Modern bathroom renovations are not just superficial, but they also involve intricate plumbing and sanitation systems that need professionals. It is where the plumbers and sanitary contractors in Singapore come into play since they ensure that every bit of your bathroom renovation is carried out faultlessly. In modern bathroom renovations, their role is crucial, from…
If you’re looking to soak in the stunning fall foliage this season there’s no better way to do so than aboard a scenic train ride, and we’ve got good news: you can do so without breaking the bank with the Amtrak fall flash sale!
The seasonal sale makes it possible to explore a major U.S. city at an incredible rate: riders can get a head start on fall travel with trips up to 25% off, and we all know that we could use a little respite here and there from the madness of NYC. Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch stated:
With our Northeast Fall Flash Sale, guests can experience the convenience of Amtrak at a great value. With these discounts, it’s a perfect reason for travelers to escape for a fall getaway, see breathtaking views of vibrant fall foliage, or snap up tickets for holiday travel early.
Shutterstock / Joeahead
Amtrak is offering a route between NYC and Boston for as low as $42 when traveling Regional Coach and as low as $90 when traveling Acela Business Class. The deal is available for travel from October 7th through December 18th, 2024, if booked by October 5th, 2024.
And considering many of us New Yorkers don’t even have a license let alone a car, this sale offers us a fabulous way to still travel and see the country via public transportation. And considering Amtrak produces up to 83% less carbon emissions than driving or flying does you’ll also be doing the environment a favor!
Discover more about the Amtrak fall flash sale on their website.
Genesis Companies and Lemor Development Group announced the financial closing for the Frederick Samuel Apartments. A $383.6 million Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) project with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) that will bring repairs to more than 1,200 residents. This funding will allow Genesis Companies and Lemor Development, both minority-owned firms, to provide…
As someone who has done LARP (Live Action Role Play) and played my fair amount of Dungeons and Dragons, knowing how to actually wield a sword has been on my bucket list, but I never thought I’d actually do it.
And then seeing our queen Chappell Roan dressed as a knight at the VMAs? I was ready to gear up and take a jab at it for our “Back to Class” series on fun and off-the-beaten-path classes in NYC.
On a Saturday morning, I arrived at the Gotham Swords or Gotham European Martial Arts Collective (GEMAC for short) class at Ripley-Grier Studios near Times Square feeling confident in my ability to swing around a sword. I’d seen it done in countless movies and TV shows—how hard could it be, really?
Turns out, actually pretty hard.
The instructor Katie Mead handed out wooden longswords to about a dozen novices who definitely looked like they’d watched a lot of sword fighting in their lives (read: me) and quickly got into the very basics: how to hold your body, then how to hold the sword, and the first movement—a demi-lunge.
Photograph: Mykal Bayne for Time Out New York
I didn’t expect to have to watch myself in the studio’s mirror, which was eye-opening and distracting because I look less like Joan of Arc and more like I have the power of God and anime on my side.
My attention was thankfully focused on Katie, though, who over the course of an hour showed us how to thrust the sword at a target, aiming it right at their throat and then how to guard flug and guard plow (blocking moves) and how to wind between them.
Meanwhile, my arms were feeling like Jell-O because they’re as weak as chicken wings and not used to holding a longsword, especially for so long! I sweat more than I do in my HIIT classes at Orange Theory, which really surprised me. Is it possible that learning how to sword fight is also a really great work out? I am happy to report that it is.
At the end of the class, we went one-by-one putting together all the skills we learned to thrust our swords through a ring Katie held up for us. It might sound silly, but I was proud of my last attempt and thought that maybe, just maybe, my future could involve a sword.
GEMAC teaches Longsword: Fundamentals, Greatsword (outdoors), Sidesword and Cape (this sounds incredible), Sword Fitness, German Historical Fencing: Skills and Applications and more. You can book a class at Gotham Swords here. Beginner and All Level classes do not require special gear to participate, just wear comfortable athletic clothing and gym shoes.
Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses. Administration announced a new rule that will make it easier for small business owners to refinance debt using the SBA 504 Loan Program, empowering them to reduce their debt payments and/or access…
Since 1984, the Settepani Bakery has satisfied our sweet tooth with a plethora of treats, be it croissants and cookies to classic Italian trades including cannoli and sfogliatelle. Growing up in the sweet life is Bilena Settepani. While she always had her hands in some sort of dough growing up, Bilena now operates as the executive pastry chef and the director of marketing for the brand. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also the creator of the Insta-famous Rainbow Cookie Croissant. We caught up with Bilena to talk about the family business, all things panettone and her upcoming “Crookie” making class.
Photograph: Margherita Andreani| Bilena Settepani
You initially started a career in fashion. However, you dropped everything to help your family during illness and the pandemic. What was it like to transition to this career? BS: The transition was intense, to say the least. I had always been passionate about fashion, so leaving that world behind was a bit like stepping into the unknown. But when my family needed me, there was no question—I had to step up. It was a steep learning curve, but I found my rhythm, and now it feels like it was always meant to be.
What does a day in the life at the bakery look like for you? BS: It’s a beautiful blend of chaos and order. I’m usually up at the crack of dawn—there’s no time to waste when you’re working with dough! Mornings are all about getting orders prepped and the day’s production moving, whether it’s croissants, cookies, custom cakes or panettone. After that, it’s meetings with the team, new recipes and constantly thinking ahead for upcoming holidays or events. By the end of the day, I’m covered in flour, I smell like Butter N5 eau de parfum and definitely craving multiple espressos.
You balance both Ethiopian/Eritrean and Italian cultures. How do you bring a taste of both to the bakery? BS: That blend is a huge part of who I am, and it naturally finds its way into our creations. For example, we’ve crafted pastries that feature cardamom and awaze for special occasions—flavors that aren’t typically found in Italian cuisine. It’s all about telling a story through food, and I enjoy finding ways to marry these two worlds.
Your family’s bakery has long been known for its panettone, a staple since 1984. For a new spin, you established the flavor of the month. What was the reasoning behind this? BS: When we first started, we were making artisanal panettone long before most people even knew what it was in the United States. At first, we made it exclusively for the holidays, but when we opened our Harlem location, we introduced panettone French toast to the menu, which meant we had to make panettone year-round to support that dish. Every holiday, we always bring out less traditional flavors, like chocolate and pistachio. But when it felt like the world was ending during the pandemic, we wanted to keep things exciting. That’s where the flavor of the month idea came in. We started shipping panettone nationwide, which gave us the chance to experiment with ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in a classic panettone. It’s our way of staying true to tradition while adding a fresh twist.
Do you have a favorite flavor? BS: We rotate through so many fun flavors—from pistachio to Nutella, and pumpkin pecan coming up this November. It’s tough to pick a favorite, but my top three have to be Nutellattone, Pistachio, and, of course, our Rainbow Cookie panettone.
Photograph: Courtesy of Nick Ryan
Speaking of, you introduced the Rainbow Cookie Croissant or the “Crookie” to the bakery. How did you come up with this mashup? BS: The “Crookie” originally came from a bakery in Paris. I immediately looked it up to see where I could get one in NYC, only to find that no one had jumped on the trend yet. As I started recreating the Crookie with croissants and cookie dough, I thought, “Why not make this with my favorite cookie?” The buttery, flaky croissant paired with the bold flavors of the rainbow cookie was destined to be a perfect combination.
For the upcoming New York City Food & Wine Festival, you will be teaching a class on how to make your famous croissant. What will participants walk away with? BS: The class will focus on the art of the croissants, whether you want to keep it classic or turn them into “Crookies.” Participants will leave with the confidence to make their own croissants at home, along with the skills to get as creative as they’d like. Everyone in the class will get to enjoy delicious treats while baking and take home their own creations.
What are some tips for beginner bakers nervous about getting into the kitchen? BS: Start simple! Baking can seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to master everything at once. My biggest tip is to have fun, be patient and don’t rush the process—especially when working with dough. And don’t be afraid to experiment! After all, you’re creating something that will bring joy to yourself or someone else.
Settepani Bakery “Le Crookie” Rainbow Cookie Croissant Master Class hosted by Bilena Settepani for New York City Food & Wine Festivalwill be held on Saturday, October 19, at 10am. Register here.
The Lafargue Mental Health Clinic, more commonly known as the Lafargue Clinic, was a mental health clinic that operated in Harlem, New York, from 1946 until 1958. The clinic was named for French Marxist physician Paul Lafargue and conceived by German-American psychiatrist Fredric Wertham, who recognized the dire state of mental health services for black folks in New York. With the…
The shipping port strike has begun as of Tuesday, October 1st, and New Yorkers are wondering what’s next.
From Texas to Maine, roughly 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association have gone on strike, the union’s first since 1977. As a result, we could see an increase in prices in the grocery store, as well as as less goods on shelves.
This is definitely a concerning topic, particularly coming into a presidential election and an impending holiday season. So, what do New Yorkers do from here? Here’s what we know so far.
Why are port workers striking?
The International Longshoremen’s Association’s contract with the United States Maritime Alliance has ended, and the union is demanding higher wages and promise that their jobs are not going to be replaced by machinery.
How will NYC be affected by the strike?
“In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need,” said New York State Governor Kathy Hocul. “It’s critical for USMX and the ILA to reach a fair agreement soon that respects workers and ensures a flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.”
She insists that New Yorkers should “not to rush out to the grocery store to stockpile goods, like during the pandemic,” as we’re not at that level yet.
What items will be affected by the port strike?
Fruits, particularly citrus fruits
Wine and spirits
Cars
This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.
When someone we love dies, we want to say goodbye specially. Sometimes, families don’t have a lot of money for this. Cremation is a way to say goodbye that doesn’t cost as much as other options. This blog will help grown-ups learn how to plan a nice farewell without spending too much money. Understanding Cremation:…
NFL season is officially underway, and if you’re looking for a spot to watch football this fall, we’ve got some recommendations! Of course, NYC’s sports bars are absolutely electric on Sundays for game days, but we’ve got even more suggestions on where to watch football…sorted by the team you cheer for!
From the local favorite NY Jets and Giants to the rest of the league’s 32, here’s our favorite NFL bars in the city…and where you should assemble based on your favorite team.
New York Jets
Break Bar and Billiards: 3204 Broadway, Astoria, NY
The Tap House: 7207 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY
Rivercrest: 33-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY
Clara’s: 53 Wilson Ave, Brooklyn, NY
That Bar: 47 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Ocean’s 8 Billiards: 308 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Blackstone Bar & Grill: 3713 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY
Downey’s Bar & Grill: 5790 Mosholu Ave, Bronx, NY
Bleecker Street Bar: 648 Broadway, New York, NY
Amity Hall Uptown: 982 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Half Pint: 76 W 3rd St, New York, NY
The Wolfe: 425 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
BK Backyard Bar: 151 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY
Made in Puerto Rico: 3363 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY
Rambling House: 4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY
Bedford Falls NYC: 206 E 67th St, New York, NY
Stout – Bryant Park: 109 W 39th St, New York, NY
Stout – FIDI: 90 John St, New York, NY
New York Giants
Blue Haven East: 493 3rd Ave, New York, NY
McMahon’s Public House: 39 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
District: 2 Sneden Ave, Staten Island, NY
Richmond Republic: 4459 Amboy Rd, Staten Island, NY
Rambling House: 4294 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY
Bronx AleHouse: 216 W 238th St, Bronx, NY
McDermott’s Pub: 2634 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY
HK Kitchen & Draft House: 3599 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY
Blue Haven South: 121 Fulton St, New York, NY
Blue Haven: 108 W Houston St, New York, NY
Hair of the Dog: 168 Orchard St, New York, NY
The Stumble Inn: 1454 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Off The Wagon: 109 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Down The Hatch: 179 W 4th St, New York, NY
3 Sheets: 134 W 3rd St, New York, NY
Downtown Social: 149 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Jake’s Dilemma: 430 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
The Gin Mill: 442 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
The Brewery Bar & Kitchen: 4918 30th Ave, Woodside, NY
Buffalo Bills
Pennsylvania 6: 132 W 31st St, New York, NY
Kelly’s: 12 Avenue A, New York, NY
All Stars Sports Bar & Grill: 327 W 57th St, New York, NY
Miami Dolphins
Slattery’s Midtown Pub: 8 E 36th St, New York, NY
New England Patriots
Tír na Nóg: 254 W 31st St, New York, NY
The Three Monkeys: 236 W 54th St, New York, NY
Philadelphia Eagles
Merrion Square Pub: 1840 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Dallas Cowboys
Playwright Irish Pub: 27 W 35th St, New York, NY
Washington Commanders
Dorrian’s Red Hand: 1616 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Hibernia Bar: 401 W 50th St, New York, NY
Baltimore Ravens
Mustang Harry’s: 352 7th Ave, New York, NY
Cincinnati Bengals
Phebe’s: 359 Bowery, New York, NY
Cleveland Browns
Haswell Green’s: 240 W 52nd St, New York, NY
Kansas City Chiefs
John Brown Smokehouse: 27-20 40th Ave, Astoria, Queens
