• U.S. Army Eating
    History,  News

    Turkey & Fixings Served Soldiers on Island in 1934

    An army travels on its stomach. Every private hears that in recruit training. But what if you were in the U.S. Army stationed on Governors Island during Thanksgiving, and not going anywhere? Army cooks and bakers were ready to serve. According to a Fort Jay Thanksgiving Dinner menu for November 29, 1934, the men ate well. The menu consisted of: Roast Turkey Stuffed Olives Hearts of Celery Oyster Soup and Oyster Dressing Giblet Gravy Cranberry Sauce Mashed Potatoes and Candied Sweet Potatoes Fruit Salad Sweet Relish Vienna Rolls For Dessert: Pumpkin Pie and Mince Pie Cocoanut Cake, Fruit Cake, and Chocolate Cake Ice Cream with fruit, assorted nuts, and mixed…

  • Quarters 409
    Tour

    Take a Free Island History Walking Tour, May 28-29

    To celebrate the fourteenth public season of Governors Island opening, there will be free history walking tours on Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29. The walks will meet at 12:15 p.m. at Soissons Dock on the Island (see below). A free walking tour will focus on the three hundred years of island history. Learn about the people and stories that shaped Governors Island. Stops explore the military life, Civil War and World War I events, aviation pioneers, and even where the tiny railroad once ran. The tour is led by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, author of The Governors Island Explorer’s Guide (Globe Pequot Press). • See 50 locations on the…

  • Food trucks on Governors Island. (Credit: The Live Fast Group)
    Features

    Grab A Plate, Here’s the Food Truck Schedule for Several Vendors

    (Part of a series on Island business) Food trucks are extremely popular on Governors Island, which at this time has no permanent restaurants. The trucks have been a mainstay for more than five years, and of course, the island is home to the annual Vendy Awards, which this year will be held on September 12. Today there are more than a dozen food trucks on the island; some are under the @govislandfood Twitter handle. Other food trucks are on the island independently. Most are gathered around Liggett Hall (Building 400) nearby Liggett Terrace. We got the lowdown from Ben Goldberg, CEO of the Live Fast Group, about which trucks are…

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  • Little Eva's
    Features

    Little Eva’s Returns to Island with Brooklyn Favorites

    Third in a series. I’m really glad to know Little Eva’s is back on the island for 2015. I fell in love with it three years ago, and the charming beer garden on the island. Grilled food and cold beer? I’m there. Little Eva’s is the outpost of Kevin’s Red Hook, the seafood restaurant and catering operation run by Kevin Moore and Caroline Parker. Little Eva’s is located on Liggett Terrace and will be open 10am-6pm Thursday to Sunday, and holiday Mondays, May 23 until the end of September. Kevin answered questions about what the plans are for 2015, and what he loves about the island. How did Little Eva’s…

  • Brooklyn Soda Works
    Features

    Brooklyn Soda Works Back to Pour More on Island

    First In A Series When I first started going to Governors Island, 12 years ago, I had to bring a backpack with a bottle of water and a sandwich. Now there are actual vendors with great stuff for sale to eat and drink. To kick off my feature series about the people and places on the island, I’m starting with the Brooklyn Soda Works. Caroline Mak was good enough to answer my questions. They will be in the same spot as last season, on Liggett Terrace. How would you describe your product line? We make fresh juice sodas – we don’t use any syrups and don’t make anything from concentrate.…