Weekend at Bernie’s

EDY MASSIH, Edy's Grocer

CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine

EDY MASSIH • chef and owner, Edy's Grocer • author, Keep It Zesty
Neighborhood you live in: Greenpoint

It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
As a business owner and caterer, I mean, what’s a weekend after all? With my cookbook coming out on May 21, I feel like I’m catching up on work during the weekend and working on everything cookbook-related on weekdays. When Friday arrives, I’m ready for a martini from my favorite spot, Bernie’s in Greenpoint, or some spicy comfort food from MáLà​​ Project or Kings Co Imperial. After a few drinks and dinner, it's time to head over to The Exley for another few drinks and some Rupaul's Drag Race. Depending on my schedule the next day, I might grab one more drink on my way home at Lise & Vito. 

Where are you dining this weekend? 
This weekend I have quite a few food plans, and most actually revolve around Middle Eastern food. I’m heading over to Huda in East Williamsburg for a Ramadan dinner hosted by Zaynab Issa, then celebrating Beyoncé's album release in the city — probably with drinks at Pieces Bar in the West Village and a bite to eat at Pastis. On Saturday, I'm going to the Nicki Minaj concert and having dinner at Coqodaq beforehand (I’m so ready to dive into that chicken bucket!). Last but not least, I'll be in the Bronx on Sunday at a friend's house for Easter, then catching up with Lebanese friends over dinner at Eyval. I truly can't wait to eat their lamb dish again; the meat just falls right off the bone. 

How about a little leisure or culture? 
I'm a big movie guy and I love to go to different theaters around the city. I’m also a huge Broadway fan. My partner and I decided to start going to one show a month. We recently fell off, but there are so many fun shows playing right now, we need to get back on it. My recent favorite has to be SIX, because I’m a sucker for pop music. It was such a fun show. Also, it's spring, and I love to go to the Botanical Gardens to see all the flowers and cherry blossoms. I just have to brace myself for crazy allergies before I go.

Any weekend getaways?
I recently purchased a farmhouse upstate in the Kerhonkson area and have been taking weekend trips there. There are lots of fun new restaurants and markets in the area, like Harana Market, Mill & Main, Morning Sunshine, and Accord Market. I love to go up there, buy a lot of produce from Barthel's Farm, and cook my heart out. I also love to take long hiking trips, and of course, go antiquing. I’m also part of this fun club called Love, Velma, which is an underground jazz club. For some relaxing time, I go over to Inness, Wildflower, or Hemlock Neversink.

What was your last great vacation? 
My last great vacation was technically a work trip. I went to Hong Kong for a dinner popup series and absolutely fell in love with the city, skyline, food, and culture. I ate such amazing food, and would highly recommend Grand Majestic for delicious Sichuan food, Hotal Colombo for Sri Lankan food like I've never had it before, and The Old Man Bar for a crazy cocktail menu. It might be a far trip, but, wow, Hong Kong is something else. This may make me sound dumb, but I had no idea it was an island, and let me tell you: There were way more trees and nature than you’ll ever see in New York. 

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My Fredericks & Mae green and white cutting board. It's in my cookbook, and I felt like I had to purchase one of the props. I love it so much!