“Out Late” is Time Out’s nightlife and party column by DJ, Whorechata founder, and Staff Writer Ian Kumamoto, which publishes every other Tuesday. The previous edition highlighted Whorechata’s sold-out anniversary party.

In my nearly 10 years of living in New York, I haven’t found any business that encapsulates the essence of gay New York better than an empanada shop that has outlived a global pandemic, a fire, and many of its queer neighbors—including a multi-story gay club (R.I.P., The Q) and a fantastically chaotic two-story bar (miss you, Bottoms Up).

But located on the corner of 9th Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets lies a restaurant that stands as a fortress of queer hope. If you’re a gay person in New York who goes out, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about—if you’re not, I’m referring to the flagship Empanada Mama, my modern-day Stonewall. 

You might not think of an empanada shop as a fertile ground on which to build a queer haven, but everything about this specific Empanada Mama is perfectly conducive to it: From its 24-hour weekend operating schedule to its gender-neutral, single-stall bathrooms (more on that later) and its flamboyant (pretty-sure-they’re-all-gay) staff.

This Empanada Mama has existed in the neighborhood for 20 years. Eight years ago, though, a fire burned it to a crisp and it moved next door, where it is now. I myself have had plenty of wonderful late-night meals here, and the energy feels very different from a regular gay bar—people seem more off-guard and are actually open to talking. Located within a five-minute walk of some of the biggest gay clubs in the area like Hush, Industry, and Boxers, the Empanada Mama is the rare place where real community can be built over a meal. You can get wasted here if you want, but that’s not what people are coming for—past 10pm, they’re here to sober up or catch a breather before going to the next club, or even to achieve enlightened post-nut clarity. 

I went there at midnight on a Friday night recently, and the entire space was decked out in Pride decor, including inflatable unicorns and giant rainbow hearts. I spoke to the manager, Giovanni, to get to the bottom of why this Empanada Mama specifically became such an unabashedly gay business.  

Giovanni tells me Empanada Mama’s queerness happened completely organically. When queer people got priced out of Chelsea a couple of decades ago, they migrated up to Hell’s Kitchen in search of more affordable rent. This Empanada Mama happened to open its doors when that migration was happening that so much of the staff they ended up hiring just happened to be queer, he said.

To my surprise, the most popular menu item people get in the wee hours of the morning is not its empanadas, but its signature soups, which Giovanni tells me that people order to try and sober up. The most popular empanadas are the Brazil, which has ground beef, potatoes and green olives; the Viagra, which has shrimp and crab meat (both aphrodisiacs, hence the name); The Cuban, which is a Cuban sandwich inside an empanada; the spicy chicken; and the cheese steak empanada. 

Giovanni himself used to manage nightclubs, which seems like a perfect fit for being the night manager at the Hell’s Kitchen Empanada. “It’s a nightclub with food,” he tells me. 

On any given night, Giovanni describes the crowd as coming in cycles. In the morning, it’s a lot of business people and families. The crowd shifts to predominantly queer folks starting at 10pm. “I can see the same person come here at 10pm for dinner before they meet their friends, they go out, they’ll stop back here at 2am to sober up a little, and then I see that same person again at 5am,” he says. “We all laugh, we all know each other, it’s very special. We try to keep a very safe environment for everyone.”

“It’s like a revolving door, people meet new friends all the time at Empanada Mama”

For Giovanni, safety is secured by guards who make sure no one is coming in too drunk as much as bouncers would at any nightclub. “If you’re too intoxicated, we’re not gonna let you in,” he says. “It’s not like Studio 54 but we definitely try to make sure everyone’s respectful when they come here.”

When considering what nightlife spot I would highlight for the Out Late column for Pride month, Empanada Mama was the first place that came to mind. It’s an increasingly rare and much-needed third space for queer people in a city where we’re mostly relegated to dive bars and grimy clubs. Empanada Mama is well-lit, it’s wholesome, and we need to protect her at all costs. “It’s like a revolving door, people meet new friends all the time at Empanada Mama,” Giovanni tells me. “And if you want to find your next boo, come between 2am and 4:30am in the morning.”

This was my night at Empanada Mama, by the hour. 

Midnight

I walk in and wait for my table. It’s not too busy tonight, but while I’m waiting, I can see an older couple, maybe in their 50s, looking at me. One of them walks up to me and says, “I just want you to know that my boyfriend thinks you’re very cute.” It doesn’t feel disrespectful and I know they’re not trying to sleep with me—he smiles at me and then walks away. It’s actually super wholesome and sweet. 

12:30am

I order a sangria, which comes in a huge glass and just eyeing it, I know it’s gonna get me drunk. It’s a little bitter and watered down. Then, I order the two gayest-sounding empanadas I can find: The Viagra and the Jerk. While I’m waiting for my food, I talk to the gay couple next to me. They’re from Argentina and are checking out the gay clubs nearby after their empanadas. They tell me they’re very surprised by how gay it is in here. “I haven’t seen a single straight person,” one of them tells me. “This is like the gay Last Supper.” 

“I haven’t seen a single straight person. This is like the gay Last Supper.”

12:45am

As I’m waiting for my empanadas, different waiters constantly stop, smile and check in on me. The service here is great. More groups of tipsy friends walk in, and they’re loud. There’s electronic music playing over the speaker. 

My empanadas arrive and they’re delicious, as always. 

1am

We have to talk about Empanada Mama’s legendary gender-neutral bathrooms. There aren’t that many people tonight but usually, there’s a line and people sort of pick guys up while they’re waiting and sometimes they go in together. It hasn’t happened to me before, but I have friends who have been invited into the bathroom before. 

I take a few selfies in the spacious bathroom and when I come out, I catch Giovanni and we talk for a bit. I ask him if he has any good bathroom stories. “I’ve seen pictures of guys Grindr where I’m like, wait, I recognize that bathroom,” he tells me. Yes, people are taking their Grindr profile pictures in the Empanada Mama bathroom.

1:20am

A group of five friends sitting in a corner start belting songs. I can’t tell if they’re Broadway-level good, but they’re definitely professionals. Giovanni tells me that a lot of the theater gays come out here to eat after late-night performances. 

1:30am

It’s a slower night at Empanada Mama than usual—it can get really hectic, but tonight is not the night. I recommend coming in later if you really want the full queer experience. That being said, I’m feeling satisfied—I had a drink and am full from the two empanadas. I decide I’m going to go see a friend DJ at Hush nearby.

Before I leave, Giovanni stops me and pours me and himself a shot of tequila.

“OK,” I say. “Now I can go.”

How to enjoy a gay night at Empanada Mama

Where: 765 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

When: 24 hours, 7 days a week. For a more festive experience, go around 10pm, when people are pregaming, or after 2am, when people are in between club hopping or ending their night.

Cost: No cover of course. Big cocktails are $18 and each empanada is around $4.50 on average. There are also soups, salads, sandwiches, Colombian breakfasts, and arepas. 

How to get in: Just don’t be wasted or homophobic. 

The vibe: Social and festive.

What to wear: Whatever you wear to the club. You see people here in everything from button-up shirts to fetish gear.

* This article was originally published here

New York City is a towering town, what with its world-famous skyscrapers, lofty bridges and rooftop restaurants offering some seriously stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline. And starting this month, you can now take in all of Gotham’s sky-high splendor with a private—and pricey—dining experience at the highest point in NYC. 

RECOMMENDED: Raise a glass to spectacular views and elevated libations at the city’s best rooftop bars

At One World Observatory—which occupies floors 100 through 102 atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center—you can now book a Private Dining Package for two at a cool 1,250 feet in the sky.

Starting at $3,000, the elevated experience at Aspire (the observatory’s 9,000-square-foot private dining space, which has historically been reserved for weddings, bar mitzvahs and the like) gives guests access to the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center, along with a customizable food menu and wine service curated by Executive Chef Reul Vincent, who food-competition fans may remember as a season 1 finalist on FOX’s Next Level Chef. 

The opulent dinner also includes a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon, concierge support to personalize the occasion to your liking with curated music and ambiance selections to go along with that bespoke menu, as well as a private escort up to the 102nd floor and a dedicated waitstaff once you get up there.

“We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience an evening on top of the world,” Amber King, senior director of special events at One World Observatory, told Food & Wine earlier this month. “The venue will be adorned with red rose petals and an array of pillar candles to set the tone for a memorable evening.”

And if that’s not enough for you, you can trick out the experience even further with add-on services (for an additional fee, obviously) that include “up-lighting, extensive florals, a string quartet, personal photographer, upgraded bar service, a live singer/band, additional guests, a private tour guide, the list goes on,” King told the outlet. “All these elements are available for an upgraded rate, but can be completely managed and arranged by the events team.”

Talk about special occasion dining! Check out the Aspire website for more details and booking information. 

* This article was originally published here

When it comes to New York City boroughs, Staten Island often gets left out of conversations, and its old transit system is no exception. The Staten Island Railway, which crosses the entire island and is an essential part of many of its residents’ day-to-day lives, hasn’t gotten any new train cars in fifty years.

That’s about to change, though: new train cars made by Kawasaki, the MTA’s primary manufacturer, are going to be tested on the railway starting in mid-August if everything goes according to plan. 

RECOMMENDED: The F train is shutting down in Brooklyn for eight weekends this summer

The new trains are going to be the R211 models that are also replacing several of the old trains in the other boroughs. Out of the MTA’s 400 R211 orders, 75 are going to the Staten Island Railway, per the MTA. 

The new cars feature 58-inch-wide door openings—eight inches wider than the older cars common throughout the system—which will make boarding and exiting the cars easier and more efficient, especially during rush hours. 

These new models also include more accessible seating options, digital displays, and brighter signage and lighting.  

“The R211 cars are a welcomed upgrade to the Staten Island Railway, which has maintained its 70ss design and operational abilities since the current R44 cars entered service in 1973,” said Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo in an official statement. “I hope Staten Islanders enjoy this modernized experience, and I look forward to seeing them in action.”

The MTA still doesn’t know when, exactly, the Staten Island public will be able to hop on these shiny new train cars, but the full 75-piece order is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. They still need to be tested throughout the summer and fall before they officially replace the current R44s, which were created in the 1970s. 

Although confirmation that the trains are finally going to be put on the track in August is good news, the delivery is actually already two years late, which the MTA blamed on delays by the manufacturing company, as reported by Gothamist.

The first cars were delivered to Staten Island in October of last year and have been sitting in a storage facility on the island since then.

Some Council Members have opposed the addition of these new trains on Staten Island, considering potential budget cuts by Governor Kathy Hochul, and have called for more of them to be added to the C line that runs across the other, more populated boroughs. 

Regardless of how many of the new trains end up in Staten Island, they’ll be a welcome addition to the borough’s crumbling transit system.

Considering the MTA’s messy track record and painfully slow improvements, “better late than never” definitely applies here. 

* This article was originally published here

We know food halls in NYC—hell, we have one of our very own—so we’re always interested when we hear of a new multi-vendor dining court opening in the city, especially when it’s at a notable address. The General Electric Building at 570 Lexington Avenue has already played host to one of the city’s most high-profile food halls, UrbanSpace, since 2018 and now a fresh new food-hall concept is moving on in.  

RECOMMENDED: Your guide to the food and drink at Time Out Market New York – and how to order

Earlier this spring, it was reported that New York restaurant giant Stephen Hanson (Dos Caminos, Bill’s Bar and Burger, Ruby Foo’s) and international hospitality operator Alex Gaudelet would be taking over the UrbanSpace food halls. Per The New York Post, Hanson and Gaudelet’s recently formed HF Brands and Markets would be relaunching all five UrbanSpace locations, “acquiring each of the halls individually and rebranding them,” starting with the Vanderbilt location. 

And now the team has signed a 25-year, 11,400-square-foot lease with The Feil Organization, which will bring top food brands into the Midtown East skyscraper. 

“We’re excited to welcome a new food hall concept that will elevate the quality of food offerings for our tenants and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Randall Briskin, Vice President of Retail Leasing at the Feil Organization. “At the historic 570 Lexington, the introduction of this exciting retail program by the industry’s premier tastemakers once again showcases our ability to meet the demand for upgraded tenant needs, which are fundamental to the success of their business and talent.”

Eschewing the typical business model of similar food-hall operators, HF Brands and Markets are planning to stand out from similarly focused competitors by running the majority of the food stands in-house. The full food-and-drink lineup is still to come but per a press release, the HF Team will tap into the vast restaurant network of Hanson, who was the former owner of the fine-dining empire B.R. Guest. 

“As we seek to inject new life into the food hall industry, we’re materializing our game-changing food halls in strategic, central locations,” Hanson said in a press release. “We felt magnetized to the iconic allure of 570 Lexington, located near a major transit hub and surrounded by landmarks and cultural destinations. Additionally, the Feil Organization provided us with specialized attention to detail and worked with us to bring our vision to reality, making them an invaluable partner to our future success.”

* This article was originally published here

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, the Society of Illustrators (SOL) has been a cherished institution since its inception in 1901. This historic venue celebrates the artistry of illustration with its rich history, iconic collections, and vibrant exhibitions. A beacon in New York’s cultural landscape, it continues to showcase the evolution of visual storytelling, attracting artists and enthusiasts alike to explore its galleries and events.

Background on the Society of Illustrators

Founded in 1901 during the Golden Age of illustration, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest non-profit organization dedicated to this vibrant art form in America. Originally showcasing the best illustrations from children’s books, magazines, and advertisements, the Society continues this tradition today.

Its museum, established in 1981 within the SOL NYC townhouse headquarters, hosts a rich collection that includes works by luminaries like Newell Convers Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and Rube Goldberg. Explore rotating exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs, celebrating the enduring impact of illustration on visual storytelling.

The Museum of Illustration has all-year events ranging from themed exhibits to juried competitions, virtual tours, and art education programs. There are also periodic displays of the over 2,500 permanent collection pieces. Illustration lovers must visit the MoCCA gallery, which features curated cartoon art and comics exhibits.

Where is the Society of Illustrators and how do you get there?

The Society of Illustrators is located at 128 East 63rd Street in Manhattan, New York. It’s easily accessible by public transportation. Here are some easy ways to get there:

By subway

• From Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, or Queens, take the F train to Lexington Avenue, exit on the southwest corner of Lexington and 63rd Street, then walk west.
• Connections to the F train in Manhattan are available at Delancey Street (J, M, Z), West 4th Street (A, B, C, D, E, V), and 34th Street (B, D, N, Q, R, V, W).
• Take the 4, 5, or 6 train from the Bronx or uptown Manhattan to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue, then walk uptown to 63rd Street.

By bus

• The closest bus lines are the M98, M101, M102, and M103 on Lexington Avenue and the Q32 on 60th Street. Check the schedules and maps on the New York City Transit website before you go.

What to expect when you visit

The Society of Illustrators remains closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. On other days, you can visit between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. You can expect moderate crowds, especially during peak times like weekends and special events. For a quieter time, visit on weekdays.

The main gallery is wheelchair accessible, but there’s no public elevator to access other floors. Spread across the four floors of gallery space, tours are self-guided, with labels accompanying the artwork.

For beverages, you may walk in at the 128 Bar & Bistro. The Hall of Fame Dining Room and terrace are open during museum hours. However, you need admission tickets for bar access.

The Society does not offer coat-check services, and visitors with large bags may not be allowed to enter with their luggage. The building does not allow luggage, sealed boxes, garment bags, bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, plants, flowers, food, or musical instruments. You may ask for umbrella bags on rainy days.

What else can you do when you visit the Society of Illustrators?

Apart from admiring the works of art, there are networking opportunities. The Society of Illustrators is a meeting ground for illustrator enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts. Outside of these, you can explore nearby events and venues, such as:

• NYC Central Park nighttime photography tour
• Central Park walking tour with Yoga meditation
• Immersive Balloon Story experience
• Midtown Manhattan architectural tour
• Visit the iconic Empire State Building

FAQs

What is the Society of Illustrators famous for?

The Society of Illustrators is known for celebrating and promoting the art of illustration. Besides, it provides illustrators a platform to discuss, demonstrate, and exhibit their work.

When is SOL open to the public?

SOL Museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 11 am and 5 pm. It remains closed on all the other days. Please note that operating hours may vary, so check the official website before planning a visit.

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?

Only the main gallery is wheelchair accessible. In addition, there’s no public elevator to access higher floors.

The Society of Illustrators offers a memorable experience exploring and appreciating some of the best artworks from renowned illustrators. Trace the journey of visual storytelling through over 2,500 artworks on display.

The Society offers interactive activities suitable for families, ensuring an inclusive visit for people of all ages. Here, you can engage with creative minds and learn from industry leaders, gaining firsthand insights into the artistic process.

After exploring the Society of Illustrators, continue your cultural journey in the vibrant surroundings of Manhattan, where numerous attractions and dining options await.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family looking for a day of exploration, or someone seeking inspiration, the Society of Illustrators promises an enriching experience combining art appreciation and creative discovery.

The post Society of Illustrators: An Insider’s Guide to NYC’s Artistic Gem appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here