Well done, Canada
As if last year’s New York opening of California’s Umami Burger weren’t enough of a threat to NYC’s burger pride, the Canadians are invading. Big Smoke Burger, a Toronto-based chain with four locations in Canada, has just opened in Chelsea (70 Seventh Ave.; 917-475-1995), serving burgers ($6.95 to $11.95) cooked to order and topped with everything from rosemary garlic mayo to jalapeño havarti cheese. And, even if you find Canada’s offerings inferior to New York’s hometown hamburgers, you have to admit that our neighbors to the north have an advantage: poutine. Big Smoke Burger’s ($4.95 and $6.50) will feature Ontario cheese curds with the usual gravy atop hand-cut fries. Oh, Canada indeed!
— Hailey Eber
The cool stuff
Prepare to really chill out this weekend when the Brooklyn Flea’s ice cream festival returns for another year of high-end scoops. Known as “Creme de la Creme,” the two-day event features more than 50 frozen treats from top local vendors. Try the pie shake from Butter & Scotch, snack on caramelized nectarine ice from Fort Grace or sip on a frozen lassi from Monsieur Singh. And because this is Brooklyn, expect to find dairy-free and vegan options. Saturday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. at 176 Lafayette Ave. at Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 50 Kent Ave. at North 11th Street, Williamsburg; brooklynflea. com
— Reed Tucker
Brew crew
Any bar can serve up Budweisers or Miller Lites, and NYC is full of places to find obscure craft beers. But there’s a place where you won’t know any of the beers on tap. The city’s best home-brewers are bringing their libations to the Bell House (149 Seventh St., Gowanus; thebellhouseny.com) on Sunday for the fourth annual Knights of Brüklyn Home Brew competition. Competitors from the club’s quarterly showdowns will vie for prizes and bragging rights. Spectators get to try the brews, and all-you-can-eat bratwurst from Urban Rustic. Doors open at noon; tickets, $15 to $25.
— Tim Donnelly