Saying goodbye to a loved one at the airport is already hard enough, but imagine if you only had three minutes to do it? That’s now a reality for a small airport in New Zealand where a time limit on hugs has been enforced at its drop-off zone.

The Dunedin Airport has become famous for its new 3-minute hug limit, an effort to reduce traffic jams. The airport posted a photo to Instagram of the new drop-off sign with CEO Daniel De Bono and GM Business Development Megan Crawford embracing in front of it.

data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBaE93rBAq3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dunedin Airport (@dunedinairport)

Of course, the unique ruling begs the question whether other airports around the world will follow suit.

Research show that the optimal hug lasts anywhere between 5-10 seconds, as a time frame can be crucial for releasing the endorphins that come from an embrace. However, De Bono argued that taking even longer with a 20-second hug is sufficient to release these endorphins, making the three minute maximum more than enough time.

The purpose behind the hug time limit concept “would be beneficial in cutting congestion and easing stress,” Jeff Rose, CEO of Attitude New York, a chauffeured car operator in NYC, agreed. “Perhaps divide curbs into crops for those with luggage and those without. Think of it as express lanes for light travelers,” he added. But overall, Rose claimed it would be a poor idea logistically and “an enforcement nightmare.”

If time limits were enforced at NYC airport drop-off zones, it would be impossible to do so fairly, Rose told us. “Would you have agents standing curbside with stopwatches? It could also lead to some tense exchanges and potential friction among travelers and between travelers and enforcer.”

PANJNY has yet to respond to our inquiry about the concept of a hug limit and whether or not it’s in the cards for NYC airport drop-off zones. So for now, take in all the time you need to bid your farewells, while of course staying mindful to everyone else at the airport.

The post Airports Are Implementing A 3-Minute Hug Limit At Drop-Off—Here’s NYC’s Plans appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Election Day is coming up in NYC next week, and pretty soon we’ll know the next president of the United States. If you haven’t already flexed your muscles and participated in early voting, the polls are set to open next Tuesday (November 5th) as New Yorkers get ready to vote.

We know how crazy election day is, especially in the city, so we’re making it a little easier for you to enjoy the day ~as best as you can. Once you’re done voting (and collecting your freebies from around NYC), how about heading to a bar to take a load off and watch the votes pile in?

These bars and venues are hosting special watch parties for such an occasion, where you can cheer, boo, and take in all of what’s sure to be a historical day.

1. Election Night at Clinton Hall

With multiple locations around NYC, it’ll be easy to find a Clinton Hall, where they’ll be streaming the election all night on November 5th. You’ll be able to catch the political action on all of their in-house screens, and you’ll even be treated to a complimentary house beer, wine, or spirit when you RSVP. It starts at 8 pm on Tuesday and you can RSVP here!

Where: Multiple Locations

2. Election Day at Slate

Flatiron’s lovely venue Slate is hosting a watch party where New Yorkers can watch live election coverage on a massive 15-foot LED HD video wall as well as 20 other TVs throughout the space. Not only that, but they are giving away free choice of house beer, wine, or spirit if you RSVP before you show up! It’s a great spot for a group of friend since they have plenty of lounge space and games. You can book your own spot via Resy here!

Where: 54 W 21st St

3. Election Night Watch Party at 250 Fifth Rooftop

One of our favorite rooftop bars in NYC is hosting a watch party, starting at 6 pm! 230 Fifth Rooftop is welcome New Yorkers to watch the election under the stars, with loads of indoor viewing screens and of course access to their incredible outdoor deck. This is a ticketed event at just $5 and you can learn more/purchase tickets here.

Where: 230 Fifth Ave

4. Election Day at The Standard, East Village

If you find yourself in the East Village on Election Night, stop by The Standard…who’s serving up a sweet deal at their in-house NO BAR. On November 5th from 5 pm – midnight, New Yorkers can watch the election and enjoy deals with their “I Voted” sticker like a $7 beer and hot dog combo, $10 martini and fries combo, and other happy hour deals! You can learn more about the event and how to book a table here.

Where: 25 Cooper Sq

5. Election Night 2024 at C’mon Everybody

Watch the Election in Brooklyn at C’mon Everybody, a swanky gay bar that’s playing music, the election, and serving drink specials on November 5th! Their party will welcome DJ Carlos Killedit and be hosted by Cholula Lemon, and runs from 7 pm – late. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes for this one after the TVs flicker off. It’s totally free to attend and you can RSVP here!

Where: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn

The post 5 Election Watch Parties In NYC To Bookmark For Next Tuesday appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Move over pumpkin spice–there’s a new fall flavor in town, and it’s being served at the Lower East Side’s newest coffeeshop, Dialogue Coffee and Flowers.

The space is brewing up delicious Asian-inspired drinks, with everything from Black Sesame Lattes and Matcha Einspanners to Rose Foam Lattes and Fermented Rice Osmanthus Iced Lattes. Plus, it’s all vegan–even their Nutella cream cheese and blueberry rosemary bomboloni.

What we really have our eye on though is their Carrot Cake Latte, which is topped with cinnamon cream cold foam and a cutie mini carrot. It tastes exactly how it sounds–like dessert in a cup–however it’s not overly sweet.

Beyond the drinks you can also get your hands on deliciously fresh pastries and, yes, even the flowers. All the fresh flowers and bouquets you see throughout are available to purchase. So if you’re in the market for some pretty petals you won’t even have to stop off at a separate plant shop!

And as for the space itself Dialogue may quite possibly be one of the prettiest cafes we’ve ever seen. Florals cover the walls and ceilings, curtains flow in the breeze, the menus are handwritten on parchment paper, and there’s a stunning open window bar. And though the cafe incorporates a lot of white its simplicity exudes cozy, cottage vibes.

There’s WiFi, plenty of seating (both indoors and outdoors), and tons of natural light–so even if you’re tempted to head over on a weekday it’s a great place to work remotely–though it’s also the perfect space to head to with friends (and force them to snap tons of pics of you for your Instagram feed).

Even more, word on the street is that they’re thinking of releasing a cocktail/late night tapas menu soon, which we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for!

Dialogue made its debut in a soft opening phase this past summer, but it’s now open for good! Follow along with them on their website or Instagram.

188 Allen St.

The post This Whimsical New Coffee & Flower Shop Is Brewing A Seasonal Creamy Carrot Cake Latte appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

It might surprise you to learn that the former chef of Blanca and Claud got his sea legs in New England. After growing up 20 minutes from Boston, Nick Tamburo graduated from Emerson College and worked as a line cook at a handful of spots before starting at Momofuku Noodle Bar in 2013. Now partnering with MICHELIN Guide’s 2022 Sommelier Award winner Nikita Malhotra, Tamburo is opening his first restaurant with an unmistakable New England flair. 

On November 1, the East Village will welcome Smithereens (414 E 9th Street), an eatery that marks both Tamburo and Malhotra’s first ownership stake in a restaurant. Seated in a snug basement off 9th Street, the new spot offers raw and cooked seafood with seasonal produce from the Northeast. While inspired by 18th-century taverns found across New England, the dining room gives an updated spin, with sleek fixtures and mottled bar made to emulate the inside of an oyster shell.

RECOMMENDED: The 15 best seafood restaurants in NYC

Situating you firmly in New England, the meal kicks off with appetizers like the region’s Anadama bread made with cornmeal, rye and molasses. Savory touches start early, as Tamburo’s buckwheat pancake is paired with a smoked bluefish and amberjack, topped with mustard and fish sauce. Keeping main courses aquatic, Smithereens also offers hake with clams, beans with various fish courses, lobster rolls and barbecue monkfish tail. To top things off, apple cider donuts are available as a dessert. 

With a background working as beverage director at Tangled Vine and the Michelin-starred Momofuku Ko, Malhotra curates a varying wine selection, all stored in her 500-bottle cellar. To open things, Malhotra is focusing on German white wines and highly acidic options, while the bar showcases several themed drinks, including the the Cape Codder (vodka and cranberry juice), a brine-focused Martini, the well-loved Narragansett lager and the soda Moxie, which is the official soft drink of Maine. 

Smithereens is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm to 10pm. Reservations are available now.

* This article was originally published here