Two great events took place this past weekend, and they both involved trekking through Prospect Park in Brooklyn. An enduring gastronomical course on Sunday following a 13.1 mile tear towards Coney Island on Saturday, it was two days of Carnivals and Amusement Parks. As one dispatched at the notorious Nathan’s Famous along the boardwalk, the other commenced an annual gathering of food, wine, and music on the grassy fields of the beautiful Brooklyn landmark.

Mother nature was very kind and granted us two picturesque days for our outdoors adventures. Barely a few hours after the sun rose on Saturday morning, we, along with a few thousand other ambitious runners, were on route from a park to a beach, taking on the Brooklyn Half Marathon. A scenic start, with a breezy ocean finish, it was a challenge only to be rewarded by a full day of delicious food, quenching wine, and the sounds of a favorite band, Hall and Oates.

A Superfly production, The Great GoogaMooga was conceived to father the ultimate adult play land. A gathering of famous chefs, vending their delicacies, wine and beer producers pouring their latest brews, and musical acts by notable performers, there would be something for everyone to enjoy at these two days in the park. And that there certainly was. Although some lines were long, the options were endless. And when the desire for that particular plate was strong, the wait was far from a tedious endeavor, as we took in the sun, drank our libations and enjoyed the company of good friends.

Entering on the south side, we began with wine and beer from one of many “Drinks” vendors. Soon realizing that there were two tents dedicated to the sampling of our favorite thirst quenchers, we moved on to try a few of the many being decanted. At $2 for a very generous taste, and $8 for a full glass, we were off on a very merry start.

With a few hours until Halls and Oates would take stage, we began our food tour of this playground. Starting at Hamageddon, we dug right in with the pulled pork sandwich by the famous upper Upper West Side Dinosaur BBQ, and the BLT from Landhaus. Nothing like a hearty slab of pork and a saucy shredded version of the animal to kick things off. Not quite hog satisfied, we went gaga over the M.Wells Bologna Foie Gras Grilled Cheese. Enough Said!!. It was an insane indulgence of all our favorite ingredients. Taking our shoes off, we dove into some under the sea loving with a Luke’s Lobster Roll. Nothing new to our palates, it was like coming home again. Our day continued with a Burger Joint perfect patty, a Calexico nachos supreme, and many many other goodies.

Satisfied but yearning for some great tunes, we laid out our blanket, refilled our glasses and took in the rest of this beautiful spring Sunday as John Oates and Daryl Hall played some of our favorite jams.

We’re already counting down until The Great GoogaMooga returns to Prospect Park next year.

http://www.googamooga.com/