Author: Site Adminstrator

Once again, we’ve got proof that New York is home to some of the best restaurants in the world.

The 2024 list of the World’s Best Steak Restaurants was just released and our very own town appears on the top 101 ranking eight times in total, including within the top five portion of the survey. 

Cote, the Korean BBQ destination that opened at 16 West 22nd Street in the Flatiron District back in 2017, lands at the number four spot of the list. Among the plenty delicious menu sections on site is the “butcher’s feast,” an assortment of delicacies that, according to the study, “showcase both quality and culinary craft.” Grilled right at your table, the selections are served with traditional Korean side dishes (they’re called “banchan”) and a number of different sauces.  

The number 22 restaurant on the ranking is Beefbar, an impressive entry given that the Monte-Carlo meat haven founded by Riccardo Giraudi opened in the former Nobu space at 105 Hudson Street near Tribeca just last month. 

One of only seven restaurants in New York to be part of the Kobe Beef Association, the eatery focuses on prime beef, including traditional cuts of Wagyu and Black Angus.

The sophisticated American Cut, at 363 Greenwich Street right around the corner from Beefbar, is the 34th entry on the list, certainly the go-to destination if looking for top-notch service alongside exceptional food. Bonus points: the apps served here, not necessarily all meat-based, are just as great as the rest of the offerings.

The iconic Keens at 72 West 36th Street by Herald Square lands at number 40. The steakhouse is clearly a must-visit: not only has it been open since 1885 but it has been serving the same signature dish since then. The mutton chop is a 36-ounce saddle of lamb skirted with fat that’s nearly two inches tall and will haunt long after you’ve left the premise.

Gallaghers Steakhouse at 228 West 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan is yet another New York restaurant to make the global list, this one at spot number 61. A popular pre-theater destination given its location, the legendary steakhouse is also famous for the glass meat locker that guests can gaze at as soon as they walk in. It’s basically dry-aged beef heaven in there.

The worldwide ranking also includes Time Warner Center’s Porter House (10 Columbus Circle, 4th floor) at spot number 61 and Peter Luger (178 Broadway in Brooklyn), perhaps the most recognized name in the local steakhouse scene, at number 84.

French restaurant and celebrity go-to spot Minetta Tavern (113 MacDougal Street) rounds out the New York mentions at number 85. 

Just in case you were wondering, as you should, who topped the entire ranking: it’s Parilla Don Julio in Buenos Aires. Serving exceptional Argentinian cuisine, the destination has also gained recognition for its impressive wine offerings.

You can browse through the entire survey, and perhaps use it as an inspiration when booking your next trip, right here.

* This article was originally published here

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. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Coney Island, NY’s quintessential summer destination

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. 

* This article was originally published here

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.

RECOMMENDED: Limited-edition Ice Spice MetroCards are now available at four subway stations

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. 

* This article was originally published here

From rent to groceries to transportation, everything seemingly costs more in New York City, and apparently our chocolate-eating habits are not exempt from that fact. (NYC is one of the most expensive cities to be happy in the US, after all, and what sparks more happiness than chocolate?)

RECOMMENDED: The 14 best chocolate shops in NYC for bars, bonbons and more

According to a new report from consumer resource site CouponBirds, NYC residents pay more for chocolate than the rest of the country—way more. In fact, a regular old bar of chocolate will cost a New Yorker 20.66% above the national average, per the study’s findings. For example, when compared to the national average, Hershey’s milk chocolate has a 23.11% price premium in New York City; Dove milk chocolate Promises cost 30.62% more here and snack-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are 22.49% higher.

For their report, the CouponBirds team researched the price by ounce of the most popular chocolate products at Target in America’s biggest cities using data from Instacart. They then calculated the average price per ounce for each product by brand for each city and state and compared them to the national average to find the local premium on branded chocolate goods.

So what’s the reason for the price discrepancy between NYC and other major American cities? In New York, the price of cocoa beans reached a record $5,500 per metric ton in February, per the study. Gothamites also have to deal with “grocers that face high rental and running costs in addition to the delivery delays and limited storage space associated with an urban center of this density.” 

In fact, New York State overall is the second most expensive state in the country when it comes to chocolate prices, with mark-ups being 10.70% higher than the national average. The priciest chocolate-loving state? That designation goes to Hawaii, with the cost of the sweet treat being 12.90% higher than the national average of $0.75 per ounce. Meanwhile, chocolate is at its cheapest in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine, where it’s 3.64% less than the national average. Lucky!

* This article was originally published here

Medicine bottles are something people tend to keep hidden, tucked away in bathroom cabinets we hope nosy visitors stay out of. These plain orange cylinders chronicle our bodies and minds, serving as tangible tokens of that broken foot or sinus infection.

A powerful new art project on Governors Island, however, brings those empty bottles out from their cramped cabinets and into the light. Called Meditations on Medication: The Pill Bottle Project, this ever-evolving community installation will be constructed on weekends all summer—and all are invited to contribute.

RECOMMENDED: These trippy sculptures of people in Manhattan will make you do a double take

The project is the brainchild of Alyson Vega, an artist with Fountain House Gallery who wants to spark conversation around medication, routine, recycling, plastic waste, insurance and accessibility. The project kicked off this past weekend and runs on weekends through August 11.

This series of site-specific installations is constructed entirely of empty orange prescription bottles arranged in a variety of creative set-ups. One installation looks like a fireplace with glowing orange flames. Another turns pill bottles into twinkling lights. In another, bottles sit in a towering heap, inviting questions about plastic waste.

While the structural works are fascinating to look at, this art exhibit isn’t just about using your eyes. All are welcome to bring their own pill bottles to contribute and can even help construct aspects of the installation alongside staff on-site. 

“Please come dance with us on Governors Island. Be a part of the story,” the artist wrote on Instagram, referencing the famed quote, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.”

How to donate pill bottles

If you’d like to drop off bottles, there are three sites to do so. 

• At Fountain House Gallery, 702 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen
• At Fountain House Studio, 37-24 24th Street, Suite 012, in Long Island City (call 212-582-0340 x1930 to enter)
• At Nolan Park #8B on Governors Island

Be sure to remove the label off your bottles or Sharpie over private information. Sharpies will be provided at all drop-off locations.

In addition to donating empty pill bottles, NYC art fans are also asked to help by asking local pharmacies for bulk donations.

How to see and create the installations

To see the artwork and lend a hand in creating it, head to Governors Island on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-5pm now through August 11. Find the setup at Nolan Park #8B. It’s free to enter.

While you’re on Governors Island, use our full guide to make the most of your experience.

* This article was originally published here

This past weekend, over 28,000 very fit New Yorkers participated in the Brooklyn Half, the 13.1-mile-long marathon that starts off at the Brooklyn Museum, proceeds through Prospect Park and ends on the Coney Island boardwalk, a route that turns the feat of physical prowess into a proper tour of the borough. 

A bit about the name of the event: organized by New York Road Runners, this specific marathon is actually called Brooklyn Half—a clear distinction from the Brooklyn Half Marathon that is put on by NYCRuns. The two organizations are actually in litigation in connection to their similar moniker: New York Road Runners has sued NYCRuns, claiming its marathon’s name is “misleading consumers and capitalizing on the goodwill in the Brooklyn Half.”

Whatever the name, one thing is for certain: all the folks participating in either run are at peak athletic form, clear examples of what humans can accomplish when putting their mind (and training schedules) to it. 

Here are some of the best photos from this weekend’s Brooklyn Half:

* This article was originally published here