NEW YORK (AP) — A Brooklyn drug dealer pleaded guilty Wednesday to providing “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams with fentanyl-laced heroin, causing his death.

Irvin Cartagena’s plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute drugs was entered in Manhattan federal court. Sentencing was set by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams for Aug. 18, when Cartagena will face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and the possibility of as many as 40 years.

The famed actor, who also starred in films and other TV series including “Boardwalk Empire,” overdosed in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021. Authorities said he died hours after buying the heroin from Cartagena on a Brooklyn sidewalk in a deal that was recorded by a security camera.

Cartagena, 39, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors stipulating that the mix of heroin and fentanyl he sold Williams resulted in his death. His lawyer, Sean Maher, declined comment.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who is not related to the actor, said in a statement that the sale occurred in “broad daylight in New York City, feeding addiction and causing tragedy.”

“In doing so, he dealt the fatal dose that killed Michael K. Williams,” Williams said.

Prosecutors said Cartagena and his alleged co-conspirators continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin around residential apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan even after they learned of the actor’s death. Another defendant in the case pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Williams’ death came despite an investigation by the New York Police Department that placed a paid informant making controlled heroin buys on the same block where Williams bought drugs.

The day after, the informant went back to buy more drugs from the same group and recorded a conversation in which some of them talked about Williams’ overdose. One denied selling any drugs containing fentanyl.

Williams’ “stick-up boy” character Omar Little on “The Wire” — a fictionalized look at the underpinnings of Baltimore that ended in 2008 but remains popular in streaming — was based on a real-life figure.

He created another classic character as Chalky White in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and also appeared in “12 Years a Slave,” “Assassin’s Creed” and other films.

In interviews, Williams had spoken about his battles with addiction.

The post Dealer pleads guilty in death of actor Michael K. Williams appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

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NYC’s first ever restaurant focusing on Peranakan cuisine, Kebaya, has officially opened in the heart of the Flatiron District, and it’s offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Peranakan cuisine, also referred to as Nonya cuisine, comes from the Peranakans–descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The cuisine is a combination of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian cuisines, which is to say it’s a mouthwatering combination of tang, spice, herbs, and aromatics.

The name Kebaya comes from the intricate and vibrant garment worn by women in Southeast Asia and is a symbol of the Peranakan and Malay communities.

At Kebaya, acclaimed pioneering chef, Salil Mehta, and renowned NYC-based food consultant, Margaret Goh serve traditional Peranakan plates with a modern take on the classics.

Highlights on the menu include Hoppers with Coconut Chutney, Tamarind Sambal, and Podi Ghee, which are fermented rice batter hoppers, similar to dosa, Sate Lilit with Chili Kicap Sambal, mince beef wrapped over lemongrass root and grilled to perfection, and Nasi Ulam with Charred Macherel, a mouth-watering Jasmine rice with toasted coconut, herbs, torch ginger flower, sambal, and dry shrimp.

A selection of handcrafted cocktails make for the perfect accompaniment to your meal, and also showcase Malaysian, Singapore, and Indonesia’s myriad of flavors.

Cocktails include The Girl from Ipoh, a Rum-based pandan milk punch, Umami, a mushroom infused whiskey with ameri, and a citrus concoction, and Tiger Stripe, a tantalizing combination of guava, tequila, spicy gunpowder, and lime, among others.

Beers, wines, champagne, and Peranakan tea are also available to order.

Kebaya is the newest addition to Fungi Hospitality’s restaurant portfolio, which includes restaurants such as Laut, Singapura, and WAU.

Representing rich history, vibrant culture, and endless ingredients, Kebaya offers guests a unique journey through Southeast Asia’s diverse and vibrant flavors.

You can learn more and make reservations on their website.

Kebaya, 20 E 17th St.

Tuesday-Thursday 5p.m. – 11p.m., Friday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Saturday 1p.m. – 12a.m., Sunday 1p.m. – 10p.m.

The post NYC’s First Peranakan Restaurant Is Bringing Chinese, Malay, & Indonesian Flavors To Flatiron appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke: The Children’s Art Carnival started in 1969 by the Museum of Modern Art as part of an outreach program for youth in the community and now is also showcasing emerging local artists with exhibits at the Hamilton Heights townhouse. 

* This article was originally published here