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

(GIN) – South African students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) are setting up encampments in solidarity with the people of Palestine, joining a global movement led by students around the world with support from academic and other staff.

They’re calling for their institution to be transparent about their links to Israel and to divest and cut ties with Israel or Israeli-linked institutions.

The UCT4Palestine encampment has grown to around 10 tents on the upper campus; UCT students form part of the wider coalition.

UCT law student and UCT4Palestine member Roomaan Leach said the action was to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, also known as the Palestinian Catastrophe. It refers to the mass displacement and eviction of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

“We are aiming to educate, mourn, conscientize, rage, all at once,” Leach said.
#Africa4Palestine is a human rights organization lending solidarity and support to Palestine people living under Israeli occupation. The organization was formerly known as BDS South Africa, established in 2009. However, in 2020, BDS rebranded and broadened its mandate to become #Africa4Palestine.

The team has seven board members, including professor Farid Esack, a South African Muslim liberation theologian in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Johannesburg, and Duduzile Mahlangu-Masango, who worked for the South African Council of Churches at its Justice and Reconciliation Desk and was the project coordinator of an HIV/AIDS initiative of the Lutheran Church working on the acceptance of HIV positive people.

Mahlangu-Masangohe is currently the South African coordinator of the Israel-Palestine program at the World Council of Churches.

This week, dozens of students at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg set up camps in solidarity with Palestinians on the main campus library lawn.

Students waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards called for a cease-fire and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as they marched to the university senate, where officials were holding a meeting.

Imaan Mathee told a reporter: “We were inspired by the mobilization of U.S. universities, but I would say that our encampment is more peaceful because we recognize that our stance reflects the stance taken by our government.” 

Mathee vowed that the encampment would continue until student demands are met.

The post Pro-Palestine encampments in Africa join global student movement appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* 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