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Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Melissa is a writer based in Brooklyn, where she lives with her wife and rescue dog.

Articles (61)

The best street fairs NYC has to offer

The best street fairs NYC has to offer

If you need another reason to get outside this summer, NYC street fairs take over various blocks in all five boroughs when the weather gets warmer. While frolicking along the city's sidwalks, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC and score stellar throwback wares and antiques as you would find at our city’s finest vintage clothing stores. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at outdoor concerts to peeping at some street art. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, including awesome free things to do, while the streets are full of fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

Great local NYC restaurants

Great local NYC restaurants

New York is, not arguably, the best place to eat in the world. The five boroughs contain some of the most restaurants per capita of any U.S. city, and the cuisines include tastes from nations, cultures, and traditions worldwide.  Want a family-style Filipino feast on a weeknight? Hard-to-find Czech delicacies for brunch? A Malaysian coffee and breakfast? A never-before-seen mash-up combo of two foods you love but never thought you'd enjoy in the same bite? You've got it. New York's local restaurants range from historic delis, to new, independent projects that creative New Yorkers put their all into to share their passion with diners across the city. Here are some solid spots to dine in New York, whether you're craving pastrami or poke. 

Great local things to do

Great local things to do

New York is a city of neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has its specific charms and destination-worthy outings. Whether you're looking for an artistic outlet, an escape into nature, an adreneline-increasing activity, cultural immersion or more, local spaces are waiting for you. And so many of these things to do are only in New York. Wild indoor mini golf for adults? Check. A vegan jazz club? Of course! Custom lingerie, improv while drinking, open podcast studios, ninja training and more are just a Metrocard swipe away.  If New York has one problem, it's too much to do everyday. We've you helped narrow it down.

Great local wellness spots

Great local wellness spots

New York may be the city that never sleeps, but even the busiest New Yorkers need to take a break sometimes. And yes, that means you too. Thankfully, the city is full of spaces dedicated to recharging, relaxing and rejuvenating, so you can take a deep breath, unplug for a few minutes, and be your best self when you return to real life outside of the spa.  Stop putting off your "me time" and book a massage, facial, yoga class or sauna sesh for some much needed time off and a little de-stressing before you get right back to the hustle and bustle. 

Great local NYC seafood spots

Great local NYC seafood spots

Connected by bridges, tunnels and trams, New York City is an aquatic town. Made up of three islands, and surrounded by the East River, Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean, New York City is a naturally nautical spot. Plenty of the city's marine cuisine is easily sourced from nearby waterways (or at least imported through the legendary Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx), and New York chefs know their way around fresh seafood. Arguably the best place in the world to eat a plethora of seafood, be it freshly shucked oysters, spicy tuna rolls, Michelin star winning lobster, or a wonderfully grilled filet of seabass, New York is full of wonderful seafood restaurants. Here's where to enjoy seafood in the city. 

Great local bars

Great local bars

Going out in New York can be as easy as stopping at the nearest corner for happy hour, and staying all night. The city is lush with incredible bars, specializing in everything from award-winning craft cocktails to natural wines to cheap drinks that keep the party going. And while there are tons of critically acclaimed spots to drink across the boroughs, there's nothing quite like a local bar with friendly bartenders, cold drinks, and a convivial ambiance that, well, makes it hard to say no to the next round. There's nothing quite like a New York neighborhood bar, even if you're not in your own neighborhood. Here's where to drink to feel like a local. 

Great local NYC sushi spots

Great local NYC sushi spots

If you're into sushi, New York City is the place to be. Not only is the city home to multiple Japanese enclaves—see Greenpoint, Brooklyn and the East Village's Little Tokyo—but New York is full of Michelin starred, critically acclaimed sushi spots for every budget. Over-the-top omakase, budget-friendly ala carte, nice restaurants with plated dishes and date night worthy sushi counters are all available, are all so worth visiting.   In a city of endless excellent sushi, stop by a few of these top spots for maki, sashimi and more.

The 17 best hotels with a view in NYC

The 17 best hotels with a view in NYC

The iconic NYC skyline is ever-changing, with fabulous new buildings rising up next to historic beauties like the Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron buildings. The best views in NYC are from above, atop said buildings and others. These breathtaking panoramas are attractions on their own, and many viewpoints are among the best free things to do in the city. If you’re visiting NYC, or just in the mood for a staycation, why not choose a hotel that also happens to have one of these gorgeous views? These hotels offer views of the city that can’t be beaten. These are top-notch hotels with luxurious, lavish interiors as well as prime views of Central Park, the skyline, the Hudson River and more. After tackling the best museums, galleries, restaurants, neighborhoods and other things to do in NYC, you can kick back, relax and absorb all you’ve seen on your city adventures. Need some extra relaxation? Some of these hotels have hot tubs and some are home to the best spas in the city. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The best dress stores in NYC

The best dress stores in NYC

A great dress is hard to find but, luckily, there’s no shortage of great dress stores in NYC. At these clothing stores, find frocks that are stylish yet comfortable, formal but not overdone, versatile but not generic. Whether you’re looking for the perfect wardrobe staple or a special vintage clothing look, shop at New York’s best dress stores before hitting the best jewelry stores and shoe stores to finish off your fashionable ensemble and cement your status as the most stylish New Yorker. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC

The best gay hook-up spots in NYC

The best gay hook-up spots in NYC

There's nothing better than ending a night out (or not ending) with some late-night fun. So here’s a handy list of the best clubs in NYC, LGBT events, NYC gay bars, events and goings-on where the odds are good that you won't be going home alone.  RECOMMENDED: The 30 best gay bars in NYC

The best record stores in NYC

The best record stores in NYC

Since New York is the greatest city in the world for music, we, of course, have the best record store. Think about it—there is simply nowhere else that has our storied history and incredible live music scene. And despite the loss of some beloved spots like Rebel Rebel and Other Music, there are still plenty of spots for both the serious vinyl junkie or casual collector perusing LPs on Record Store Day. Discovering that rare LP in a brick-and-mortar music store is a thrill you just can’t replicate online (we know—we’ve tried). These are the genre-spanning NYC record stores we swear by. RECOMMENDED: Best places for shopping in NYC

The Best Bookstore Cafés in NYC

The Best Bookstore Cafés in NYC

The bookstore café is an iconic New York institution that sadly faded out over the past few decades, but literary, culinary spaces are certainly on the rise. Dozens of spots to shop for books (or borrow books) and enjoy caffeinated or alcoholic beverages are popping up across the boroughs. As You’ve Got Mail turns 25, a whole new slew of independent bookstores with dreamy bookshelves and cafe menus are taking center stage, and we’re eager to cozy up in all of them. Here’s where to read and drink at the best bookstore cafés in New York City.  RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in NYC

Listings and reviews (20)

Equinox Hotel New York

Equinox Hotel New York

4 out of 5 stars

Equinox is pretty much ubiquitous with upscale wellness, and the well-known brand’s first foray into the hospitality space aligns. First opened in July 2019, Equinox has seen a post-shutdown resurgence of luxury travelers, for both leisure and business (and also staycationing) in its 14 stories of a 92-story skyscraper.  Along with regular gym members, hotel guests have access to Equinox Hudson Yards’ 60,000 square feet of club space, plus indoor and outdoor pools, plunge pools, group fitness classes, training, locker rooms and more. An on-site spa also offers premium relaxation and rejuvenation through signature inner and outer body treatments.  Following the wellness theme, Equinox’s guest rooms are meticulously designed for a better night’s sleep, which, well, depends on the sleeper. During my stay, soundproof walls and light-blocking curtains created such a dark sleep chamber that I didn’t notice how close I was to the West Side Highway. The all-natural fibers on the bed are designed for the perfect shut-eye once tucked in, but they weren’t my favorite to sleep with. And if you’re more used to a foam mattress, the hard sleep surface might not suffice (though a “PM Rituals” program on the in-room TV may help you settle). The sky lobby is a small living room space on the 25th floor with cozy seating and counters to get some work done or meet with visitors. Below, the 24th floor houses Electric Lemon, a stunning health-focused fine dining restaurant with a gorgeous terrace a

Montauk Yacht Club

Montauk Yacht Club

5 out of 5 stars

Located on The Hamptons’ largest marina, Montauk Yacht Club is a full-service resort just minutes from downtown Montauk. The most expensive property sale in Hamptons history, the renovated resort opened in 2023 with 107 modern yet nautical guest rooms, plus 22 standalone villas. Showfish, the property’s signature restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Il Forno offers Neapolitan-style pizzas to enjoy by the pool. A second more quiet pool, plus an indoor pool are also onsite, as is a quiet swimming beach on Lake Montauk.  The entire waterfront property is dog- and family-friendly, with attentive service and amenities including paddleboards and kayaks, free cruises on the property’s electric yacht, and more – all with no resort fee. Outdoor sofas, dock chairs and loungers are ample across the hotel, so there are plenty of spaces to lounge, relax with a book (or smartphone, WiFi is strong), order a spritz and unwind. The crowd ranges from city and suburban weekenders to local folks who park their boats (yachts) on-site, with notorious late-night parties raging when Showfish transitions to club mode with a DJ. Don’t worry: the guest rooms are far enough away if you want a quiet, good night’s sleep, or if you just want to conveniently roll into bed at 4am. Neighborhood Located on Star Island on Lake Montauk, Montauk Yacht Club is at the edge of the East End hamlet, and a resort neighborhood within itself. That is, you don’t have to leave once you check in, and if you a

Moxy Williamsburg

Moxy Williamsburg

4 out of 5 stars

Brand new construction that opened in 2023, Moxy Williamsburg is a sharp, artistically inclined space, with 10 floors of guest rooms, plus a rooftop bar, LilliStar, and a basement gym. On the ground level, a cozy lobby opens directly onto bustling Bedford Avenue, with Bar Bedford offering guests coffee and breakfast, plus refreshments throughout the day. It’s a casual spot to get some work done (free Wifi is available to all), people watch or plan to meet with friends before venturing out into Brooklyn. Yes, it feels like a hotel lobby, but the decor is sleek, the volume is minimal, and locals can also pop in for a cocktail or Zoom meeting. A covered backyard also offers coworking space, where you can relax on a picnic bench with your laptop or take a cornhole break when you need an email recess. In a city full of events, the Moxy makes sure to keep guests intrigued and entertained as well. Happy hours, drag brunches and more take place on-site, and a WNBA partnership offers guests discount tickets to New York Liberty games at nearby Barclays Center.  The property’s in-house restaurant, Mesiba, is popular for its Tel Aviv cuisine, including homemade breads, dips and heartier entrees served in a sleek, plant-filled space. In the back, a Dolly Parton- inspired nightclub, Jolene, hosts DJs and dance parties of up to 140 guests.   Like most city hotel rooms, guest rooms are cozy, and styled like efficient Brooklyn studios.  Space-maximizing features include under-bed storage, fol

Queer Prom

Queer Prom

It’s prom season, and you don’t have to be a teen to enjoy the annual festival ball. Queer Prom is coming to Crystal Lake, an event space in Williamsburg, on Thursday, May 11 at 9pm. The party will go until 3am with entertainment, drag performances, dancing, drinking (peanut butter espresso martini, anyone?) and much more. Tickets are sliding scale in price, to be inclusive of all budgets. Groups are welcome, as are singles, couples and throuples. Those who want to meet a plus one on-site can also head to the event early when @dykefembot will host a speed dating event.  Prom outfits are encouraged, and a competition for prom royalty will offer a coronation to the crowned queer. The winners will also receive a goody bag from Babetown, and a binder from For Them.  Photographer Dev Baby will be available to capture all the prom ‘fits and let you strike the perfect prom pose, and three local DJs—DJ Petal, DJ Crystal Queer, and DJ Jay Essex—will play all night. If you want a permanent souvenir from prom night, Tattoos by Priya will offer ink on-site. Less permanent accessories, like jewelry, will also be for purchase, at a pop-up shop from queer Korean-American-owned misomomo. Consumable treats from The Lost Canna Club will be sold all night, and guests will also be treated to a free pre-roll, if desired. 

Salsa Nights at Canary Club

Salsa Nights at Canary Club

Put your dancing shoes on, because you're going to want to work up an appetite at this weekly event. Canary Club (303 Broome St), the vibrant New Orleans-inspired supper club that recently opened on the Lower East Side has added Salsa Nights to the roster. As part of the restaurant’s rotating entertainment offerings, each month will now focus on a different style of music. And for this month, it's all about salsa! Every Wednesday night in April (4/6, 4/13, 4/20, and 4/27), Canary Club will host a Salsa Night complete with music from the six-piece, all-female salsa band, Lulada Club! Doors open at 7:30pm for the weekly show, which kicks off at 8:30pm and runs for about two hours. Arrive on time, because free salsa lessons are available for guests in the hour before the band starts. Then, with the courage of a craft cocktail, you can show off your moves on the dance floor as Lulada Club plays.  Tickets are free or $10 depending on the time booked via Resy. To fuel your moves, fill up on Canary Club’s menu of modern American dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven. Menu items include wood oven-roasted oysters with canary butter, black sesame carrot tempura and fried chicken with voodoo spice. The cocktail menu is inspired and named after the artists and art pieces from the Dada and Surrealist movements. If you want a head start on the booze, $10 cocktail happy hour kicks off at 5pm, and runs until 7pm Zero-proof drinks, wine and beer are also available. 

Galioto's Delicatessen

Galioto's Delicatessen

Think your favorite family-run Italian deli—but 100% plant based! This charming deli counter offers a full menu of hot and cold sandwiches, all vegan, with options ranging from the classic smoked deli meats with faux cheese to hot bites like crispy calamari fashioned from hearts of palm. Pasta and deli case salads are offered as well. 

Random Access

Random Access

Lodged between Herald Square and Penn Station, a new destination-worthy Thai restaurant can feel, well, random. And that's exactly the point of Random Access, a cozy, bilevel comfort food restaurant at 138 W. 32 St. Run by Hand Hospitality—the restaurant group behind local hits like Her Name is Han, Hakata Tonton, LittleMad and several more Manhattan eateries—Random Access offers a laid-back vibe and extensive menu.  Central to the menu are Thai-American crossover dishes, also known as "Random Classics." Crab curry mac and cheese is baked with crab meat, macaroni, mozzarella and topped with a crisp layer of shallot chips and fresh cilantro. Chicken and waffles are created from fried chicken thighs and coconut milk waffle served with somtum pickle, cilantro, thai chili and a lime wedge. The spicy Thai ragu spaghetti is like a pad kee mao meets marinara, topped with green peppercorns, Thai basil and grated parmesan.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Random Access (@randomaccess.nyc) The fusion menu is enough to fill up on, but Random Access also offers a full noodle bar (think spicy curry chicken ramen, beef noodle soup and more) and a somtum bar to create your own papaya salad. Small bites, raw dishes and stir-fries are also on the menu, as well as larger, shareable dishes to add to the delicious culinary chaos of the extensive menu. Kub Khao, the shareables, are worth bringing a crew for, especially to dig into crispy pork belly and the photogeni

Oliva

Oliva

The school cafeteria has nothing on this tapas restaurant.  Oliva, a new Spanish restaurant by chef Franklin Becker, is adjacent to Manhattanville Market, which is within Columbia University’s Jerome L. Greene Science Center, but the offerings are far from university fare.  The lively, fun West Harlem spot serves premium products sourced directly from Spain, showcasing shareable dishes with modern interpretations to whisk you across the Atlantic in just a few small bites.  Oliva’s menu, developed with Chef de Cuisine Chris Strelnick, highlights cured meats, Embutidos, along with a variety of queso, a frio y ambiente section and finishes with a selection of calida y caliente. For non-hispanohablantes, that’s cold and hot dishes. Standout dishes from the Fall 2021 opening menu include a mackerel and blood orange crudo, Serrano ham croquetas, crab fideos and a Soccarat, or seafood rice, for two. For dessert, a crema Catalana presents a creamy Barcelonian twist on more familiar creme brulee.  The beverage menu, designed by mixologist Eamon Rockey, offers beverages from regions around Spain, local New York beers, ciders and spirits, plus cocktails designed to emulate the easygoing European lifestyle. There is, of course, sangria, as well as Spanish-style gin and tonics, with fresh and dried botanicals, and plenty of fortified wines, like sherry and vermouth.   Live music nights help fill the floor-to-ceiling glass space with joy and celebration, and the restaurant serves as a nice

Jibs

Jibs

A beachy vacation may not be in reach (or in season), but Jibs’ New England style seafood shack transports you to sandier, breezier vibes where summer is totally a verb.  Situated on the Hudson River at Hudson Yards, with spacious outdoor seating, Jibs is a collaborative, luxe lobster shack created by Cobi Levy and Will Makris (ACT2 Hospitality: Lola Taverna, Baby Luc's), Thatcher Shultz (Kind Regards, Make Believe), Chef David Ladner (Rhode Island's acclaimed Spiced Pear; Rialto in Cambridge), and General Manager Trisha Hitko. The menu melds traditional, nostalgic seafood shack delights with seasonal specials. Think: Lobster makes, Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls and fried seafood basket with cod, calamari or crab cakes. Grilled and steamed seafood is also available, including whole lobster, black sea bass, and more, as well as a raw bar featuring a variety of oysters, clams and shrimp. On the side, opt for crispy crinkle French fries,  corn on the cob or seasonal veggies.  Jibs’ bar features a combination of classic cocktails, cold beer, and wines, all to be paired with the food and the nautical experience.    Designed by Levy and styled by Mate Gallery’s Matt Albiani, Jibs’ 6,500-square-foot space evokes a simpler, more colorful time, particularly on Cape Cod or the coast of Maine.  Blue-and-white striped private cabanas with 180-degree views of the Hudson River, a “Grass Lounge” area featuring nautical-themed covered seating, a hammock, sandpit, and assorted gre

Bacall's Family Steakhouse

Bacall's Family Steakhouse

Dinner, drinks and dancing may not be what it was in New York’s pre-digital everything heyday, but Bacall’s Family Steakhouse throws it back. Inspired by New Yorker and Hollywood star Lauren Bacall, and her Jewish-Romanian upbringing in The Bronx, Bacall’s merges 1940s era Hollywood charm (Chandeliers! Vintage decor!) with once again trendy Eastern European dishes.  Appetizer’s riff on a bubbe’s standards: deep-fried beef kreplach, chopped chicken liver with challah, latkes with applesauce and gefilte fish topped caesar salad all kick off the menu. Sweet and sour meatballs and matzo ball soup are also served, before shareable meat-centric feasts like slow-cooked brisket, dill-and-basil salmon and a steak and fries platter that could serve a small family. Quick, pre-theater meals like rotisserie chicken with a side of kugel, pasta and a wagyu burger are also available, but Bacall’s is a place to luxuriate. Along with the updated nostalgic menu, Bacall’s has an in-house musician, Dani Luv, famed troubadour of the Lower East Side’s Famous Sammy’s Roumanian for over 20 years, who performs nightly. Come with cash for tips and ideas for song requests, the cheesier the better.  Dancing the hora around the restaurant (yes, that happens) is of course more fun after indulging at Bacall’s in-house vodka bar. The “Vodcã Blast” program offers top-shelf vodka encased in an ice block, served tableside with a choice of mixers or shot glasses, and upon special request, with cucumber cups or a

Lodi

Lodi

Rockefeller Center is looking little more like a charming European piazza, thanks to Lodi, an all-day restaurant, bakery, and bar inspired by Italian caffè culture now open at 1 Rockefeller Plaza.  Chef Ignacio Mattos, of Manhattan favorites estela and Altro Paradiso, is behind the new spot, which is part of a revitalization of Rockefeller Center, breathing some twenty-first century life into the historic, tourist-frequented location. That is, you're likely to see the pastries and stylized pastries on your FYP.  “Lodi is a reminder of how much restaurants, caffès, and bakeries bring to our communities,” says Mattos. “As we enter this new stage in New York City, we’re returning to our roots with an appreciation for the most essential crafts, such as milling, baking, and distilling. Lodi is a celebration of what we love to do.” Head Baker and Pastry Chef Louis Volle, who cut his teeth at Dean & Deluca (RIP), Blue Hill Stone Barns and Tartine, created an bread and pastry program celebrating the craft of milling and baking. A large stone mill, the first of its kind in Manhattan, will freshly grind single variety grains into flours for the specialty baked goods, which will rotate through Lodi's ovens all day long.   Mornings feature a selection of Pasticcini (small pastries) such as cornetto, cioccolato, maritozzo and bombolone. Prima Colazione (breakfast) includes soft eggs with smoked salmon and oats with fruit and honey.  The Pane (bread menu) showcases natural fermentation an

Peppi’s Cellar

Peppi’s Cellar

Pass three spiral staircases inside the just-opened Italian restaurant Gran Tivoli to get to this semisecret cocktail lounge. Practically lifted from the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Peppi’s is all retro cool, with deep, intimate booths, antique lights and a tiny stage for lively jazz combos.

News (661)

A Taylor Swift costume exhibition is now open in New York City

A Taylor Swift costume exhibition is now open in New York City

Updated March 18, 2024 This exhibit appreciates and examines the artistry of Taylor Swift's artistic oeuvre—and you've got just a few more days to see it. “Taylor Swift: Storyteller,” a career-spanning look at the artistic reinventions of the 12-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist (and proud New Yorker!), is now open at The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) through March 24, 2024. The exhibit, which has been on view for more than six months is the most-attended show at MAD.  The exhibit includes iconic costumes, such as the cheerleader and ballerina ensembles from the 2014 music video for “Shake It Off”, the red wedding dress and bellhop uniform from “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” which featured Miles Teller and was directed by Blake Lively in 2021; and the sparkling ensemble from 2022’s “Bejeweled,” directed by Taylor Swift. RECOMMENDED: A Taylor Swift Eras drag brunch is coming to Manhattan More fashion items include previously worn concert attire by couture fashion houses along with props, jewelry, ephemera, and projections of music videos around the exhibition. Unclear if singing and dancing throughout the museum will be permitted for this exhibition.  Photograph: Courtesy Ted McDonnell/REX/Shutterstock “At MAD, fashion and the decorative have long been valued as a critical visual language and no one speaks that language quite like Taylor Swift,” said Alexandra Schwartz, the Museum’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Craft, and Design.

Women in comedy get a spotlight in NYC at the Knockouts Comedy Festival

Women in comedy get a spotlight in NYC at the Knockouts Comedy Festival

A brand new comedy festival is taking over New York's comedy clubs just in time for Women's History Month.  Knockouts Women’s Comedy Festival will kick off on Monday, March 4, and run through Saturday, March 9, with over 50 shows at dozens of venues including Caveat, Club Cumming, The Stonewall Inn, Star Barr, and Littlefield. And some big names are on the lineup.  Comedians including Phoebe Robinson (2 Dope Queens, Everything's Trash), Sydnee Washington (Bridesman, Comedy Central's Up Next), Liza Treyger (The King of Staten Island, Comedy Central’s The Half Hour), Emma Willmann (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Netflix's The Comedy Lineup) and Gina Brillon (America’s Got Talent, Amazon Prime’s Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava) are all taking the stage, as well as plenty of local favorites performing stand-up, improv, variety shows and solo shows. The Knockouts Women’s Comedy Festival was born out of a desire to celebrate and amplify the voices of women in comedy and is actively inclusive to those marginalized and underrepresented in the industry, including trans, nonbinary and genderfluid comedians of all backgrounds.   "We believe it's essential to create spaces where women can showcase their talents, share their perspectives, and support one another in a traditionally male-dominated field," said Jamie Rabinovitch and Natalya Nyn, co-creators of the festival. "By hosting the festival during Women's History Month, we honor the achievements of women throughout history while also highlight

This once-underground dinner party takes over the Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

This once-underground dinner party takes over the Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

It's once again possible to indulge in an elegant meal in the shadow of the Hoyt-Schermerhorn train stop. The intimate kitchen space at 200 Schermerhorn Street is once again thriving, thanks to a remodel and new concept by Maison Sun.  Following the Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare‘s 2016 move from Brooklyn to Manhattan, the former three-Michelin star space had been underutilized—until this winter. Maison Sun started as a secret-ish dinner party amidst the 2020 pandemic. Dr. Carlos Gasperi, who holds a Ph.D. in German Literature invited guests to his luxe Tribeca living room for curated, fine dining experiences cooked by top-notch chefs out of work at the time, thanks to Covid. Gasperi became a self-taught sommelier and eventually the dinner party evolved to a speakeasy-esque setup in Soho, before Gasperi landed on a lauded spot for a brick-and-mortar version of his pandemic project.  Photograph: coutesy of FSM | Brioche at Maison Sun Now, Maison Sun offers a 10-course French tasting menu in a gleaming stainless steel chef’s kitchen, where every dish is prepared in full view, steps away from the diners. The chef’s counter accommodates 12 guests at a time, with multiple seatings throughout the night.  Currently, Executive Chef Aaron Whittle, an alum of Eleven Madison Park, Le Coucou, and Nōksu, leads the kitchen with a menu that features untraditional gastronomic pairings, like sea urchin topped with a with crisp brûléed plantain veil and Royal Ossetra caviar and lightly smoked

There will be more direct flights from New York City to Tokyo this summer

There will be more direct flights from New York City to Tokyo this summer

This summer, you’ll be able to catch a flight to Japan sooner than you can catch a Church Avenue-bound G train on the weekend—well, almost.  American Airlines just announced a direct flight between New York City and Tokyo, adding another option for those looking to head to Japan. The new route launches this summer between New York’s JFK Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND) starting June 28, thanks to a recent approval by the Department of Transportation.  The current schedule offers a daily American Airlines flight departing at 11:30am from JFK and arriving at HND at 2:30pm the next day via a Boeing 777-200. A larger selection of direct flights to Japan is also available via American’s business partner, Japan Airlines, which offers direct flights to Tokyo departing at 1:20pm from JFK and 1:30am from JFK—ideal if you want to try to sleep through the 14-and-a-hal- hour flight.  “American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers travel between the U.S. and Japan.” Those who want to venture beyond Tokyo can book roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka. Tickets for these flights are available starting tod

NYC’s Edge is giving away free tickets to those born on February 29

NYC’s Edge is giving away free tickets to those born on February 29

Born on Leap Day, February 29? Hudson Yards has a present for you. In celebration of Leap Day, Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards is welcoming visitors born on February 29 this Thursday—for free! If you’re celebrating your quadrennial birthday, you can receive a complimentary ticket to visit the sky deck 1,131 feet in the air. Just show a valid ID with a birthday to the Edge box office on the fouth floor of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, and you can take the elevator up to the 100th to 101st floors. Edge is also known for extending out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, so you can step above the skyline and really take in the chaos of Manhattan below you.  A full bar and dining experience, The Peak, is also available in the sky to celebrate the once-in-four-years occasion, though no freebies are promised for birthday celebrators.  Photograph: Courtesy of Edge If you're seeking a thrill, City Climb is also up by Edge. As the highest external building climb in the world, this experience allows brave guests to scale the exterior of the 1,200+ foot supertall building and then lean out from the outdoor platform at the top of the skyscraper for the ultimate photo op. Because why not do something extra terrifying on this bonus day of 2024? Edge is open from 9am to 10pm. Sunset on February 29 will be at 5:47pm, so you’ll want to arrive around 5 for the best golden hour views and watch as the sun dips into the Hudson and the city illuminates. 

A beautiful art exhibit is opening inside the Tiffany & Co. Landmark flagship store

A beautiful art exhibit is opening inside the Tiffany & Co. Landmark flagship store

There's more to admire at the Tiffany Landmark, the brand’s new flagship than its outstanding architecture and sparkling jewels.  An inaugural art exhibition, “Culture of Creativity,” will open on March 4 at the iconic Fifth Avenue store. The work in the bi-level exhibition is sourced from architect Peter Marino’s private collection, which is typically housed at the Peter Marino Art Foundation in Southampton. Marino himself revamped the Tiffany & Co. Landmark’s multi-million dollar renovation that was revealed in May 2023. “Culture of Creativity” showcases Marino’s collection of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pieces from the 1880s along with almost 70 contemporary artworks in a variety of mediums by 26 different artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, McArthur Binion, Sarah Charlesworth, Francesco Clemente, Johan Creten, Andre Dubreuil, Roe Ethridge, Urs Fischer, Hans Hartung, Molly Hatch, Gregor Hildebrandt, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Rashid Johnson, Y.Z Kami, Les Lalanne, Peter Marino, Vik Muniz, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Antoine Poncet, Richard Prince, Julian Schnabel, Sarah Sze, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Not Vital and Stanley Whitney. Tiffany & Co. “We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to re-engage with Peter Marino in a creative partnership for The Landmark’s first major exhibition,” said Anthony Ledru, CEO of Tiffany & Co. “He is the visionary architect who transformed the interiors of our beloved Fifth Avenue store by filling its 10 floors with art. Peter re

This is the most expensive NYC neighborhood by square foot

This is the most expensive NYC neighborhood by square foot

It's no secret that New York City is one of the most expensive places to buy real estate in the world. And if you're specifically seeking a certain neighborhood, it's going to cost you. A new study by American Home Shield looked at the price per square foot of popular neighborhoods in major American cities, and perhaps surprisingly, New York's most expensive neighborhood comes in at 10 on the list. RECOMMENDED: This New York airport is among America’s best, this study says Currently, America's most expensive neighborhood to buy a home is South of Market (SoMa) in San Francisco, where real estate goes for an average of $5,415 per square foot. Several more California and Florida neighborhoods top the list, with Manhattan's West Village coming in 10th place, at $2,680 per square foot. Luckily, New Yorkers are used to living in small spaces. Second to the West Village is Metropolitan Hill, a neighborhood you may not have known exists on the Upper East Side. It's an elite area by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, spanning between East 77th St. and East 86th St., all the way east to Third Ave. And for $2,537 per square foot, you could live there too! In third place is Hudson Square, another seemingly made up real estate neighborhood in the far southwest corner of the West Village, where views of the Hudson River and a quick commute to SoHo will run $2,401 per square foot. Also high on the list: Midtown, at $2,386 per square foot and NoMad, at $2,235 per square foot.

The Latin Night Market is coming back to Inwood every month

The Latin Night Market is coming back to Inwood every month

A delicious and fun event is returning uptown this spring! Latin Night Market will be back on Friday, April 19, to celebrate the food, flavors and festivities of the Latin American diaspora.  The only event of its kind, Latin Night Market debuted last year, attracting over 20,000 participants at its monthly outdoor pop-ups. The market celebrates Latin heritage with Latin and Caribbean fare from local vendors; live performances of salsa, reggae, rumba, jazz, Latin pop, and hip pop; plus family-friendly activities, art installations, raffles and more. The year, 50 vendors will offer bites from Central and South America, and beyond. A food and music lineup has yet to be announced, and locals can still apply to participate.  "Latin Night Market isn't just an event; it's the hottest ticket in town for 2024! With its explosive mix of flavors, beats, and cultural flair, it's not just breaking records; it's rewriting the playbook for culinary and cultural experiences," declares Marco Shalma, founder of MHG, which produces Latin Night Market. "Get ready to be blown away as we gear up for an epic season of true celebration of the Latin diaspora" Dyckman Street, between Dyckman Plaza and Inwood Park, is transformed into a vibrant fiesta, free for all to enter and dance and enjoy. All ages are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs on leash.  Latin Night Market will occur every third Friday of the month, starting at 4pm, from April through October. 

This New York airport is among America’s best, this study says

This New York airport is among America’s best, this study says

Finally, some good news about one of New York's much maligned airports. Well, good-ish.  A new survey has named John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens one of of the best in the country, particularly for business travelers.  BusinessFinancing.co.uk looked at business travelers’ reviews for major international airports and calculated the average ratings to rank the best and worst airports. The study also looked at airports worldwide and found that on average, business travelers only give only 12 airports globally a rating of more than 5/10.  So how did JFK stack up? Though no American airports made the top 10 list worldwide, JFK won the top 10 spot for American airports, with a ranking of 2.61. The top airport in America, Midway International Airport in Chicago, was ranked only at 4.37. And though business travelers may love JFK (at least, just enough), it was recently ranked one of the worst for family travelers.  On the other side of the spectrum, New York didn’t fare so well on the worst airports in the American list. Surprised? Despite the airport's recent $4 billion renovations and glamourous revamp, LaGuardia Airport came in with a whopping 2.0 rating, making it the seventh worst airport in America. Newark isn't far behind, with an even worse rating of 1.73 dubbing it the second worst airport in all of America, as decided by business travelers. Maybe they haven't visited the sleek new Terminal A yet.  The good news? At least it's not Florida, where Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood In

Boris & Horton is trying to raise a quarter of a million dollars to stay open

Boris & Horton is trying to raise a quarter of a million dollars to stay open

Dog lovers were shocked last week when beloved dog cafe Boris & Horton unexpectedly announced its closure.   "After six years in business, we've made the devastating decision to close both locations of Boris & Horton on February 26th," the business posted on Instagram on Thursday, February 15. Within hours of the sad news, thousands of supporters shared their desire to help keep the East Village or Williamsburg dog cafes open, one of few indoor spaces New York City dogs can play off-leash.  Still, Logan Mikhly, who co-owns Boris & Horton with her father, Coppy Holzman, told Time Out that the business was firm on its closer, they weren't comfortable taking people's money as a fundraiser. Mikhly attributed the impending closure due to the high costs of rent, staffing and supplies. For example, the cafe can only use disposable tableware, due to health restrictions (patrons may assume that necessity is built into the cost of a $12 avocado toast, but perhaps that didn't cover it).  And while rent and barista salaries aren't decreasing any time soon, patrons proved a powerful urge to save Boris & Horton.  Following the closure announcement, Amanda Gerzog, a New York City publicist, created a GoFundMe to help support Boris & Horton.  “Let’s rally around to show our support and do everything we can to keep this business afloat,” the campaign reads. “If it’s not possible to keep the doors open, then let’s at least show our love to the amazing staff who will all be affected by this clo

Beloved NYC dog café Boris and Horton is closing

Beloved NYC dog café Boris and Horton is closing

New York City dogs and their owners are about to be uprooted from a regular doggie date spot. Boris & Horton, New York City’s beloved dog café, announced on Thursday morning that it will be closing both the East Village and Williamsburg locations on Monday, February 26. Within an hour of posting the sad news on Instagram, over 500 comments rolled in, voicing support, disbelief, disappointment and confusion over the seemingly sudden loss of community space.  Boris & Horton first opened on Avenue A in 2018. The unique space offered off-leash exercise and socialization for local pups, plus coffee, snacks and WiFi for their humans. This past summer, the concept expanded to Williamsburg, with an extensive dog-friendly space for daytime playdates and popular evening activities like dog-friendly comedy, drag, music and art nights, plus weekend meetups, exercise classes and more. Boris & Horton's reason for closure is far too familiar for independent businesses in New York City: It's just too expensive.  “While we’re busy a lot of the time, there’s a lot of times where we’re just too slow,” Boris & Horton’s co-owner Logan Mikhly told Time Out New York via phone. “Our average ticket doesn’t meet our needs.” Rent, staffing and the cost of ingredients and materials are high, and increasing. Mikhly added that due to being a dog-friendly business, Boris & Horton was subject to more DOH regulations than a typical coffee shop, required more square footage for safe and fun off-leash experien

Brooklyn Museum will transform into a runway for Dior’s Fashion Week 24 show

Brooklyn Museum will transform into a runway for Dior’s Fashion Week 24 show

Fashion Week may have left New York City, but a major moment in haute couture is anticipated in Brooklyn this April. Dior's next New York runway show will take place at the Brooklyn Museum on April 15, 2024, showcasing the pre-fall 2024 collection, according to aeworld.com. One hundred looks by Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was said to be inspired by the Statue of Liberty, will be presented at the iconic show. Like most high-end fashion shows, the event will be invite-only.  "Celebrating the founding couturier’s passion for the fascinating American metropolis, this spellbinding défilé will take place at the Brooklyn Museum, reaffirming the symbolic and powerful alliance uniting Dior and the emblematic institution," the brand said in a statement.   Dior's most recent fashion show took place in the house's hometown of Paris on January 22. The spring-summer 2024 haute couture show immersed the gardens of the Rodin Museum. Brooklyn Museum is celebrating its bicentennial in 2024, with programming acknowledging the institution's 200 years to be announced later this year.  Dior is certainly having a moment in New York City. The French fashion house's much-photographed carousel of dreams lit up Saks Fifth Avenue's famous facade this past holiday season. Later in March, Macy's Flower Show will also be presented with Dior. Brooklyn Museum also hosted a popular Dior retrospective in 2021.