Anna Rahmanan

If you’re looking for a travel destination, don’t underestimate Busan. In our opinion, Busan is one of the most underrated cities in the world, but let’s not go there right now. See the magic for yourselves. This huge, sprawling city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula is home to three and a half million people, and to fully embrace it, you’ve just got to go along for the ride.  Busan has huge beaches, a seriously good food scene and plenty of markets and shopping spots to explore. The best part? You can get all this alongside the bright lights of city life, which lends itself to trendy micro-breweries, cool coffee shops and vintage bargains. Fancy fresh seafood from the biggest fish market in Korea? An underground photographer’s gallery? You’ve got it all here. Read on for the best things to do in Busan right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Seoul🇰🇷 The best things to do in South Korea✈️ The world’s most underrated travel destinations🌆 The best cities in the world🏬 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The Big Apple is pricey, and any traveler paying this marvelous city a visit will soon find that the bagels, pizza slices, museum tickets and cab fares add up to a fair amount of cash—but you don’t have to throw loads away on your hotel just to avoid breaking the bank. In fact, quite the opposite.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? New York City has many wonderful qualities, but being easy on the wallet is not one of them. Hotel prices can be steep even if you are pretty organised when it comes to booking, but we’re here to help. What you’ll find on this list is hotels which have not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but which cost no more than $215 per night—no horrid dorms or leaky showers here.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

Television is widely thought to have entered its golden age in the early 2000s, but the road there was paved by the previous decade. In many ways, the ’90s completely changed the idea of what the medium could accomplish. It’s where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld reinvented the sitcom. It’s where David Lynch actually got a spot in primetime. And it’s where HBO set up the revolution of the coming millennium by introducing a crime drama for the ages.  If you weren’t around back then – or ‘didn’t even own a TV’, as Gen X liked to brag – it’s a good time to catch up. The ’90s are everywhere again, in fashion, music and all over streaming platforms. Here are 37 can’t-miss suggestions, along with where to find them. Recommended: 📺 The 101 best TV shows of all-time💻 The 40 best Netflix original series to binge🎮 The best 50 ‘90s movies🎶 The 50 best ‘90s songs

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of adventure quite like a road trip—and in America, it's practically a rite of passage. With thousands of miles of scenic byways, historic highways and wide-open roads, the United States, in our opinion, is best explored via four-wheel drive. While there are many reasons to love road trips, it's the freedom to roam that makes them truly special. Without the rush, distractions, or rigid schedules that come with pre-booked flights or train tickets, travelers can explore at their own pace—lingering where they want, skipping what doesn't interest them and embracing spontaneity. So, instead of racing to an airport or train station, travelers have ample time to explore, be it strolling through small towns, pulling over for a scenic hike or making a beeline for quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're weaving through coastal cliffs along the Pacific Coast Highway, winding through the Smoky Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway or cruising through red rock arches on Utah's Route 12, there's a scenic and spectacular route for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of our favorites across the country, each offering picturesque landscapes and postcard-worthy views. We've also included Airbnbs to stay in at the end of each route!

A new season calls for a new wardrobe, but who says the swap has to come with a hefty price tag? The best sample sales in NYC offer a goldmine of designer finds at a fraction of the cost. From chic outerwear to fresh footwear, these sales let you step into spring with a stylish new look—without breaking the bank.

Growing up, a shelf-stable sandwich was a constant cast member in my brown bag lunch, from the reliable turkey with a squirt of mustard to the simple yet satisfying peanut butter and jelly variety, all of which was prepared by my loving mother. But as I've grown, so has my imagination as to what I can slide between two halves of bread.  The mighty sandwich is really a vehicle for all. Carnivorous appetites call for hunks of brisket and barbecue to pastrami-stacked creations. Yet sandwiches sprouting with veggies and vegetarian-forward ingredients can be just as satisfying if not more. And no matter what, a sandwich beats a sad desk salad, any day. When the hankering calls for a carb-laden lunch (or breakfast or dinner, we don't care), thumb through this list and discover your new favorite sub. Editor's note: We removed Bonafide Delicatessen and Cafe, Ciao, Gloria, Henry Public and Rowdy Rooster. We added Bark Barbecue, Calyer, Daily Provisions, Ends Meat, Ollin, Win Son Bakery and The Bonnie.  RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

New York City's art scene is in for an impressive spring season. The season begins with an extensive survey of Brooklyn artists at the Brooklyn Museum. Then, there's The Affordable Art Fair, The Frick Collection's re-opening, never-before-seen Hilma af Klint illustrations, and an exhibit on nuclear posters at Poster House. We're especially looking forward to "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at The Met and "Out of the Closets! Into the Streets!" at Hispanic Society. From public art displays to gallery shows to museum presentations, here are 17 art experiences we’re excited about this spring for you to mark your calendar. No matter which you choose, New Yorkers you're guaranteed to feast your eyes on some incredible works this spring.  

New York is a green city. Back in March of 2021, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law that effectively legalized marijuana in the state. It was a long time coming: lawmakers had been trying to pass the guidelines since back in 2018 but conversations would stall on the topic of tax revenue from sales. Finally, in 2021, the stage budget proposal included the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (more on that later).  RECOMMENDED: Weed 101: Everything to know about cannabis in NYC Fast-forward nearly two years and the legalization of recreational cannabis began to actually take effect and all previous marijuana-related criminal records in the state of New York were given the current legality of the substance. New York State legalized the sale of cannabis for adult recreational use in 2022. That year, thousands of New Yorkers applied for their Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) license and (at the time of publication) over 40 of them went on to open licensed dispensaries, including 16 of them right here in New York City in 2023. Since then, more than 300 have opened across the state, as of January 2025. Of course, there are still a lot of questions to be answered: Can weed also be grown at home? Where can New Yorkers buy the stuff and will they be stopped if carrying it around? Can anyone sell marijuana now? Below, check out our extensive guide to marijuana legalization in New York state. Recommended: What to expect in NYC now that weed is

Whether or not you’re a sports fan, the halftime show is the one thing everyone tunes into on Super Bowl Sunday. This year was no different with Pullitzer-prize-winning rapper (!) Kendrick Lamar taking the stage alongside special guest SZA (plus a few other surprises we won’t ruin just yet). The halftime show is a long-standing tradition that has featured some of the country's biggest stars, from Beyoncé to Prince to Madonna. Every year, it brings us a thrilling performance filled with fireworks, splashy entrances, special guests, and plenty of surprises to keep you glued to your TV set. This year’s musical spectacle made a big impression, but that doesn’t mean they’ve all landed well with audiences. We’ve seen our share of misses among the best Super Bowl halftime shows. Below, a cherry-picked ranking of the performances that got us dancing, singing and discussing with colleagues the next day.

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is—with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars—it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

This year started off strong as New York City started winning its war against rats, was named as the best city in the world and had an extremely packed spring season on Broadway. But then as 2024 unfolded, we experienced some pretty radical moments, like an incredible solar eclipse and an earthquake—and when Jennifer Lopez declared “if you know, you know” about her mystifying Bronx bodega order. From there, we ditched the dating apps and confoundedly found love at live dating shows and running clubs, and suffered heartache when we lost a few greats—RIP to the Rubin Museum‘s physical space (it’s still in operation), the Fotografiska museum of photography (temporarily at least), our beloved Flaco the owl, pandemic-era dining sheds and $15 congestion pricing (oh no!). But New York City is nothing if not resilient. We celebrated the Paris Olympics from afar, turned out to the U.S. Open, saw top-notch theater, welcomed back Kellogg’s Diner, Papaya King and Pioneer Works, and even held a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest.  But so much more is worth celebrating this year, which is why Time Out New York editors—all of whom experienced these crazy NYC moments—are unveiling their top picks in the food and drink sphere, the world of theater, art and culture, nightlife circles and more. RECOMMENDED: Time Out New York’s 2023 Best of the City award winners

One of the most visited historical sites in Europe, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, has opened an exhibition in New York for the first time. Find it at the Center for Jewish History in the Flatiron District through April 30, 2025. New Yorkers can now walk through a full-scale re-creation of the rooms where Anne Frank, her parents Otto and Edith, her sister Margot, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer (all Jews) spent two years in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Inside the re-created annex itself, every object displayed in glass cases is original—things that Anne, her family and fellow hideout Jews touched and used daily, alongside exact replicas of other items. The exhibition also includes a gallery space that walks visitors through the events leading up to the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews were murdered, and its aftermath. Expect to see objects—some original, others exact replicas from the house in Amsterdam—alongside striking images. There's a remarkable amount of archival footage on display—photos and videos blown up to massive size that demand attention to every detail.  Brace yourself for a deeply emotional experience. Time Out tip: upon entering, be sure to grab an audio guide. The space is filled with artifacts, photos and videos, but the text on the walls is minimal, mostly consisting of quotes from Anne’s diary and from family members. 

In what is likely to be the most New York-way to ring in the New Year, dance to electrifying beats by DJ Kristaval, who will be performing 1,000 feet above the city at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on December 31. You can also expect two complimentary cocktails of your choice, a complimentary champagne for a midnight toast, and a dessert bar with plenty of gourmet bites.  For $300, you'll gain access to all three floor sof the space until 2am, including the beautiful rooftop. You can purchase tickets right here.

If Netflix’s Squid Game was one of your favorite shows and you’re looking forward to the new season premiere this December, you’ll want to try your hand at some of the challenges at Squid Game: The Experience here in NYC. Set within Manhattan Mall (100 West 33rd Street by Sixth Avenue), you get into teams of up to 24 people each to complete challenges across 60 minutes, including those that appeared on the TV show (yes, you’ll get to try your hand at the iconic Red Light Green Light) plus a number of brand-new ones built specifically for the experience.  Once done playing, you can enjoy a night market offering a variety of Korean and international sweet and savory foods—plus drinks! As the event's official spirits partner, Johnnie Walker is serving signature cocktails inspired by the show such as The 456, at the Johnnie Walker Black Label bar.

The ultimate family concert experience, the Kidz Bop tour is hitting New York's Beacon Theatre with 90 minutes of pop tracks sung by children... for children. The concert coincides with the group's latest album Kidz Bop 2024 Vol. 2. This year's Kidz Bop Kids—Aleah, JJ, Shila and Tyler—will perform songs like "Dance the Night," "Shake it Off," "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," "Sunroof" and "Uptown Funk," among others. A few things to keep in mind: the show features an intermission and you are more than welcome to snap photos of the experience before, during and after the producion. A message to fans: every Kidz Bop tour is different, so expect an all-new set design, novel costumes, choreography and more at this year's shenanigans. You can snag tickets to the Beacon Theatre concert right here. 

Is the role of a hotel to shield its guests from the outside world or render them participants to the goings-on of the city they get to temporarily call home? If you’re leaning towards the former, then the Greenwich Hotel, the eight-story luxury abode near Tribeca that's partly owned by actor Robert De Niro, is where you’ll want to stay while in town.  Nestled on the corner of North Moore Street and Greenwich Street right by the West Side Highway, the building boasts 73 rooms, some of which overlook an interior courtyard, 11 suites and two duplex penthouses that are aptly named The Greenwich and The North Moore.  On a recent visit while staying in a luxurious suite on the second floor, I was struck by one aspect of the experience: I forgot I was in New York. When looking out the window and into the courtyard, I noticed the absence of the very things that make the city what it is on a visual level. There were no buildings, no people rushing down the street and all was… quiet?  Despite the disconnect from its surroundings, the hotel offers a premium experience when it comes to your actual stay: the beautiful bathroom, complete with a shower and a bath, was stocked with Red Flower products developed specifically for the hotel and the bed, by British company Savoir, was particularly comfortable.  But there’s more: guests receive a complimentary newspaper every morning and the mini bar is filled with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to be enjoyed completely gratis (keep in mind tha

Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short N’ Sweet, is set to drop this Friday. And Angelenos will get to celebrate the much anticipated new record with a visit to this exclusive pop-up experience, courtesy of Complex L.A. at 433 North Fairfax Avenue. Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25 from 11am to 7pm, folks can shop exclusive merchandise inspired by and dedicated to the 25-year-old singer and actress. From T-shirts to tanks, hats, totes, CDs and vinyl records, the roster of products on offer run the gamut in terms of style and genre, but each one pays homage to the artist behind the hit “Espresso.”

Angelenos will soon be able to taste one of the most iconic dishes served in New York when Katz’s Delicatessen, perhaps the most recognized deli in all of the East Coast, will open in L.A. for one day only this Saturday, June 29 from 11am to 6pm. Brought to this side of the country by Postmates and West Hollywood spot Bar Next Door, where the activation will be setting up at 9159 Sunset Boulevard, the pop-up will be serving a limited number of Katz’s famous pastrami sandwiches on rye with a side of the legendary house-made mustard and pickles. You can opt for either pickup or delivery on Postmates, and in addition to the app, there’ll be a limited number of sandwiches available at the bar for walk-ups (though you’ll likely need to wait in a standby line). Fair warning: The culinary delight will cost you $25 for half a sandwich and $45 for a full one. But trust us: The food is worth the price tag. Guests will also be able to look through limited-edition branded merch.

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology is a unique new immersive museum created by Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s famous 2016 “Anti” album cover, and his business partner Michael Cayre, a real estate developer.  The 36,000-square-foot space opened in early 2024 at 21 Dey Street, inside the bank building that used to be part of the now-nextdoor Century 21. There are a total of 15 different rooms to explore, each one attacking all the senses upon entrance. Some outstanding installations include the one that the staff refers to as "The Dragon," where a total of 500,000 individual LED lights hung on strings adorn a room and are lit up to created 3D videos, including one of a galloping horse, that will catch your attention. Towards the end of the walkthrough is what can only be described as a cave of beautiful pink flowers (plastic ones), where there will soon be a bar as well. This is perhaps the most Instagrammable space within the museum as a whole, one that will likely come to represent the destination on social media once it officially opens. An installation of a robot will also delight. Dubbed Kuka Robot, the machine is found behind a glass in the middle of a bed of sand. The robot makes sand castles, sketches and more while visitors look on wondering how it's all possible. Taking a tour of the new Mercer Labs is something you might want to consider doing with kids. Not only are the visual elements striking and entertaining but certain rooms are specifically targ

A new public art installation by artist Curry J. Hackett has just taken over The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn, and it's as futuristic as art gets these days: the piece, dubbed Ugly Beauties, features panoramic, AI-generated images of Black folks among various native weeds. According to an official press release, the work, on display through May 2, highlights a “metaphorical connection between society’s perception of these species and its treatment of Black people.” Upon approaching the structure, the viewer will immediately notice the juxtaposition of the various elements depicted, prompting all to think of our perception of what is beautiful and what is part of society at large. “Ugly Beauties expands on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s commitment to activating itsshared spaces with art installations that enliven the public realm and capture the spirit of theneighborhood,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in a statement. “With residents, shoppers, workers, diners, and other visitors rushing around the neighborhood, we hope this piece will impart a moment of reflection and help Brooklynites to realize the beauty all around them. ”

There is something simultaneously spooky and romantic about walking through the Queens Botanical Garden after sunset—especially while participating in this year's Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars. A total of nine different installations are set up throughout the trail, each one capturing your attention in different ways, all embracing the power of light as their medium of choice. If it's an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas-adjacent light experience that you’re after, look no further than Astra Lumina.

If it's an eclectic kind of skating activity that you're after this holiday season, look no further: Sky Skate, the highest skating rink in the city, is officially back at the Edge in Hudson Yards starting November 15 through January 14, 2024.  Make no mistake: although the rink is set up in the indoor portion of the famous sky deck, you're still 1,131 feet in the air, on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. That is all to say: perhaps opt for something a bit different if you're scared of heights?  But if you do decide to partake in the seasonal activity (tickets are available for 30-minute slots right here), make sure to also peruse through the site's other offerings, including City Climb, the highest external skyscraper climb in the world that challenges guests to scale the outside of a 1,200-foot building then lean out from the outdoor platform at the top of structure, according to an official press release.  We are, indeed, shivering with fear.

Watch the Harlem Globetrotters show off their b-ballin’ skills at the New York stop of their just-announced 2024 world tour. You’ll be mesmerized as the basketball wizards shoot from midcourt, spin balls on their fingers and go head-to-head for two epic games, which are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure to stick around until the very end to snag an autograph, photo and high-five session from your favorite players, plus you can add a legendary Marques Haynes bobblehead to your collection. Snag tickets to the February 18 game against the Washington Generals right here.

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:0196f5d9-35f1-4aaf-b899-dd838367a730-3" data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Let's start with an admission: especially when it comes to food, New Yorkers have a chip on their shoulder. After all, our culinary scene is the stuff of legend: if you make it here, it seems, you can really make it anywhere. So we weren't exactly surprised when, back in 2022, Los Angeles’ high-end organic grocery store chain Erewhon went viral and New Yorkers collectively scoffed at the idea of a smoothie with supposed magical powers, an aesthetically pleasing glow and a very real $20 price tag. Secretly, though, we were all opening Google Flights tabs. (What better reason to cross the country than to try a drink, right?) We needed to know what made Erewhon’s strawberry glaze skin smoothie, a Hailey Bieber favorite, so damn good, or whether the newer Coconut Cloud smoothie was anything more than an Instagram prop. Fast-forward to today and New Yorkers with a flair for the gastronomically viral no longer have to fly to California to see what the fuss is about: Erewhon smoothies are officially available on this side of the country, delivered via Uber Eats and Postmates. To be clear, the company opened a very private

It is extremely difficult not to fangirl over Melanie C (yes, the Spice Girl) when chatting with her over Zoom about her upcoming DJ set at Daybreaker’s hot-sauna sober dance party at Othership in NYC this Thursday at 9pm.  After all, born at the end of the 1980s, my millennial self grew up listening to the Spice Girls—arguably the group that helped spearhead the kind of pop music that still resonates today and, of course, championed a version of girl power that, while less organized, was certainly just as widely embraced as today's feminist discourse. Still, over a decade in journalism helps me keep my composure—until I hear Melanie C's unmistakable north UK accent, the same one that defined songs like "Stop," "Say You'll Be There" and "Too Much," among so many others.  Photograph: Shutterstock All of that is to say: even though the point of the call is to talk about her very cool DJ career and the May 1 release of her ninth solo studio album SWEAT, I have to ask Melanie C about the possibility of a Spice Girls reunion—especially in light of the Backstreet Boys' recent success with their Vegas residency at the Sphere. If they can do it, shouldn't the girls also? Melanie C can't “give any exclusives,” as she puts it, but she does acknowledge the group’s devoted fan base, her deep relationship with the girls and their collective desire to mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of their hit debut single “Wannabe” in a meaningful way. And so, you heard it here first: the Spice Gir

Last night, at the 2025 Michelin Northeast Cities ceremony in Philadelphia, a handful of NYC restaurants had plenty of reason to celebrate. Photograph: Cayla ZahoranHuso Sushi Sho, the omakase hotspot helmed by Keiji Nakazawa, earned an additional star, bringing it to three Michelin stars—the guide’s highest honor, given to restaurants offering “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” It now joins the elite group already occupied by the perennially lauded Korean restaurant Jungsik, Eric Ripert's famed Le Bernardin, Thomas Keller's Per Se and Daniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park (which recently returned to its carnivorous roots). The Korean go-to Joo Ok also moved up the rankings, rising from one to two Michelin stars, the category reserved for “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Photograph: Adrianna GlavianoBridges A number of long-standing honorees retained their two Michelin stars, including Scandinavian restaurant Ask, the intimate Brooklyn eatery that also boasts a cellar bar and garden; Aquavit, a high-end Scandinavian restaurant with prix-fixe and tasting menus; downtown New American standout Atera; the well-known Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown; César, another tasting-menu destination; Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare; modern French landmark Gabriel Kreuther; Jean-Georges' eponymous flagship; Danny Meyer's The Modern inside the Museum of Modern Art; acclaimed Japanese spot Odo; the upscale Saga on the 63rd floor of a 1920s skyscraper in the Financial Distri

Sean Hayes will make his return to the New York stage early next year, starring in The Unknown, a one-man play by award-winning playwright David Cale. The Off Broadway production will take over Studio Seaview on January 31, 2026, ahead of a February 12, 2026, opening, and will run for a strictly limited 10-week engagement through April 12, 2026. Tickets are already on sale here. The play centers on Elliott, a writer who retreats to a remote cabin in hopes of curing his writer’s block—only to realize he may not be alone. “As the boundaries between his work and his life collapse, Elliot begins to question everything he knows,” reads the thriller’s official synopsis. “David Cale is a masterful storyteller and I am thrilled to be embarking on our third collaboration with The Unknown,” said director Leigh Silverman in an official statement. “We are joined by the charismatic, dynamic Sean Hayes, an imaginative design team and visionary producers, and I can’t wait to share this enthralling show with audiences.” Although best known for playing the always-hilarious Jack McFarland on NBC’s Will & Grace—a role that earned him a slew of awards—Hayes is no stranger to the stage. He made his Broadway debut in 2010 as Chuck Baxter in the revival of the musical Promises, Promises, earning a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. In 2016, he returned to Broadway in the comedy An Act of God. Beyond the stage, Hayes co-hosts the world’s number-one comedy podcast, SmartLess, and ap

As the holidays roll in and the year winds down, you may find yourself drifting into reflection mode: what could’ve been, the trends you wish you’d jumped on, the ones you wish never existed, the good, the bad, the absolutely-no-thank-you. When it comes to the culinary world, though, we prefer to look ahead. Shared dishes, communal tables and the great reservation-resale crackdown have shaped how we’ve been eating—yes, we’ve talked about it endlessly—so why not focus on what’s next? Resy’s latest report does exactly that, zeroing in on what’s about to rise in the gastronomic universe in 2026 (because we're ready to line up those reservations already). The predictions are packed with delicious tidbits (omakase still reigns, izakayas are close behind, chefs are going hyper-regional and the pizza boom has officially taken over the nation), but we’re honing in on three in particular—the ones that genuinely thrill us and remind us just how fluid this world is: all ebbs, flows, comebacks and brand-new arrivals. One of those supposed newcomers? Fish dips. Not a new invention by any stretch, but Resy deems them “the new tinned fish” and the “it” appetizer that’s suddenly everywhere—and, honestly, we’re not sure how we feel about it. Although partial to all kinds of dips, this particular writer finds the fish-focused trend a bit… precarious. Fish has a way of pushing people to extremes: you either adore a certain variety or you can’t even tolerate the smell—never mind in soft, scoopa

There’s nobody quite as "tapped into" what’s trendy, necessary and oh-so-New York as ABC’s anchors when it comes to holiday gifting. After all, most of the network’s shows are filmed right here in NYC, inside ABC’s relatively new headquarters at 7 Hudson Square. Photograph: ABC/Jeff Neira This year, the studio itself becomes part of the city’s nonstop holiday celebration. Tory Johnson, the network’s news contributor and e-commerce genius, has transformed 7 Hudson Square into a festive shopping destination, creating window displays dedicated to each of ABC’s shows—Good Morning America, The View, Live with Kelly & Mark and Tamron Hall. Think of the activation as Tory’s in-real-life version of her popular segment "deals and steals," complete with shoppable windows featuring products from 86 small businesses, including Cozy Earth, Les Cuisines, Miko, Bloc Bags and Yo Mama’s Food, among others. And since we’re already urging you to swing by the downtown studio and start tackling your gift list, we figured we’d go straight to the source: the anchors themselves. Because sometimes you’re just in a pinch and a little inspiration goes a long way. Photograph: ABC/Jeff Neira Here are ABC anchors’ go-to holiday gifts: Michael Strahan “Games. Card games, Dominoes, anything that brings everyone together around the table. The best part of the season is the time spent laughing and competing with each other.”  Tamron Hall “My go-to holiday gift is anything monogrammed. It can be a neckla

  We love us a pop-up, especially when it involves those “bygone” products we still think about from time to time. Snapple just launched a one-day-only bodega at 319 Sixth Avenue by West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village, handing out free drinks to all patrons—no purchase necessary, while supplies last—in the classic glass bottles the company phased out back in 2017 to be more environmentally friendly, according to ABC7. Snapple even posted a photo of the setup on Instagram, directly calling out the high-end, culty California-based grocery store Erewhon, which recently announced plans to open a “tonic bar” inside the private padel club Kith Ivy in the West Village—basically only catering to those able to cough up the club’s $36,000 membership fee. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snapple (@snapple) “Hey Erewhon, we already opened a juice bar,” reads the writing on the pop-up’s window. “It’s called a bodega and everyone is welcome.” Good game, Snapple. Now, back to those glass bottles, which are practically collector’s items at this point. Visitors can choose from five classic Snapple flavors: apple, peach tea, kiwi strawberry, lemon tea and zero sugar peach tea. We can only imagine how packed the spot will get, so with limited supplies and the pop-up closing at 9pm, we suggest heading to downtown Manhattan ASAP.

As they say, it's the end of an era: Saks Off 5th, Saks Fifth Avenue's sister discount retailer, will officially close its shop at 125 East 57th Street on December 31.  The company recently announced that the closure—part of a larger plan affecting nine other U.S. stores—is an effort to “place greater attention on our high-performing and high-potential store locations.” The additional closures, set to begin in January 2026, include locations in Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; East Hanover, New Jersey; Niagara Falls, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Plymouth, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; and West Hartford, Connecticut. To be extra clear: the main Saks Fifth Avenue flagship—a fashion mecca that has all but defined midtown Manhattan since first opening on site back in 1924—is not going anywhere. The changes only affect the company's clearance stores. Lest you think more drastic shutterings are to-come, think again. “It is important to note that a restructuring is not being contemplated,“ the company said to The U.S. Sun in an official statement back in October, when bankruptcy rumors came to the surface. “Moreover, we are making strong progress to reduce outstanding payments, invest in our transformation and drive improved performance.” What's to come? We're not sure but, clearly, we're going to have to get our discount shopping (and holiday gift purchasing sessions) in before the new year. 

Back in September, the beloved Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest Off Broadway theater in New York, reopened at 38 Commerce Street in the West Village after a two-year renovation led by its new owner since 2022: indie film studio A24. Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry As announced earlier, A24 plans to use the space for a variety of one-night-only special events, film screenings and, of course, unique theater programs.  Beyond its traditional theater offerings, the company is also venturing into the culinary world with an intimate new restaurant inside the 167-seat venue. Aptly named Wild Cherry, the restaurant and bar is helmed by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, and described in a press release as an “intimate supper club” inviting theatergoers for a pre- or post-show meal—or anyone else simply looking for a classic New York night out at a restaurant. Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry The dining room fits 45 people and the space is anchored by a 12-seat horseshoe-shaped bar that really gives the place character. The menu leans heavily on raw options, starting with a selection of oysters, tuna crudo cured with piquillo lemon, scallops, seafood cocktails and mussels. Appetizers range from steak tartare and frog legs to a Caesar salad and chicken liver mousse, while mains run the gamut from a classic cheeseburger to red beans and rice, a monkfish kebab and a lobster club. Diners can also opt for a Denver-cut steak dinner for two, serv

We still can’t quite picture it, given the moody “vibe” of the 1999 film, but The Public just announced that it will stage the world premiere of a play with songs adaptation of Girl, Interrupted next May. Originally a 1993 memoir by Susanna Kaysen about her experience in a psychiatric hospital, the book was turned into the award-winning film starring Winona Ryder as Kaysen, alongside Angelina Jolie, the late Brittany Murphy, Elisabeth Moss, Whoopi Goldberg and Jared Leto—a stellar cast, indeed. How that story will translate to the stage remains to be seen, but we have faith: the play is being written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Martyna Majok, with original music by Grammy Award winner Aimee Mann and direction by Tony Award nominee Jo Bonney. According to an official press release, "casting will be announced at a later date." "Martyna is a playwright of extraordinary sensitivity and power; Aimee is a songwriter of unparalleled insight and beauty. Together they’ve created a breathtaking look at women, mental illness and the all-too flawed systems America has created to handle them," said artistic director Oskar Eustis in an official statement. "Heart-breaking, inspiring and profound, under Jo Bonney’s magnificent leadership, this is a show unlike any other." According to the New York Times, the project has been a long time coming, with those in charge discussing it during various interviews. "But then came the pandemic, and the project stalled out," reports the outlet.

We’re less than three weeks away from the premiere of the fifth and final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, and New York City is celebrating with a slew of themed activations around town. A few weeks ago, a Stranger Things–inspired claw machine took over the Flatiron Plaza. Next up, an Upside Down float will make its debut at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, now, fans can step right into the world of the show with a two-day pop-up that reimagines WSQK, the fictional radio station that will feature prominently in season five. Tomorrow and Thursday, from 11am to 6pm, New Yorkers can visit the pop-up radio station for a chance to snag exclusive giveaways, play a claw machine filled with collectibles and snap photos in an ’80s-style photo booth. The event, which will take place at 22 Little West 12th in the Meatpacking District, will also showcase the new Stranger Things x No Boundaries fashion collaboration as well, currently only available at Walmart. The collection leans hard into ’80s nostalgia, making it perfect for your watch party wardrobe. Expect slouchy cardigans like the ones Nancy is always wearing, Hawkins graphic T-shirts that channel Dustin energy, oversized fleeces destined to become your winter go-to and a denim jacket reminiscent of the one Billy practically lives in. It’s not just about fashion, though. A super-soft travel blanket covered in Stranger Things imagery will look right at home on your couch all winter long, and a Polly Pocket–style

Last night, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and State Assemblymember, won the New York City mayoral general election, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, and securing 50.4% of the total vote, according to the Associated Press. His win clearly signals a mandate for a change in priorities for New York City, particularly concerning the city's affordability crisis. Mamdani's campaign, in fact, was built around a populist platform centered on economic relief for working-class New Yorkers, a message that culminated in a historic victory that makes him the city's first Muslim mayor . Mamdani's signature proposals included a pledge to implement a rent freeze for all rent-stabilized tenants, a promise to make city buses fare-free, raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, providing universal childcare and creating a network of city-owned grocery stores, among others. Lofty and certainly appealing to the vast majority of New Yorkers, these proposals, though, will require significant political and legislative effort to turn into reality. Which leads to the question: how realistic are Mamdani's key promises, and what would a potential timeline for implementation look like? We break it down. Rent freeze for all rent-stabilized tenants Mamdani has promised to freeze rents on rent-stabilized units in the city. His ability to do this comes from his authority to appoint members of the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB). It’s important to note that the b