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Two new affordable housing lotteries just opened in Astoria, Queens
A lot of new construction has been going on for years in Astoria, Queens, and finally, we’re seeing some of the benefits of that—affordable housing lotteries!
Two just popped up on the city’s Housing Connect website, which is the hub for searching for and applying to affordable housing across the boroughs. One of the apartment buildings is solidly in Astoria while the other, the Northern II, is in Long Island City.
Take a look below to find out more.
RECOMMENDED: An affordable housing lottery just opened near Hudson Yards
Where are they?
21-11 31st Avenue and The Northern II at 38-27 32nd Street and 38-38 32nd Street in Astoria-Long Island City.
How many units are available?
At 21-11 31st Avenue, there are 43 affordable units across the seven-story building.
At The Northern II, there are 59 affordable units out of the 193 apartments within this new development.
What units are available?
At 21-11 31st Avenue, there are only one-bedroom apartments available, whereas at The Northern II, there are studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units up for grabs.
How much do they cost?
It depends on income and household size and location.
Thirty-six apartments at 21-11 31st Avenue will cost $1,974 a month while seven of them will cost $2,600 a month.
Over at The Northern II, the studios will be listed between $1,757 to $3,105 per month; the one-bedrooms will be listed at $1,875 to $3,317 per month; the two-bedrooms will be listed at $2,232 to $3,963 per month.
At both places, tenants are responsible for electricity. Rent includes hot water.
What else do we know about these buildings?
The smaller residential building at 21-11 31st Avenue has central air conditioning, dishwashers, hardwood floors, energy efficient appliances, an accessible entrance, an elevator, cable or satellite TV hookups, security cameras, package lockers and a shared laundry room. No pets are allowed with the exception of service pets.
The Northern II is pet-friendly, has a garage for parking at an additional fee, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, a gym, a recreation room and a rooftop terrace.
What’s nearby?
Astoria and Long Island City are chock-full of fun things to do, from its gorgeous riverside parks to cultural hot spots like MoMA PS1, the Museum of the Moving Image and the Noguchi Museum. Its culinary landscape is vast and mostly affordable. You can check out our Astoria neighborhood guide here. Plus, the neighborhoods have easy access to Greenpoint, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
How do I qualify?
Your household income for 21-11 31st Avenue must be between $72,652 and $181,740.
At the Northern II, it must be between $63,155 AND $218,010.
Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional selection criteria and those who live in NYC get a preference for apartments.
How do I apply and by what date?
To apply, you have to create an account on NYC Housing Connect, the main portal for the city’s affordable housing lotteries.
If you’re interested in throwing your hat into the ring for these affordable housing lotteries, you need to apply by October 28 for a spot at the Northern II and November 4 for a spot at 21-11 31st Avenue.
Drunk Shakespeare at The Green Fig at Yotel: Swig, Giggle, and Enjoy!
Drunk Shakespeare at The Green Fig at Yotel is an off-Broadway spectacle that takes spontaneity to an all-new level. It is a hilariously unconventional spin on traditional Shakespearean plays. One of the five actors downs five whisky shots right before performing. The improvised dialogues and reactions are boisterous, with the others sober and attempting to stick to the script. Every show is different and unpredictable, as each actor gets drunk in rotation.
Background on Drunk Shakespeare at The Green Fig at Yotel
Inspired by ‘Drunk History’ (a Comedy Central Series with a similar theme of drinking and performing), Scott Griffin and David Hudson created ‘Drunk Shakespeare’ in 2014. Over the last decade, there have been over 2000 shows across New York, Chicago, D.C., Phoenix, and Houston. Currently, the cast members performing in NYC are Chris Trindade, Christian Roberts, Nate Betancourt, Preston Mulligan, Mayadevi Ross, and Sarah Goldstein.
In NYC, the show premiered at Quinn’s, followed by the Times Square Arts Center and Roy Arias Stages. It is currently performed at the centrally located upscale Yotel within walking distance from Broadway. An avant-garde restaurant with ambient event-hosting space, the Green Fig at Yotel is the perfect venue to enjoy this hilarious play.
Where is Green Fig at Yotel, and how do you get there?
The Green Fig is on the 4th floor of the Yotel Hotel, a 10-minute walk from the Iconic Times Square. The address is 570 10th Avenue, West 42nd Street, NYC.
- The nearest subway is 42nd Street, Port Authority, accessible on the A, C, and E subway lines.
- Alternatively, you can take the M11 bus to West 42nd Street or the M42 bus to West 40th Street.
- You can call a cab or use a rideshare service from anywhere in NYC to get here.
What can you expect when you go to watch Drunk Shakespeare at The Green Fig at Yotel?
Unlike traditional theater in a refined setting, the atmosphere here is supercharged. You will find both New Yorkers and tourists here- theater enthusiasts, some adult comedy fans, first-timers, and so on. The seating is close to the stage, providing an intimate and interactive experience. This is immersive theater where the audience is as much a part of the show as the actors.
Be prepared to get involved, voluntarily or involuntarily. (If you are easily offended, this show might not be for you.)
The stage is set to resemble an old library, and the initial vibe is that of a secret society. But once the drinking begins, it is utter mayhem and massive fun. One can experience unparalleled raucousness. Booze allows the actors, as well as the audience, to become completely unhinged.
What else can you do when you visit Green Fig at Yotel to watch Drunk Shakespeare?
- Witnessing this boozy spectacle allows you to shed all your inhibitions. You can enjoy curated cocktails and join the boisterousness. If you are keen to participate, the theater group provides a ‘Seize the Throne’ opportunity for an additional price.
- Every ‘Drunk Shakespeare’ act requires a patron from the audience. You wear a crown and sit on a throne with your partner/friend. Champagne, caviar, chocolates, and signature cocktails are sent to your table. This opportunity is doubly fun because it appoints you as a decision-making authority for the play.
After the show, you can relish a late-night dinner with fantastic live music at the cozy Birdland Jazz Club near Times Square. Or head to the Paradise Club for a night of partying.
FAQs
Is there an age restriction for watching Drunk Shakespeare at The Green Fig at Yotel?
Yes, there is a strict age limit of 21 years or above. This is an adult-only play with possible instances of risqué humor and obscenities. Make sure you carry a valid photo ID to the venue.
What is the duration of the play?
Drunk Shakespeare is a 90-minute play without any intermission. The team recommends arriving at the venue 20-30 minutes before the performances begin.
Can I order food and drinks at the venue?
You can purchase light snacks and alcoholic beverages (craft cocktails, beer, wine) before the show.
An innovative take on the Bard, Drunk Shakespeare at the Green Fig at Yotel is a theatrical delight. Unlike other popular shows, audience participation here is encouraged to multiply the exuberance.
Blending Shakespeare, alcohol, and live theater allows these amazing off-Broadway actors to showcase their improv skills. The possibilities with an inebriation are endless. The talented cast breaks all ceilings with quick wit.
With no barriers, the comical debauchery you witness is one-of-a-kind. If you enjoy raunchy comedies, impromptu humor, and unconventional performances, this play can be a delightful experience.
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MarieBelle SoHo: Parisian Chic Ambience Meets Gourmet Chocolate Delights
Is the enticing aroma of premium chocolates tempting your senses while shopping in the upscale, charming neighborhood of SoHo? The quaintly Parisian MarieBelle store and cacao bar must be around the corner! For over 30 years, the small but fascinating place boasting a Victorian storefront has delighted New Yorkers with gourmet chocolates handcrafted with single-origin cacao beans, top-quality ingredients, love, and unique creativity.
You can shop for a delectable array of truffles, ganache, bites, brownies, fruit-infused delicacies, bars, caramels, and hot chocolate. The incredible range of flavors – from passion fruit, coconut, espresso, and wildberry to pistachio, hazelnut, lemon, and caramel sea salt – will leave you asking for more. So, let’s dive deeper into MarieBelle SoHo’s world of signature chocolates that melt in your mouth and impress even the most sophisticated palates with complex flavors.
Background on MarieBelle SoHo
Maribel Lieberman, a genius chocolatier from Honduras, founded the chain of MarieBelle stores, with MarieBelle SoHo (2002) being the original. Even at the early age of eight, she had earned a name for herself by selling sugar candies to neighborhood kids back in her home country. Over the years, Maribel experimented with ingredients like Florida lemons, English lavender, Japanese matcha, and Tahitian vanilla to create dreamy confections. In 2012, the founder managed to expand to Japanese shores, too.
Where is MarieBelle SoHo, and how do you get there?
Situated on 484 Broome Street, MarieBelle Soho is easy to spot, thanks to its vintage façade. You can take the subway line A, C, W, E, or 1 to reach the place. Canal Street, the closest subway station to the store, is just a minute’s walk away. Buses that take you close to the store include M1, M20, and B39.
The closest bus stations, which are a 3-minute away, are Avenue of the Americas/West Broadway, 6 Av /Lispenard St, and Varick St/Watts St. The nearest train line is PATH.
What to expect when you visit MarieBelle SoHo?
MarieBelle SoHo is open on all days of the week, from 11 in the morning to 7 in the evening. However, if you wish to relish sweet and savory delights at the Cacao Bar without stressing about getting a table, remember to make reservations in advance. The afternoon high tea here is a specialty served throughout the day.
The store also offers many gift sets, whether you want to make your loved ones, employees, or clients feel special. The place also accepts bookings for private and corporate events and allows customization. However, remember that the shop cannot accept private bookings on weekends.
The store’s chocolate collection and bar menu might change based on the season, as they use the freshest ingredients in every recipe.
What else can you do when you visit?
Besides picking up different kinds of artisanal and elegantly packaged chocolates at MarieBelle SoHo, you can enjoy a lavish high tea at the Cacao Bar. From creamy seasonal soups and dainty finger sandwiches to delicious French pastries and macarons, rich hot chocolate drinks, and lip-smacking desserts, it is an unforgettable experience here.
Moreover, you can dig into this sumptuous spread under gorgeous chandeliers and savor the charm of a bygone era. Warm wood-lined interiors, antique furniture, and vintage decorative elements make the Cacao Bar an indulgent, luxurious, and nostalgic spot to unwind and escape from the commotion of city living.
Afterward, don’t forget to explore MarieBelle SoHo’s neighborhood. You can join a guided walking tour, head to art galleries, or shop for knickknacks from street vendors. Designer boutiques are inside, along with some lively music at the nightclub. You can also simply admire the cast-iron architectural gems around the place while walking down cobbled streets.
Get tickets here to enjoy high tea at MarieBelle SoHo!
Looking to travel back in time while tantalizing your taste buds with mouthwatering sweet and savory treats at MarieBelle SoHo? Buy tickets for a unique high tea experience where every dish is prepared with the best ingredients and served in a beautifully old-world environment. Soak in the visual and sensual delight of an exclusive spread in this European-style café.
FAQs
Who owns MarieBelle SoHo?
Maribel Lieberman, from Honduras, is the founder and CEO of this chocolate shop and café. Her entrepreneurial journey started with the catering company Maribel’s Gourmet Cuisine.
Does MarieBelle SoHo home-deliver locally?
Yes, the store delivers locally and even across the country. However, delivery is not available on weekends.
Is MarieBelle Soho closed on weekends?
No, the store is open from 11 am to 7 pm throughout the week.
Wandering around the SoHo neighborhood is not complete without a visit to the MarieBelle store, especially if you are a chocolate lover.
This store offers an overwhelming collection of flavors, textures, and scents, from delicious brownies and truffles to bites and bars. Exotic teas and hot chocolates can also warm you up quickly.
If you go for afternoon high tea at the Cacao Bar, the traditional scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and yummy jams will make you drool.
You will also love the use of fresh veggies, premium cheeses, and nuts in the salads and sandwiches. A glass of refreshing mimosa will help you round off this hearty meal that includes soups, mini pastries, and more.
Afterward, pay a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream and cool down (literally) in a fun way. Or head to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral to admire its gothic architecture and spend some quiet time on prayers and reflections.
The post MarieBelle SoHo: Parisian Chic Ambience Meets Gourmet Chocolate Delights appeared first on Secret NYC.
Hey, Bravoholics: There’s a ‘RHONY’ Pop-Up You Need To Know About
A RHONY pop-up (Real Housewives of New York City for the uninitiated) is ready to dazzle Bravoholics with plenty of photographic, seasonal moments. And yes, the network is going to “make it nice” for its devoted fanbase.
On the heels of the best things to do in NYC this fall, and the new season of The Housewives, the Bravo gang has decided to set up shop at the Chelsea Factory to present the free RHONY Orchard on Friday, September 20th.
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In true It Girl fashion, the pop-up will offer prolific opportunities to snap a few selfies and indulge in whimsical autumnal scenes with immersive photo and video experiences inspired by the cast.
Although specifics are currently under wraps — as is the guest list — we sense apple themes, a warm color palette, and likely plenty of flowers on the horizon.
The 15th season of the longstanding series will premiere on Tuesday, October 1st.
Although season 14 saw a revamp with a completely new cast — Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield — even more faces are joining the mix, including art curator Racquel Chevremont and fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff.
A press release from Bravo states, “Back for another bite out of the big apple, this flourishing group of friends are joined by elite new faces – Racquel Chevremont and Rebecca Minkoff. But things can change in a New York minute when rumors start spreading amongst the ladies. Only time will tell if longstanding loyalties are strong enough to weather the storm as secrets shake things up.”
Expect emotions to run high this season thanks to jealousies, marriage complications, pregnancy rumors, and so on.
What better way to kick it all off than with a free photo opp? Do the ladies proud! Although the event is free, registration is required.
Chelsea Factory: 547 W 26th St
September 20th from 12-7pm
If all of this juicy Bravo drama has you craving a cocktail, visit our favorite bars in NYC after a pitstop to the RHONY pop-up and cheers to the new season of the show.
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