Foodievents

BYO Aboard a Seventy-Year-Old Fuel Tanker

Photo: Courtesy of Portside

Now that everyone and his sister in from out of town goes to the Frying Pan, allow us to introduce you to a booze-friendly boat that isn’t overrun. She’s the Mary A. Whalen, a retired thirties fuel tanker that’s docked at Red Hook’s Pier 9B. A nonprofit, Portside New York, is currently restoring the 172-foot-long tanker with plans to open it as a cultural center with a simple café and canteen, but until August 24 it’s playing host to tours, music performances, film screenings, talks, and (aboard an adjacent ship) even a pirate-themed burlesque show. If you just want to get some friends together and enjoy the postcard view of Lady Liberty, you’ll want to take advantage of so-called TankerTime.

During certain hours on August 15, 18, 22, and 25, you can climb aboard with a picnic basket. But for a little enlightenment (and an awesome view of the meteor shower?), go tonight when New Amsterdam Market’s founder, Robert LaValva, will discuss the past, present, and future of the city’s waterfront markets. The event is free and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink (the Red Hook Lobster Pound is a stone’s throw from the pier) — just RSVP here to snag a folding chair (we call dibs on the hammock!).

Portside New York Summer 2010 Programs [Official site]

BYO Aboard a Seventy-Year-Old Fuel Tanker