Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat welcomed the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Adrianne Todman. Rep Espaillet welcomed Mr. Todman to New York’s 13th congressional district to tour two public housing developments and discuss federal engagement with local leaders and residents. During the visit, Rep. Espaillat led Acting Secretary Todman on tours to assess needs at Taft Houses and…
To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, two local vino pros—designer-turned-sommelier and content creator Eun Hee Kwon alongside Ren Peir, a WSET-certified wine curator and educator with a special interest in building QTPOC community—are giving back to the community: later this week, the duo will be hosting “At Our Table,” a series of wine-focused dinners at three great Brooklyn restaurants to raise money for a trio of NYC-based AAPI nonprofits.
From Wednesday, May 22 through Saturday, 25, the series will be popping up at eateries like Korean American gastropub Nowon, East Village multicourse spot Nudibranch and Brooklyn fusion restaurant The Monkey King, with a wine program spotlighting Asian-American-made wines.
The series will kick off at The Monkey King on May 22 with a $150-per-person family-style meal. (That includes both food and wines enjoyed throughout the dinner.) It will then bop over to Nowon’s Bushwick location (436 Jefferson St) on May 23: the $125 communal spread will include dishes like whipped ricotta toast broccolini a la “Caesar,” spicy gochujang fried chicken, “chopped cheese” rice cakes, honey butter tater tots and the restaurant’s “legendary” cheeseburger.
And for the grand finale on May 26, the women will join forces with Solo Diner (a Fil-Am Pop-up group by three Oxalis alumni) for a collab meal at Nudibranch, which will be priced at $150 per person. Reservations for each meal can be made on the restaurants’ respective Resy sites, and proceeds from the revenue raised by the dinners will go to New York non-profits that focus on and fund local NYC AAPI communities.
“There are incredible AAPI talents working in food and wines, and we hope to uplift and spotlight them while also giving back to local NYC-based AAPI nonprofits,” reads the dinner series synopsis. “Sharing food at a communal table is a thread that ties together all AAPI communities. We invite you to come join us At Our Table.”
Director’s and Officers Insurance emerges as a vital shield against the uncertainties lurking in the boardroom. This specialized insurance not only safeguards the interests of individual board members but also fortifies the foundation of corporate integrity. By providing financial protection and legal support, D&O insurance empowers board members to navigate their roles with confidence, ensuring…
We’ll be real with you, the only ups and downs we want to be weathering this summer in NYC are on a rollercoaster. Thankfully, the thrill rides over at Coney Island’s Luna Park, the largest amusement park in New York City, will officially be open daily for the season starting this Friday, May 24, fittingly ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.
Luna Park has been operating on weekends for the past few weeks, but beginning this Friday, the summertime attraction will be open full-time for the season, with iconic coasters like the family-friendly Tony’s Express, that 90-degree-dropper the Thunderbolt and, of course, the “Big Momma” of Coney Island, a.k.a. the landmark Cyclone.
Along with those beloved amusement-park staples—as well as the timeless charm and nostalgic novelties that make Coney Island, well, Coney Island—the seaside theme park will also welcome several new rides and upgrades for summer 2024. One high-profile debut is the Electric Eden Raceway, New York City’s first sustainably powered go-kart attraction. Inspired by the high-energy thrill of motorsport racing, the immersive new ride will span a track 900 feet per lap with twists, turns and “strategically placed obstacles” including speed bumps and simulated “mud.” Per Luna Park, “the heart of this experience lies in its cutting-edge operating system, allowing riders to tailor their speed settings to either family-friendly cruising or competitive racing, all at the touch of a button.”
In between all of the waterfront thrills, you can take in classic boardwalk food like hot dogs, raw clams and funnel cakes—the park’s restaurants and concession stands “will be elevating their menus with even more delicious food and beverage options,” said Luna Park officials. If you want to make a real day of it, you can also tack in a visit to some of the best bars and restaurants in Coney Island. We’d just suggest riding those rollercoasters before filling up on Totonno’s Neapolitan-style pizza or Nathan’s freshly grilled frankfurters because, well, you know.
(GIN) – South African students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) are setting up encampments in solidarity with the people of Palestine, joining a global movement led by students around the world with support from academic and other staff.
They’re calling for their institution to be transparent about their links to Israel and to divest and cut ties with Israel or Israeli-linked institutions.
The UCT4Palestine encampment has grown to around 10 tents on the upper campus; UCT students form part of the wider coalition.
UCT law student and UCT4Palestine member Roomaan Leach said the action was to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, also known as the Palestinian Catastrophe. It refers to the mass displacement and eviction of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
“We are aiming to educate, mourn, conscientize, rage, all at once,” Leach said. #Africa4Palestine is a human rights organization lending solidarity and support to Palestine people living under Israeli occupation. The organization was formerly known as BDS South Africa, established in 2009. However, in 2020, BDS rebranded and broadened its mandate to become #Africa4Palestine.
The team has seven board members, including professor Farid Esack, a South African Muslim liberation theologian in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Johannesburg, and Duduzile Mahlangu-Masango, who worked for the South African Council of Churches at its Justice and Reconciliation Desk and was the project coordinator of an HIV/AIDS initiative of the Lutheran Church working on the acceptance of HIV positive people.
Mahlangu-Masangohe is currently the South African coordinator of the Israel-Palestine program at the World Council of Churches.
This week, dozens of students at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg set up camps in solidarity with Palestinians on the main campus library lawn.
Students waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards called for a cease-fire and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as they marched to the university senate, where officials were holding a meeting.
Imaan Mathee told a reporter: “We were inspired by the mobilization of U.S. universities, but I would say that our encampment is more peaceful because we recognize that our stance reflects the stance taken by our government.”
Mathee vowed that the encampment would continue until student demands are met.
The MTA is looking for the next Ice Spice… well, sorta.
After releasing its iconic limited edition Ice Spice metro cards last week, the MTA announced that it’s currently on the hunt for brands to design its final two premium custom MetroCards.
As the MTA phases out the emblematic yellow cards in favor of the electronic “tap to pay” OMNY system, which is now installed at every subway station and bus across the city, the slow demise of the collectible custom MetroCards feels imminent, which is likely one of the reasons why the agency has announced that it will only make two more customized subway cards, specifically asking brands to participate in the effort.
Ever since the current iteration of the MetroCard was inaugurated in 1994, there have been 400 limited editions put out for the world to see, including ones dedicated to Supreme, David Bowie and the Notorious B.I.G., according to a press release by the MTA.
In honor of hip hop’s 50th anniversary last year, the MTA debuted MetroCards featuring several local hip hop legends including Rakim, Canon, LL Cool J and Pop Smoke. Each pass has a become collectible item, some even causing frenzies as New Yorkers tried desperately to get a hold of them.
More likely than not, the final two customized MetroCards will become coveted valuables as well.
“Creating one of the final custom MetroCards is the perfect opportunity for a brand, artist, or cultural institution to cement its place in transit history,” MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said in an official statement. “While the MTA continues to shift to tap and go payments by using a bank card, smartphone, or wearable device, these last two cards will undoubtedly become instant collectibles.”
According to the MTA, the last two cards “must be part of a holistic campaign that promotes your brand and the cards, while also delivering a unique rider benefit/experience.” Advertisers will get a chance to target up to 10 stations for distribution throughout the subway system, and must be willing to print at least 50,000 MetroCards with the design on them.
Sounds like a task you are up for? Here is the application.
New York City is in the middle of an economic boom, breaking record after record when it comes to creating jobs and opportunity. Just last week, we celebrated another record high for private-sector jobs in our city, with unemployment falling to 4.8 percent. There is also good news on the equity front, with Black unemployment…
If it’s a succulent, properly prepared and down-right delicious piece of meat that you’re craving, Chicago can easily deliver—and then some, at least according to the 2024 World’s Best Steak Restaurants list that was just released.
Crowning Buenos Aires’ Parilla Don Julio with the coveted title of top steakhouse in the world, the list features a respectable six Chicago-area eateries that are sure to draw a crowd following the pronouncement, starting with Asador Bastian (214 W Erie Street) at No. 14.
A new entry this year, the River North chophouse boasts Basque influences and has been lauded by critics and locals alike.
The star of the menu? The chuletón from the Holstein or Galician Rubia breed (basically, a T-bone), which is charred on the outside but remains medium-rare inside. Served with roasted piquillo peppers and just some salt, it proves that, in this kitchen at least, simple is better.
José Andrés’s fabulous Bazaar Meat (120 N Wacker Drive) overlooking the Chicago River lands at No. 39, thanks in part to the inventive small plates served, including foie gras cotton candy and bread made with Kobe beef.
The third Chicago-area mention on the global ranking is Swift & Sons, at No. 62. According to the survey, the modern Fulton Market District steakhouse “pays homage to Chicago’s meatpacking heritage with its chic, industrial decor that features dark woods, leather booths, and vintage accents.” We couldn’t agree more. Add to it the exceptional cuts of meat on offer and you’ve got yourself an absolute must-visit.
Bavette’s (218 W Kinzie Street), reminiscent of the moody jazz bars that dominated the scene way back when, lands at No. 67.
“The menu at Bavette’s is a tribute to traditional steakhouse fare, with a focus on prime cuts of beef from the US that are exquisitely prepared,” reads the list. “The restaurant’s signature dish, the dry-aged bone-in ribeye, is a standout for its depth of flavour and buttery texture.” We couldn’t agree more with that assessment.
GT Prime (707 N Well Street), also a new entry, also makes an appearance, this one at No. 75. Part of our own list of best steakhouses in Chicago, GT Prime is a marvelously beautiful destination that invites diners to revel in seafood towers galore and a whole lot of meat, from an A5 Kagoshima wagyu to a bison tenderloin.
Gibsons Italia(233 N Canal Street) makes a landing at No. 80, rounding out the Chicago mentions on the global list. Blending Gibsons’ selection of the finest beef with a modern Italian concept, the restaurant that feels uniquely creative at every bite. The panoramic views don’t hurt either!
If those six aren’t enough, Chicago is also getting an outpost of Hawksmoor, a British steakhouse chain, later this year. Hawksmoor’s Dublin location was ranked No. 12 on the list.
Although we’ll stop short of calling ourselves one of the meat capitals of the world, one thing is clear: Chicagoans know how to prepare a very good steak.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) Harlem awarded Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees to 120 new doctors on Thursday, May 16, 2024. At festive ceremonies held at the famed Apollo Theater across the street from the medical school. The 14th annual commencement began with a welcome from Dean of Student Affairs Nadege Dady, EdD and…
If you love live electronic music but the idea of a massive, Coachella-style festival feels too overwhelming, then We Belong Here, a company that produces what is refers to as a “boutique festival experience,” might be just what you’re looking for.
From October 4-6, the We Belong Here Festival is taking over New York City for the first time ever, effectively transforming Central Park’s Wollman Rink into a stage for top electronic music artists.
The most unique element of all We Belong Here events involve the unconventional locations the company chooses for the concerts that it organizes, including past picks like Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Park, the New York Stock Exchange and our very own Bowery Savings Bank.
This fall’s selected location, Wollman Rink, opened in the 1950s and has served as the primary ice skating destination in Central Park during the winter. In the warmer months, the ice rink turns into a roller skating rink, also the site of pickleball courts, activities that don’t have much to do with music festivals.
“We are creating a refined festival experience in New York that is truly for all New Yorkers—with the fan at the forefront of every decision,” Justin Dauman, Co-Founder of We Belong Here, said in an official a statement. “We’ve worked tirelessly over the past two years of planning to strike a balance between the most well-received aspects of our Miami festival and an artistic ambiance that is true to the city’s cultural diversity.”
A portion of the festival’s proceeds will help finance full scholarships for underprivileged youth to attend Scratch Academy, a DJ school that teaches people how to become professionals and make a living in the music industry.
If you can’t wait until the October festival to experience the energy of a We Belong Here event, head to Governors Island from May 24 through June 2, where the company will set up sets from electronic music icons from around the world, including Korolova, Bakermat, Le Youth and Tita Lau.
Following a post-COVID lull, festivals are clearly experiencing a renaissance: not only are many making comebacks, but new ones are landing on the scene—and we’re here for it.
“Community festivals like these bring people together, fostering belonging, cultural exchange and community ties,” NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said in a statement. “It creates new opportunities and enriches the lives of our diverse city for generations to come.”
You can register for presale tickets here and follow them on Instagram for updates.
