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A whimsical sculpture of Le Petit Prince now sits on Fifth Avenue

A whimsical sculpture of Le Petit Prince now sits on Fifth Avenue

Right outside the historic Villa Albertine’s garden wall, sits a 4-foot-tall bronze sculpture of the Little Prince from the much beloved French children’s book, Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

The new artwork by French sculptor Jean-Marc de Pas and the American Society of Le Souvenir Français with the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation honors the 80th anniversary of the 1943 book and the lives it has touched across the decades.

The sculpture was carved from clay and cast in bronze in one single piece at the sculptor’s studio in Normandy, France and was just unveiled at the Villa Albertine’s Payne Whitney Mansion at 972 Fifth Avenue.

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“The Little Prince—a beloved cultural icon across the world and the perfect embodiment of France’s shared history with the U.S—will be right at home on Manhattan’s famous Fifth Avenue,” said Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the USA. “80 years after the publication of this timeless classic, we are delighted to welcome the Little Prince to Villa Albertine, where thousands of visitors come every month to attend literary events and browse the shelves of Albertine Books. Now when they arrive, they will be greeted by this monument to cultural exchanges, creativity, and exploration—values that underpin everything that we do. The French Embassy constantly strives to highlight remarkable stories like this one that celebrate the close societal and cultural ties between France and the U.S.”

If you don’t know, Le Petit Prince is about a pilot who crashes his plane in the desert and meets a boy (the Little Prince) from another planet. The boy tells the pilot stories about his travels across the universe and the nuggets of wisdom he has gleaned.

The novella, which has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, has been translated into hundreds of languages and is one of the best-selling books in history.

 Le Petit Prince sculpture in NYC outside of Villa Albertine
Photograph: Argenis Apolinario | Le Petit Prince sculpture in NYC outside of Villa Albertine

Over the years, there have been plaques and statues to commemorate the novelist, according to American Society of Le Souvenir Français, but this sculpture is the first of its kind. Saint Exupéry was actually from New York City and sailed to North Africa during World War II with one advance copy of the tale. Fifteen months later, he disappeared in his Lockheed P-38 Lightning, while serving the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, during a reconnaissance mission over occupied France.

This is the American Society of Le Souvenir Français’s way of honoring an “exemplary” French citizen and promoting French culture here. 

“New York is a city known for its diversity, its mix of different cultures. The Little Prince is a tale that celebrates the importance of such diversity and mutual understanding, which reminds us that as humans we are all connected, even if we come from different backgrounds,” said Jean-Hugues Monier, Board Member of the American Society of Le Souvenir Français and member of the sculpture’s Steering Committee. “This statue is a symbol of Franco-American friendship, of France’s contribution to the universal values of the Little Prince. It will be an invitation for people walking on Fifth Avenue to sit by the Little Prince’s side, especially New York children.” 

 Le Petit Prince the book inside Villa Albertine
Photograph: Argenis Apolinario | Le Petit Prince the book inside Villa Albertine

* This article was originally published here

Junior’s Cheesecake Is Expanding To The West Coast For The First Time Ever

If you ask a New Yorker their favorite dessert, don’t be surprised when you hear them answer with an absolute classic: Junior’s cheesecake. But our years of gatekeeping its sinfully delicious recipe has finally come to an end.

Resorts World Las Vegas and Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery just announced that the New York-based restaurant will open its very first West Coast location in November 2023 inside the hotel and casino. Spanning 300-seats, this will be Junior’s sixth location in the U.S.

Outside of Junior's Cheesecake in NYC
Unsplash / Alex Haney

“Our goal is to continue to bring exciting dining experiences for our guests and expand our portfolio with unique concepts that can’t be found anywhere else in the city,” said Bartholomew Mahoney, Vice President of Food & Beverage of Resorts World Las Vegas. “We are thrilled to be welcoming the first West Coast location of Junior’s and bring this beloved New York institution to our guests and visitors.”

The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diners will be able to try everything from its award-winning french toast to steak-burgers and deli sandwiches. For drinks, a curated cocktail program will be available at the full-service bar. But most importantly, the Vegas location will of course serve its famous homemade cheesecake!

Hungry customers will have their pick of the two dozen cheesecake flavors including but not limited to strawberry, chocolate mousse, red velvet, pumpkin, key lime and oreo.

A slice of cheesecake
Unsplash / Diliara Garifullina

Junior’s first-ever location in Brooklyn was opened in 1950 by Harry Rosen. “[Harry] absolutely enjoyed coming to Vegas whenever he could. So I know he’d be thrilled that we are opening a location in the city he loved almost as much as New York,” said Alan Rosen, third generation owner and grandson.

“I’m so lucky to have been selected by Resorts World to open our first West Coast location inside its property,” said Alan. “I hope that both residents and visitors to the city will also feel lucky that they will be able to enjoy the World’s Most Famous Cheesecake, as well as all the delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and our other skyscraper desserts.”

Learn more on the Junior’s website here.

The post Junior’s Cheesecake Is Expanding To The West Coast For The First Time Ever appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

This Lantern Festival Is Coming To New Jersey To Kick Off The Holiday Season

Making plans for this holiday season? You’ll want to add this magical family-friendly event to your to-do list! On September 28th, tickets will go on sale for the Lantern Festival, an amazing event that has attracted more than 150,000 guests annually for three consecutive years. With interactive activities and countless delightful displays, the experience will keep visitors of all ages engaged.

And now, an edition of the popular Lantern Festival will take place right outside of the city in East Rutherford, NJ – only a 20 minute drive from Midtown! Join the waitlist here and be the first to know when tickets go live.

Sign up for the waitlist today to experience this dazzling light display with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns!

Lantern Festival at American Dream
Lantern Festival at American Dream

Founded on the belief that contribution is celebration, the Lantern Festival at American Dream invites guests from all walks of life to discover the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. 

New Jersey’s American Dream entertainment complex will offer ample space for this shimmering spectacle. Whether you want to create your own paper Chinese lantern, embrace the spectacular photo ops or take your kids on a kiddie token ride, there is so much waiting for you at this fun-filled experience. 

Get ready to gather the whole family, as this is going to be a night to remember! Sign up for the waitlist here.

Lantern Festival at American Dream
Lantern Festival at American Dream

NJ’s Lantern Festival will transport you into countless stunning scenes, serving as a wonderful cultural learning experience and an equally amazing photo-op. To kick off the holiday season, you will be able to immerse yourself in this dazzling wonderland starting on October 25th. For now, join the waitlist to save your spot!


Lantern Festival at American Dream – Waitlist

The post This Lantern Festival Is Coming To New Jersey To Kick Off The Holiday Season appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here