Just when you thought festival season was over, The New York Times and The Infatuation are bringing lineups of chefs and restaurants to NYC that rival Govball and Rolling Loud. Buckle in because you might end up driving back and forth on the L.I.E. between some can’t-miss food experiences these next few days. This week’s Drop Digest also features a beer-infused doughnut, a Dia de los Muertos celebration with tamales and Rick Martinez, and more. The 8it Drop Digest is just a small taste of what you can discover in the 🧨 Pop-Ups & Drops category on the 8it app, so go check it out for more.

Dinner with Chef Joe Mangipano
Park Slope // 10.10

What’s the drop?
Chef Joe Mangipano is throwing a tasty celebration of Fall at 390 social on Monday. The six-course menu will feature Raviolo Uovo, Duck, a Fig & Chambord Cream Tart and Dueling Oysters; fitting because you might need to duel for a spot at this exclusive dinner experience.

Why should you go?
Mangipano made the work of art above, a Raviolo Uovo with Roast Beet Ricotta in Salsa Cacio e Pepe, Brown Butter and Dill, at a few dinners last year. “People loved that one,” he said. Unless you don’t love thriving in creamy, yolky glory, you will too. Tap in below for all the info.

Infatuation Eeeeeatscon
Forest Hills // 10.8 & 10.9

What’s the drop?
More than 30 restaurants from New York and beyond will descend upon Forest Hills Stadium this weekend. The two-day festival will feature Sally’s Apizza, Taqueria Ramirez, Pecking House, Sanguich, Bark Barbecue, and many more. There will also be music acts and many illustrious speakers including Martha Stewart; and you do NOT want to miss the queen’s address. That would be treason.

Why should you go?
This is a chance to eat some of America’s most in-demand food. You could get the Maybach of fried chicken from Pecking House, Tacos Suadero from Taqueria Ramirez, even the Scallion Pancake Burrito from Forsyth Fire Escape, without reserving a month in advance. And all in one weekend?? This must be heaven. Tap in below for all the info.

The New York Times Food Festival
Lincoln Square // 10.8

What’s the drop?
A day of star-studded food conversations, cooking demonstrations, dining experiences, cookbook signings, and more is coming to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center this Saturday. Pecking House will be doubling down on festivals this weekend, pulling that Maybach up to the Tour de Fried Chicken, which will feature them, Rowdy Rooster, and Family Altagracia Caribbean Cuisine. Other dining experiences at the festival will include Black Vegan Traditions, Donuts with Friends, Amex | Resy Food Fair, and a three-course dinner with Contramar from Mexico City.

Why should you go?
This is a chance to interact with some of the greatest minds in food. You could chat about the future of restaurants with Danny Meyer, reflect on food storytelling with Padma Lakshmi, or get some behind-the-scenes intel from “The Bear” from Matty Matheson. Forget Youtube; this is also a chance to pick up some cooking acumen that will impress your whole squad. Maangchi and Chef Rick Martinez will be doing live cooking demos, so there’s no excuse if you don’t bring jars of spicy, funky kimchi or a bold, velvety mole to your holiday functions this year. Tap in below for all the info.

Dia de los muertos with Rick Martinez
Williamsburg // 10.8

What’s the drop?
Culinary show host for Food 52 and The Food Network, Chef Rick Martinez is throwing a Dia de los Muertos celebration at neighborhood cafe and tortilla mill, For All Things Good in Williamsburg on Saturday. Celebrate the dead with Tamales, memelas, champurrado, and mezcal cocktails that will bring you life.

Why should you go?
Hailing from Mazatlán, Martinez channels Mexican culture into his food and media. Martinez ’s new cookbook Mi Cocina was just released and he will be signing copies at the event. Art, music, dance, and food will converge to make this a Dia de los Muertos to remember. Tap in below for all the info.

The Bronx Brewery Stout and Pretzel Doughnut
West Village // 10.7-10.9

What’s the drop?
Building on their knack for collabing with just about anyone with a dope product, The Doughnut Project dropped a collab with The Bronx Brewery available this weekend only. This boozy doughnut has a stout and pretzel steeped pastry cream filling, is topped with stout ganache and a pretzel and cocoa nib toffee topping.

Why should you go?
This doughnut is pretty much perfect if you want a stout but don’t want to experience the adverse affects of drinking one. It brings up the question, why doesn’t every beer have a doughnut companion? You should just as well be able to walk up to any bar and order a doughnut that tastes just like your beer with added decadence. Sounds like an initiative Homer Simpson could get behind. Here’s to hoping for a bright future in the beer-doughnut collab world. Tap in below for all the info.

YOU SHOULDA 8it!

Not to rub it in, but here’s a pop-up you may have missed out on. To stay in the know on all the hottest drops in real-time, check out 8it’s Pop-Ups & Drops category in the app.

Mirali Dilbalzi Residency
Fulgurances

Imagine reaching your dream of opening a restaurant, but you’re forced to leave it behind. That’s what happened to chef Mirali Dilbalzi after Russia invaded Ukraine. But last month, Dilbalzi was able to make up for lost time as the chef in residency at Fulgurances in Brooklyn. His menu showcased harvest season produce, utilizing everything from the top to the root to create mini exhibitions of different vegetables in every course. Mirali’s chief of guest experience, Elena Lysytska noted that Ukraine and New York have similar climates, so the same vegetables were in season. Standouts included a butternut squash puree with ancho chile mole, an artful maitake mushroom with leeks, and a fig dessert with crushed ice similar to halo-halo.

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