Where Drinking and Sword Fighting Go Together

Well, not quite sword fighting.

Stand back everyone, because you are about to learn how to impress all your friends with a new party trick. Champagne sabering is an age-old tradition of opening a bottle of bubbly with one fell swoop. For $50, the folks at LIC bar The Baroness will teach you all you need to know about wielding the sword and you get to drink the Champagne. Or, you know, you could share it with a friend.

The swashbuckler in me is super intrigued, so I'll keep you posted if I decide to take the slice, but if anyone beats me to it, please comment how it went!

Holiday Cheers!

The Village Voice and their events team is at it again. If you're someone who takes holiday drinking a bit classier than a peppermint patty shot (although you have to admit those are darn delicious), be sure to check out the Holiday Spirits Tasting Event happening tomorrow night at Studio Square in Long Island City.

Of course I love that the venue is a hop, skip and a jump from my digs in Astoria, but if you've never visited the "new beer garden," you're in for a treat. In addition to their large patio, Studio Square has a fairly large 2-story indoor space which will feature drinks from more than 25 local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and specialty liquor makers. There will also be hors d'oeuvres and music all night.

General admission tickets are $50 (update: use coupon code THANKS for $25 tickets) and will be available at the door. VIP tickets are $70 and will let you in an hour earlier than everyone else and you will take home a commemorative wine tote with event goodies. Everyone will be able to take home their tasting glass as well, and ticket fees will partially support the ASPCA.

Details:

Studio Square

35-44 37th Street

Long Island City, Queens 11106

Thursday Dec. 5

General Admission: 7:30-10:30

VIP Entry at 6:30

Purchase tickets here.

Warm Up Your Summer

Summer is in full swing and there's nothing I love more than outdoor parties this time of year. Thankfully, MOMA PS1's annual Warm-Up series kicks off it's 2012 party scene and 15th year this Saturday July 7 from 2-9pm.

This year's courtyard artwork will be a temporary urban landscape by HWKN called Wendy, the winning design of MoMA PS1's 13th annual Young Architects Program. In addition to lots and lots of beer, delicious eats will also be served up by the famed M. Wells all summer long.

Warm-Up will feature both local and world-renowned musicians and DJs for an energetic, insanely fun party every Saturday until September 8. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance (highly recommended) or at the door. Entry includes admission to the party as well as all PS1 exhibitions. MOMA members can receive one free ticket for themselves with a valid membership card and Long Island City residents get free entry by showing proof of residency at the door.