Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King and her parents explore the world of “The Little Mermaid” with Ariel at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on May 26, 2023. Martin Luther King III, Arndrea King and Yolanda, celebrating her 15^th birthday, were among the first guests to meet Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The post PHOTO: MLK’s granddaughter Yolanda Renee King celebrates 15th birthday appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

You like Korean food? You like pizza? Well then you’re definitely going to like Appas Pizza, a new Korean pizza parlor in the East Village combining the two cuisines into one unimaginable bite.

The idea all started in Seoul, Korea, when Kelsey Seo’s father would bring pizza home from his job at Pizza Hut, as reported by Eater. While the pizza often found its way unfinished and overflowing the freezer, it didn’t take long for Seo to miss her father’s creations after moving to NYC and finding nothing quite like it.

Thankfully for Seo–and the rest of us NYers–her father immigrated to the US with his family 5 years ago where he now runs Appas Pizza in the East Village. And, of course, they’re serving their over-the-top pies smothered in ingredients like bulgogi, kimchi bacon, and sausage and shrimp.

Can’t decide which to get? No worries–you can split your pizza in two to have the chance to try even more flavors.

And, if it couldn’t get any better, their special golden “krust” is made with cheddar on outside, mozzarella on inside, and a ring of sweet potato purée at the base…is your mouth watering yet?!

Right now they’re currently only in soft opening mode, with only 20-30% of their menu available, but there will be more food to look forward to in the future!

According to Eater, pizza is still pretty new in Korea. Originally considered a luxury food where it was reserved only for special occasions, Korean pizza is now loved all over, so it’s no surprise Appas Pizza is getting quite the recognition despite just opening in late April.

Appas Pizza, located at 210 First Avenue, is open Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sundays. They’re NYC’s first pizza place dedicated to Korean pizza.

“I’m very happy that I brought my childhood here and I can share it with everyone in New York City,” Seo stated to Eater. “It’s something that I never thought was going to happen.”

Appas Pizza

210 First Avenue

Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The post A Pizza Parlor Dedicated To Korean Pizza Debuts In The East Village appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

There’s dining in NYC, and then there’s–add a little bit of *spice*–unique, quirky dining in NYC!

To be honest, the city’s restaurant scene is unmatched, unrivaled, endless–okay we’ll stop there–but why constantly head to all the typical run-of-the-mill spots when you can dine somewhere that steps outside the box?!

Step inside a Tim Burton-themed spot where every day is Halloween or dig into chocolate ham croquettes and a chocolate chicken sandwich–either way we can guarantee you one thing: it won’t be your ordinary dining experience! There are endless unique restaurants in NYC, and these are some of our favorite ones:

1. Bad Roman, Columbus Circle

We had to give a shout out to Bad Roman on this list for one main reason–the statue of a wild boar that stands as the restaurant’s main focal point. Beyond the interest-piquing maximalist design choices, newly opened Bad Roman is an Italian restaurant that’s also not an Italian restaurant–at least not in the strict sense of the word. Opulence meets whimsical vibes here, and it’s just one spot you need to dine at at least once. Read more about it here.

10 Columbus Circle – 3rd floor of the Time Warner Center

2. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Theater District

“Home of the Original World-Famous Singing Waitstaff, The Stardusters,” Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a retro 1950s-themed restaurant that transports you to a star-studded atmosphere. It’s definitely a great place to go for dinner and entertainment, and the best part is that the singing waitstaff is actually good–many have gone on to have successful careers on Broadway and American Idol!

1650 Broadway

3. Beetle House, East Village

If you’ve ever dreamed of living inside a Tim Burton movie () now’s your chance at the Tim Burton-themed Beetle House. As one of our favorite quirky restaurants in NYC, where else can you dig into dishes like The Edward Burger Hands, Killer Coq Au Vin, or Poison Berry Lemon Bars while getting harassed by Beetlejuice himself?! Answer: nowhere. Every day is Halloween here, and we’re definitely not mad about it!

308 E 6th St.

4. Ichiran, Multiple Locations

One of our favorite places to go for a delicious bowl of ramen also doubles as the best place to go if you’re dining solo–their individual booths make for the perfect place to enjoy a meal sans company, and you don’t even have to talk to the waiter! Quirky in the sense that it’s not every day you find a quiet place to dine in NYC, Ichiran is definitely a go-to.

Multiple Locations

5. Leuca, Greenpoint

We’re sure there’s not many times you can say you’ve eaten your meal blindfolded, but at Leuca you can! ‘Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca’ is a night out where the flavors and textures of your meal are intensified by your remaining senses–and being 80% of people eat with their eyes, this unique dining experience is definitely a fun one to try for yourself! Grab your tickets here.

111 N 12th St.

6. Alice’s Tea Cup, Multiple Locations

Fall down the rabbit hole at Alice’s Tea Cup, NYC’s most whimsical tea house! While not exactly a restaurant, this Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea house still deserves a spot on our list. Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea with unlimited tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and cookies. Keep an eye out for the Cheshire Cat during this unparalleled, magical experience!

Multiple Locations

7. Dinner Party, Fort Greene

Founded in 2021 by six young women with no professional cooking experience–most of whom were strangers when they started but grew to become lifelong friends by the end of the first month open–this restaurant makes you feel like you’ve arrived at a dinner party in a friend’s cozy home! Take a seat next to some strangers and enjoy the cuisine which falls somewhere between French, Italian, and, according to the chef, “Californian.”

86 South Portland Ave.

8. Grand Banks, Tribeca

This Tribeca waterfront restaurant surprised us New Yorkers this season opening 2 weeks earlier than usual, and if you’re looking to dig into fresh oysters while floating in the water, this is the place to go. This spot finds itself on our list of quirky restaurants in NYC as it’s modeled after the oyster barges found on the waterfront in the 19th century, so you’re literally dining on a boat! Head here for all things seafood and unbeatable summer vibes. Learn more about Grand Banks here.

Pier 25 – West St.

9. Chocobar Cortés, South Bronx

If all things chocolate is your vibe, Chocobar Cortés is a must-visit. Giving Willy Wonka a run for his money, chocolate is the star ingredient on this restaurant’s menu where you can find everything from ham croquettes with a dark chocolate dipping sauce and a chicken sandwich with chocolate balsamic vinaigrette, to a bloody mary with, you guessed it, chocolate bitters. Read more about this sweet spot here.

141 Alexander Ave.

10. Enoteca Maria, Staten Island

What’s better than grandma’s cooking? Answer: nothing. And Enoteca Maria is proving this–literally! This restaurant celebrates cultural diversity by serving cuisines from around the world, but the best part: the chefs are real grandmothers from every country across the globe that are invited to cook the recipes handed down to them from their families. You can find out what cuisine will be served up on their calendar here.

27 Hyatt St.

The post 10 Unique Restaurants In NYC To Take Your Dining Experience To The Next Level appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Pride is all about community, and one big event to kick off Pride Month is bringing the neighborhood outside for a day full of complimentary culture and fun. 

The Rolling Library, a community organization aimed at making literacy and books free to all, will host a Big Queer Book Fair in Astoria on Saturday, June 3. The event will run from 1pm to 5pm at 31st Avenue and 34th Street and offer plenty of no-cost activities and amenities for attendees.

RECOMMENDED: NYC events in June 2023

In accordance with the Rolling Library’s mission, hundreds of free LGBTQ+ books for all ages will be available for the taking. The People’s Bodega NYC will provide free snacks and water, to anyone who needs nourishment, plus zines and more giveaways. Astoria Food Pantry will also be on-site to collect donations, especially of high-need items including menstrual pads, reusable bags, cereal, oil, coffee and natural hair products. Astoria Trans Collective will also be there for a clothing swap anyone can donate to and QNS Collaborative will have a table for an art supply swap.

Pups are of course welcome to 31st Avenue’s Open Streets, with Astoria Pet Fair offering a dog pool for pets to cool off in, plus a free pet item swap table. @Lesbiqueernyc will also be on-site hosting a meetup for queers and their canines with the opportunity for humans and dogs to make matching tie-dye handkerchiefs. 

For kids, storytime will be held at 1:30pm and 3pm, with additional activities including coloring, community muraling, singalongs, and more for young people throughout the day.

Those who want to learn some skills can take part in Drag Story Hour Defense to learn about community defense and how to join. Fearless queers will also host two self defence workshops, at 2pm and 4pm. 

The day promises to be educational and recreational, with an after-party at nearby Diamond Dogs for those who want to continue the celebration. 

* This article was originally published here