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The bakery’s name might be slightly odd, but I’m donut?, a new shop by Japanese Chef Ryouta Hirako, is sure to draw a crowd through its interesting treats when it opens at 154 West 45th Street by Sixth Avenue in Times Square this October.

Speaking of the moniker: it is actually a play on the very concept behind the store, questioning what, exactly, a donut should or could be. Across his 12 locations in Japan, in fact, Chef Ryouta has been presenting creative concoctions of all different kinds, particularly focusing on nama donuts, “fresh, melt-in-the-mouth delights that are both fluffy and light,” according to an official press release. Think of them as airier versions of American donuts.

“Chef Ryouta sources exclusively natural, high-quality ingredients, and his specialty dough and toppings are meticulously handmade on-site daily, ensuring a premium, unforgettable donut,” reads the release. “Squash varieties will serve as the stateside base for the nama donut dough, while additional ingredients and flavor profiles will be determined by  provenance and availability.”

The founder’s attention to detail is also reflected in how his Japanese shops, and the New York one, which will be his first outside of Japan, look: expect a clean, thought-out space featuring a lot of wood.

Although New Yorkers have always nurtured an interest for all things Japanese, the last few years have proved especially fruitful for similar imports and New York-based businesses inspired by the across-the-ocean culture: legendary Tokyo sushi Chef Hidefumi Namba made his U.S. debut in New York earlier this year, massive foodie festival JAPAN Fes make its return colorful new Japanese market Mitsuki debuted in the Financial District.

This affinity clearly isn’t lost on Chef Ryouta.

“New York is a city where people from all over the world come together,” he said in an official statement. “It is also a gourmet city with a discerning palate. I thought the best way to get people from all over the world to taste my donuts would be to open a store here.”

We won’t lie: we think it’s a very good idea as well.

* This article was originally published here

One of our favorite things about the warmer months in NYC is all the stunning greenery and colorful flowers bringing life and character to the otherwise drab concrete jungle, but there’s one flower in particular that, though it looks pretty, should be avoided at all costs.

That flower is the Giant Hogweed, and though it doesn’t look like like it it’s actually one of the most dangerous invasive plants in the U.S.–and unfortunately for us the Giant Hogweed is all over NY.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the plant “can cause painful burns and scarring. Brushing against or breaking the plant releases sap that, combined with sunlight and moisture, can cause a severe burn within 24 to 48 hours.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the Giant Hogweed so you can safely avoid it:

What does Giant Hogweed look like?

Thankfully Giant Hogweed is kind of hard to miss as it’s name is no joke–it can grow a whopping 14+ feet tall and its leaves can measure up to 5 feet wide!

And though some other plants can look very similar, you can look for dark reddish-purple blotches and coarse  
white hairs on the plant’s stem to determine if it’s a Giant Hogweed or not. The Invasive Species Centre also writes that from late spring to mid-summer, Giant Hogweed produces a large upside-down umbrella-shaped head with white flowers that can grow up to 2.5 feet in diameter.

Common lookalikes include the Cow Parsnip, Angelica plant, Wild Parsnip, Queen Anne’s Lace, Poison Hemlock, Common Elderberry, and Pokeweed.

Where does Giant Hogweed grow?

The NYS DEC writes “Giant Hogweeds tend to grow along streams and rivers, as well as in fields, forests, yards, and near roadsides. It prefers sunny areas and moist soils and can also grow in partial shade.”

Where in NY can I find Giant Hogweed?

Thankfully, according to a map created by the NYS DEC, Giant Hogweed can’t be found in NYC. It is, however, growing on Long Island and in other parts of New York State. NY Post writes that the plant is present in all but nine of New York State’s 62 counties, encompassing nearly 1,150 active sites.

The 2024 Giant Hogweed Active Sites Map can be seen below:

What happens if I come into contact with Giant Hogweed?

All parts of the plant contain toxic sap that prevents your skin from protecting itself from sunlight. This means that, if you touch Giant Hogweed, you can develop Phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation which can be made worse by heat and moisture.

Phytophotodermatitis can begin as soon as 15 minutes after coming into contact with Giant Hogweed sap and can result in painful blisters that form within 48 hours and become dark and pigmented.

Lasting impact of Giant Hogweed burns may include scars that last up to six years (though they typically only last a few months) as well as long-term sunlight sensitivity.

The plant can even alter human DNA, and the Invasive Species Centre also writes that “eye contact with the sap has been reported (in the media and by various web sites) to cause temporary or permanent blindness, though this has not been confirmed.”

What should I do if I come into contact with Giant Hogweed?

If you come into contact with the plant the NYS DEC suggests you do the following:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water asap
• Keep exposed area covered and protected from sunlight for 48 hours
• See a physician if you have a reaction
• If a reaction occurs, apply topical steroids early to reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort
• If sap goes in eyes, rinse them with water, wear sunglasses or cover your eyes, and seek medical care
• If a reaction has occurred, protect the skin from the sun until it is fully healed, which can take several years

How can I stay safe when near Giant Hogweed?

The NYS DEC urges you to take precaution when near Giant Hogweed, which entails:

• Do not touch the plant with bare skin
• Apply sunblock and wear long, waterproof gloves, long sleeves, pants, boots, and eye protection when working near or with giant hogweed
• When possible, wear synthetic water-resistant materials
• Keep water, soap, and eyewash near your work area in case of exposure to sap
• Maintain distance from others when controlling giant hogweed as sap can splash three to four feet when plants are cut or damaged
• When removing contaminated protective gear and work clothes, take care not to touch your skin
• Wash equipment with soap and water and launder work clothes
• If you cannot shower immediately after performing control activities, wash as best as you can on site and take a full shower as soon as possible

The New York State Department of Health notes that you can call the toll-free Giant Hogweed Hotline at 1-845-256-3111 for more information and to report the location where you saw giant hogweed.

The post Beware Of This Invasive NY Plant Which Can Alter Human DNA & Cause Painful Skin Damage appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

If you don’t have the time or the finances to travel to the seven wonders of the world, look no further. You can stick to exploring the seven natural wonders of New York State! From fiery waterfalls to the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ there’s plenty of breathtaking sights to see within our own state. Find them below.

1. Watkins Glen State Park

Embark on beautiful trails through this state park and discover 19 magnificent waterfalls that make the hike more than worth it. It’s perfect for every season and even offers snowshoeing in the winter. Learn more about the state park here. And while you’re there, you might as well make a pit stop to the world’s smallest diner that only fits four people!

1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY

  ~4 hour drive from NYC

2. Howe Caverns

Dare to venture into the depths of the Earth? Howes Caverns are some of the most unique natural landscapes in the state of New York. You can go 156 feet below the Earth’s surface and travel through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries and more. This natural wonder is believed to be six million years old! Learn more about these mesmerizing caverns here.

255 Discovery Dr, Howes Cave, NY

  ~3 hour drive from NYC

3. Catskill Mountains

The Catskills are a wonderful place to visit all year round! Whether you’re big on hiking, love catching beautiful fall foliage or prefer to strap on some snowshoes, the Catskills offer a medley of activities for any weather. Moreover, its home to adorable little towns and quaint boutique properties that are perfect for escaping the city.

Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464

  Just under 3 hours from NYC

4. Niagara Falls

Niagara State Falls is actually the oldest state park the US, first established in 1885. Whether you plan to see the falls by boat, observation tower or cave of the winds walk, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal to the breathtaking natural wonder. And while you’re already that far north, you should pop over to visit our friends at Montréal Secret!

332 Prospect Street Niagara Falls, NY

  6 hours and 30 mins from NYC

5. Adirondack Mountains

From scenic trails to proper campsites, the Adirondacks are a sight to behold. This beautiful mountain range that covers around 5,000 square miles is home to so many natural treasures. You can even reach the highest point in the state of New York (5,344 feet) at Mount Marcy.

I-87 Northbound between Exit 17 and 18 Glens Falls, NY (welcome center)

3 hours and 30 minutes from NYC

6. Letchworth State Park

Often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ Letchworth State Park spans 14,000 acres that was part of an ancient sea millions of years before. Learn more about the incredible destination here.

1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427

  ~5 hour drive from NYC

7. Eternal Flames Fall

This 35-foot waterfall is the only one of its kind in the entire world. At first glance, it might look like every other waterfall. But if you look closer you’ll find a small grotto that produces what’s known as the eternal flame. This extremely rare fire is produced from a natural gas leak that is 35% ethane and propane. The height of the flame varies anywhere between 3-9 inches, dependent on the natural gas pressure. You truly can’t miss a visit to this otherworldly attraction.

Chestnut Ridge Park, Town of Orchard Park, Erie County, NY

7 hours from NYC

The post Discover New York’s 7 Most Stunning Natural Wonders appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here