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Honey Week returns with slate of sweet treats

By Kevin Zimmerman

Brooklyn Grange is sweet on Queens.

The rooftop agricultural co-operative, which runs its flagship farm in Long Island City, is buzzing around making final preparations for the second annual New York City Honey Week.

About a dozen apian-related activities from tastings pairing cheese and honey to a five-course honey-themed dinner comprise the schedule of events in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“It’s a fun and joyous way to celebrate honey,” Anastasia Cole Plakias, grange co-founder, said.

Last year, the grange opted to expand its Rockaway Honey Fest beyond the seaside. The beach will remain a hive of activity during the fifth annual daylong festival Sept. 12 that brings together city beekeepers, food, arts and crafts as well as a bee-product marketplace on Beach 97th Street and the Boardwalk.

But there will be plenty of other ways to get your honey fix.

Things kick off Tuesday when Murray’s Cheese on Bleeker Street joins with Marina Marchese, of Red Bee Honey, to create the ideal combinations of cheese and honey.

If, however, you are looking for the perfect mix of alcohol and honey, check out the Queen Bee Cocktail Classic at Manhattan’s Black Label Wine Merchants, or the Thirsty Thursday beer sampling at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods, both on Sept. 10.

But not all honey is necessarily used to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Workshops on turning beeswax into lip balm as well as honey-infused salve are also scheduled.

While plenty of places in the other boroughs will be buzzing with activities, most of the week’s events take place right here in Queens.

Beekeeper Ruth Harrigan, who maintains hives in Flushing, Bayside and Douglaston, will provide tours of her newest installation on the grounds of Fort Totten, Sept. 10, beginning at 10 a.m.

“I have two beehives there and I’m going to open up one,” Harrigan said. “There should be some honey. There may not be a lot because it’s a new hive, but there will still be signs of honey.”

Harrigan, who will also have her honey for sale, expects to lead a casual chat about bees and what they do for the environment. She will also touch on the medicinal values of honey and pollen.

“Because bacteria can’t grow in honey, it can be used to heal wounds,” Harrigan said. “Taking honey from a local hive, with local pollen can offer relief to allergies. It’s like taking an allergy shot.”

Pre-registration is required and tours will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Queens diners will be able to satisfy their cravings with a honey-themed dinner at Edgemere Farm in Far Rockaway Sept. 11.

If you Go

NYC Honey Week

When: Sept. 8 – Sept. 13

Where: Various locations around Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, including Rockaway Beach for Honey Fest on Sept. 12.

Cost: Reservations are required to nearly all activities. Most events are free or are by suggested donation. Tickets to tastings and dinners range from $45 up to $125 per person

Website: www.nychoneyweek.com for more info and to register for events