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If you ask us, New York has the best restaurants in the world full stop, but that diehard conviction wasn’t exactly reflected in the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards winners. Alas, despite the likes of numerous local finalists including Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar, Nasim Alikhani of Sofreh and Atsushi Kono from Kono, NYC was sadly shut out of most of the big awards of the night, including Best New Restaurant and Outsanding Chef. But it wasn’t a total upset: one Brooklyn-based chef proved to be a winner at this year’s ceremony, and what a winner he is. 

RECOMMENDED: Iconic NYC restaurant Sylvia’s wins the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award

Executive chef Charlie Mitchell of Clover Hill, a New American stunner in Brooklyn Heights that we gave a raving five-star review, rightfully took home the James Beard award for Best Chef: New York State, beating out fellow nominees such as Jeremy Salamon from Agi’s Counter (Crown Heights) and Chris Mauricio from Harana Market (Accord, New York).

At the 20-seat, reservations-required tasting room at 20 Columbia Place, Mitchell turns out dynamic, seasonally driven plates that, along with that big Beard win, also scored the chef a coveted Michelin star, making him the first Black chef in New York City to earn the distinction. On the current spring menu at Clover Hill, which is set at $305 per person, you can enjoy carefully composed dishes like Hokkaido scallops, nori tartlets, a dry-aged Rohan Duck and a strawberry cheesecake.  

As for the other winners of this year’s James Beards, midsize cities continued their dominance in the major Restaurant and Chef categories: the Outstanding Chef honor went to Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C.; the Outstanding Restaurant award went to Langbaan in Portland, Oregon; and the Best New Restaurant sparkler was awarded to Dakar NOLA from New Orleans, Louisiana. 

* This article was originally published here

Though summer doesn’t officially kick off until the solstice (June 20th), we think it’s safe to say NYC is already in full summer mode! And Mother Nature seems to agree by giving us temperatures nearing the 90s this weekend.

Friday’s high of 89°F will have a real feel of 95°F and a UV Index of 10 according to AccuWeather, so be sure to bring out the sunblock even though rain might be in the forecast.

As for the rest of the weekend, New Yorkers can expect temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s with an even greater UV Index of 11!

Not sure how to stay cool in the heat? Lucky for us New York City beaches have already opened. Plus, you can even explore Manhattan’s very own first public beach that debuted last year.

This weekend will set the tone for what’s expected to be one of the hottest summers of our lifetime. Beyond record temperatures expected throughout the next few months, NYC is also on track to experience plenty of heavy rain.

Find out how to best prepare for this summer’s weather conditions here.

The post Friday’s Scorching Temperatures Will Feel Close To 100°F appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

It’s good news for astronomy enthusiasts as this month’s full Strawberry Moon will grace the skies of NYC on June 21st—just one day after the summer solstice which is on June 20th. It will reach peak illumination at 9:08pm, but stargazers can get a look at its glory anytime after sunset so long as skies are clear.

Photographers should have their cameras ready a few days ahead of its peak as the moon will expeditiously brighten. More precisely, on June 18th the full Strawberry Moon will begin to “optimally [reflect] sunlight.” By June 21st, the full moon will be ten times brighter than it was as a “half moon,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac

Moreover, this Strawberry Moon is especially unique because of the date in which it will occur. Full moons rise when the sun sets and vice versa. During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point. Thus, this month’s Strawberry Moon will be the lowest full moon observed in years, reports the Farmer’s Almanac. Therefore, it will appear larger than it actually is due to the “Moon Illusion.” In fact, some places in the world (like Rekyavik) won’t even see the Strawberry Moon clear the horizon because it will be so low.

And though a Strawberry Moon sounds more on the pink side, the June full moon will actually have a yellow and orange hue from its repressed light. The name itself comes from the ripening of strawberries during this time, as declared by Native American Algonquian tribes.

The next full moon of the summer won’t be until July 21st so stay tuned for more celestial events!

The post A Solstice Strawberry Moon Will Appear Above NYC Next Week appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

With Governors Ball already officially behind us, festival season is in full swing. And though we already have a packed lineup of music festivals still set to head to NYC this season, we’re now adding another one onto the list!

Our friends over in Washington DC have been enjoying All Things Go Festival for ten years now, with three 3 consecutive sold out iterations, but us New Yorkers had to hop on a plane to enjoy the festival for ourselves–until now!

Today, Tuesday, June 11th, All Things Go has announced the lineup for its first-ever expansion to NYC with its inaugural festival at the iconic Forest Hills Stadium! The festival will take place on Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday, September 29th, the same weekend as its Washington DC area counterpart.

Headlining this year’s New York lineup are Reneé Rapp, Janelle Monáe, Chappell Roan, MUNA, Ethel Cain, and Julien Baker.

Headliners will be joined by a slew of other heavy-hitters and emerging talent. The lineup is as follows:

Saturday, September 28

• Reneé Rapp
• MUNA
• Chappell Roan
• Holly Humberstone
• Del Water Gap
• Soccer Mommy
• Coco & Clair Clair
• Towa Bird

Sunday, September 29

• Janelle Monáe
• Ethel Cain
• Julien Baker
• Maise Peters
• Samia
• Mannequin Pussy
• Indigo DeSouza
• Annie DiRusso

Now we know this lineup looks incredible but don’t stress–the festival doesn’t overlap any set times so you won’t miss a single performance!

Founded in 2011, All Things Go is an independent music festival and creative house welcoming attendees from more than half the states in the U.S. and multiple countries. The festival always promises to deliver a unique, diverse lineup while elevating underrepresented voices and focusing on female and non-binary artists.

Past performers include Billie Eilish, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Mitski, HAIM, Charli XCX, MUNA, Lizzy McAlpine, Carly Rae Jepsen, Bleachers, Tove Lo, and many more.

Beyond the lineup the festival fosters a strong sense of community among attendees, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for music lovers to come together and celebrate their shared passion. Some artists and fans have lovingly given it some cheeky nicknames, including “Gay-chella,” “All Things Gay,” and “Lesbopalooza.” 

Tickets for the festival will go on sale this Friday, June 14th, at 10 am. Learn more online here.

The post Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, & More To Headline ‘All Things Go’ Festival’s NYC Debut appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Summer roadtrips are on our mind, and with all the swimming holes, waterfalls, and small towns near NYC there are endless opportunities to explore. But nothing quite beats spending a sunny summer day at the lake–especially since this is going to be one of the hottest summers of our lifetime–and this lake, one of the most picturesque in all of North America, makes for the perfect summer getaway!

Vacation rental platform Lake.com analyzed Instagram posts containing hashtags relating to each lake for every major lake in North America, because obviously if it’s gram-worthy you just know it’s got to be good.

The total number of posts found containing each lake was then tallied up to determine which are the most picturesque, and Lake Superior came in third place, with 1,187,896 Instagram posts featuring the #LakeSuperior hashtag.

Straddling the US-Canada border and touching the coasts of Ontario, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake not only in North America but in the entire world by surface area!

According to Britannica its name comes from the French Lac Supérieur, meaning “Upper Lake,” and it’s apparently so massive that if it were to be emptied it would take 191 years to do so.

Beyond its size though its coastline is certainly picturesque, particularly its north shore, which Britannica writes is indented by deep bays backed by high cliffs. And because it’s surrounded by extensive forests seasonal hunting, sportfishing, and tourism are popular here.

David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com, commented on the findings, stating:

The data reveal some fascinating insights into the continent’s natural beauty. It’s remarkable to see how social media platforms like Instagram can showcase the captivating allure of these lakes, drawing attention from people far and wide. These findings underscore the profound impact of these scenic spots, not only on local communities but also on a global scale, as they inspire countless individuals to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature.

The top ten most picturesque lakes in all of North America are as follows:

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Lake Michigan

3. Lake Superior

4. Lake Ontario

5. Lake Erie

6. Lake Norman

7. Lake George

8. Lake Geneva

9. Lake Havasu

10. Lake Huron

The post This Massive Lake, One Of The Most Picturesque In All Of North America, Makes For The Perfect Summer Getaway appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

PopUp Bagels has been plenty busy as of late: along with debuting the chainlet’s second location in NYC (at 338 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side) and another outpost soon to come on the Upper East Side, the viral bagelry has been collaborating with high-profile folks like Dominique Ansel and Cup Noodles. And now the bagel bakery is getting boozy with its latest partnership. 

RECOMMENDED: The 17 best bagels in NYC are the city’s finest any way you fill ‘em

Ahead of National Bourbon Day on Friday, June 14, PopUp will work with Great Jones Distilling Co. (Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery in a century) for a limited-edition Bourbon Butter Schmear. The distillery’s Straight Bourbon is crafted from ingredients grown in the legendary Black Dirt region of Warwick Valley, NY and offers up a balance of sweet vanilla and light pepper, which will make for a savory-sweet brunch situation on one of the bakery’s hot-from-the-oven bagels.

The new liquor-laced, vanilla-based butter will be available at all PopUp Bagels locations—which, along with those uptown newcomers, include 177 Thompson Street Amagansett and Roslyn in New York along with as a handful of locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts—for one week only, from Wednesday, June 12 through Tuesday, June 18. “Discover how Great Jones, deeply rooted in New York’s vibrant culture, and Popup Bagels, a beloved purveyor of authentic NYC fare, unite to create an exceptional gastronomic experience,” reads a press release.

PopUp Bagels, which specializes in a rip-and-dip bagel experience in place of traditional spread and slice tradition, is known for its inventive bagel toppings: alongside the bourbon-based schmear, the bakery also recently launched a new Brown Butter Butter and an Iced Coffee Cream Cheese in collaboration with cold brew brand Wandering Bear. Both of those spreads will also be available through Tuesday, June 11. 

* This article was originally published here