the trees, followed by arts and craft activity inspired by the story.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Ginkgo Tree Celebration
Sunday, May 19th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with NYC Parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about Ginkgo trees and their significance in Asian culture and folklore. Then end with creating your own Ginkgo-inspired craft!
ONE BOOK ONE BRONX
Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal
Thursdays, 7-8:30p: May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Bronx Collab, 3866 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY
Saturdays, 12-1:30p: May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June 1
Bronx River Community Garden, 180th St. & Devoe Ave.
Tuesdays, 7-8:30p: May 7, 14, 21, & 28
on Zoom
In Temple Folk by Aliyah Bilal, Black Muslims contemplate the convictions of their race, religion, economics, politics, and sexuality in America. The ten stories in this collection contribute to the bounty of diverse narratives about Black life by intimately portraying the experiences of a community that resists the mainstream culture.
SPRING UNCORKED
Saturday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $50 Non-Members, $25 Members; includes a souvenir NYBG wine tumbler
Enjoy the Perfect Pairing of Springtime Beauty & Local Wines
At Daffodil Hill, sip and savor spring during this wine lover’s weekend, featuring wineries from the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Enjoy samples, relax to live music, learn the science behind making great wines, and kick back with a variety of crafts and games. Enjoy delicious lunch options for sale from a line-up of the tri-state area’s finest local foods curated by Morning Glory Markets.
MOTHER’S DAY GARDEN CELEBRATION
Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Treat Mom to a One-of-a-Kind Garden Party
The most spectacular spring landscape New York City has to offer is the setting for music, games, picnicking, and more. Make Daffodil Hill your own backyard and bring the whole family together while playing your favorite garden party lawn games, making a collage or craft for Mom, and getting your face painted with whimsical designs.
THE SOUNDVIEW GARDENER'S CLUB
every Tuesday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Soundview Field House – 1550 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx
The Soundview Gardener’s Club is a space where After-School students from local schools and community volunteers come together to clear invasive plants, plant trees/native plants, and spread mulch as part of our forest restoration efforts in Soundview Park in The Bronx.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: BARBIE
Saturday, May 18th from 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park or playground! This spring, NYC Parks will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs.
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Movies begin at dusk. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.
FAMILY CAMPING: BRONX
Saturday, May 18th from 6:00pm to 7:00am
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday May 8.
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
Sunday, May 25th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House in Van Cortlandt Park
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi. Participants will learn about the crucial role that mushrooms play in an ecosystem and how natural decomposition takes place.
NYC Parks Presents: Superhero Skate Party
Saturday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Basketball Courts in Watson Gleason Playground
Join NYC Parks and Majority Leader Amanda Farias for a superhero skate party at Watson Gleason Playground. Kids, come out dressed as your favorite superhero and enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, and skating. Skates will be provided while supplies last or, feel free to bring your own. This event is free and open to the public.
Bring It On Talent Show
Friday, May 31st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Ready, Set, Work! All ages are invited to join the bring it on talent show at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Join us and showcase your unique talents from singing, dancing, acting, and beyond. If you have a passion for it, let’s see what you’ve got, bring it! This event is free and open to the public.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
This month we’re celebrating onions and garlic (a topic we’ve covered many times on GP Embrace Wellness, including sharing the health benefits of alliums. But most of all, we love them because they add an incredible amount of flavor to any dish.
This month, Chef Daniel Sokolov shares a recipe for an onion and garlic dip mix that you can prepare with your own dehydrated alliums or store bought ones and then easily whip up when you’ve got a craving. Why make your own? Because you can adjust it to your own dietary preferences and tastes like reducing the amount of sodium, adding extra seasonings. And it’s a great way to use up vegetables that might be on the brink of going bad – simply mince and dehydrate before adding to the mix.
French Onion Dry Mix
by Daniel Sokolov, R&D Chef
INGREDIENTS
- 160g dried minced onions
- 80g onion powder
- 40g garlic powder
- 40g dried chives
- 40g dried parsley
- 20g vegetable bouillon powder or granules
- 10g Worcestershire sauce powder
- 10g Kosher Salt
- 4g White peppercorn, Ground
PROCEDURE
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dried minced onions, onion powder, garlic powder, dried chives, dried parsley, vegetable bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce powder.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Taste the mix and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer the dry mix into an airtight container and store in a dry place.
TO MAKE FRENCH ONION DIP
- For each batch of dip, use 30g (about 2 tablespoons) of the dry mix.
- Mix the dry mix with 200g (about 1 cup) of sour cream, mayonnaise, or a combination of both, according to your preference.
- Stir well until the dry mix is fully incorporated into the sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Refrigerate the prepared dip for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.