articles tagged:

Manhattan

Nacho Noche with Mighty Margaritas

May 5, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment

*Originally Published on February 8, 2011*

A night in NYC doesn’t require high heels or a button down shirt. The best nights are the ones in your favorite jeans with great company, in your choice of foot attire because there is no dress code to comply with. If you’re looking to add a twist or a great spot to play catch up with an old friend, opt for a Nacho Night.

And well if you want to have great nachos, Mexican is definitely the way to go. So select a margarita and devour those nachos on a self-proclaimed Mighty Margarita and Nacho Noche day. 

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Achille Raspantini: Never Afraid to Take a Chance

March 23, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez 1 Comment

President and owner of Technical Operations, Achille Raspantini, started Technical Operations with $25 and someone else’s beeper. What began as a two-people business has now expanded into a full-service engineering company specializing in audio-video maintenance, broadcast engineering, information technology and multimedia services.

Having hand picked each of his two hundred employees, Achille also personally manages each relationship with his five hundred clients. “Our first priority at Technical Operations is customer service.

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Queens Takes Over The Greene Space

March 7, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez 1 Comment

A few quick heel hops out of the Spring Street C/E station and the doors of The Greene Space were opened for me. Out of the 500 plus entries The Green Space received for the Battle of the Boroughs, 47 acts were selected and 9 performed at the Queens event. Walking around the performance space, it mattered very little whether you had a seat or were standing. Hanging high on the supporting pillars, flat screens televised a live broadcast of the event for those who may have been positioned at a poor angle. However, the intimacy of the small crowd made every spot a great spot to watch the performers.

The crowd’s diversity made it almost impossible to feel out of place. Sponsors Chipotle and The Good Beer Seal provided snacks and drinks for the night. Host Terrance McKnight proved to be a quick and witty host. Easily transitioning from the guest commentators to interviewing each musical act and introducing the next performance, McKnight allowed for an easy following of events to the night. Commentators Eddie Robinson and Leital Molad were honest and fair in their comments, giving constructive criticism and presenting challenges towards some of the acts.

The event as a whole showcased such an array of talented musicians. A Brazilian guitarist, a Jazz Band, MC’s, and a blend of Jazz with Indian vocals and instruments were amongst the nine performing acts that enlightened the crowd with their music. Having arrived late, it would be unfair to pick the best act of the night, but I did happen to have a favorite. Rachel Zamstein, Sosoon, and Astoria Boulevard all made my voting choice very hard. Artists like Nicholas Howard who played piano barefoot and what Why G? and the XYZ’s are doing for children with genuine music interests in Queens really proved how wide the talent was in attendance.

The great thing about The Greene Space is even if you missed the showcase, you can still see it and vote for your favorite performance. To watch the Queens Battle of the Boroughs in its entirety check out the Greene Space Website. Make sure you cast your vote at who you think should win. Tickets for the Bronx Battle of the Boroughs are on sale also at the Greene Space website.

Single in the City? Pick From These First Date Hot Spots

February 5, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment

Carrie Bradshaw proved that being single in New York City is something to be excited about. So don’t feel pressured to secure yourself in someone’s loving embrace because the Hallmark holiday has invaded every store possible, first dates are tough even without the looming love forecast. Here are a few first date spots
Time-Out New York asked a handful of New York Singles to share their first date choices. Each provides a laid-back atmosphere ideal for first date conversations.

Jerry Dial from Williamsburg, Brooklyn shares this about first dates, “First dates can be awkward and uncomfortable, so I like to go to places where not only do I know the people, but I feel at ease.” He suggests Whiskey Town for some first date comfort. “At Whiskey [Town], I can knock back shots of Jameson’s like an Irish poet.”

Whiskey Town
29 E 3rd St at Second Ave
(Between 2nd ave and Bowery)
NY, NY 10003
212-505-7344

Who says pizza isn’t a great first place date? Frequent dater Molly Cronin thinks it is. “Can’t go wrong with fancy pizza!” According to Cronin, Roberta’s is cheap, “easy to get to, they have great food, and it’s not too private. Oh, and they have drinks, in case things really start to go down the tubes. They usually think it’s cool if they haven’t been there, or they are comfortable because they have.”

Roberta’s
261 Moore St
(Between Bogart and White St)
Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
718-417-1118

Brooklyn Neighbor, Josh Owens has had four dates in the last four months. He chose Walter Foods as his go-to spot for a first date. “The food at Walter is great and the service is even better.”

Walter Foods
253 Grand St
(Between Driggs Ave & Roebling St)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY
718-387-8783

James D’Ambrosio from Huntington, Long Island suggests Royalton New York as an upscale lounge perfect for conversation. “It has a quiet atmosphere for conversation, and we need face time to have a meaningful talk and learn as much as possible about each other.”

Royalton New York
44 W 44th St
Between Fifth and Sixth Aves
212-944-8844

Babecitybabes.com co-founders Mina Karimi and Kara Suhey agreed the popular Williamsburg spot Iona. First date worthy because of Iona’s great music and flattering light fixtures. Mina says that Iona is “a casual, convenient environment allows for natural conversation and that can transition smoothly into a range of platonic to sensual banter depending upon chemistry.” Kara feels that the Europeans hanging out across the street provide a great back up plan. “If your date sucks, there is always another hot man/babe-in-waiting at this location. You just wait until your date leaves, then reapply lipstick and get yourself another one.”

Iona
180 Grand Street
(Between Bedford and Driggs Ave)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
718-384-5008

Black History Month at Barnes & Noble

February 4, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez 1 Comment

During these cold months, it can be hard to find a place that’s open, warm, and doesn’t charge you an outrageous entrance fee. If you choose to dip into a Barnes & Noble to escape the cold between meetings or to kill time before your lunch date, feel free to flip through magazines, read a few excerpts from any book, or prop up your laptop while indulging in any of the Starbucks Café treats.

Michael Oher, Spike and Tonya Lee, Maya Angelou will be present at Barnes & Noble events littered throughout the five boroughs of New York City. These Black History Month events will be hosting published authors (or entertainers turned author). Each will discuss their work, read excerpts from their published material, and even share some time with the audience as they sign copies of their books.

Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee – Giant Steps to Change the World
Tuesday February 08, 2011 6:00 PM
Union Square Location
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, 212-253-0810

African-American filmmaker Spike Lee and talented wife Tonya Lewis Lee have continued their success of Please, Baby, Please and Please, Puppy, Please with another Children’s book. Giants Steps to Change the World offers inspiration by using people in history, such as Jesse Owens, Mother Teresa, and Barack Obama, who have taken giant steps in their lives. “On some days your dreams may seem too far away to realize. Listen to the whispers of those that came before….” This book aims to inspire young children to follow their dreams in the face of fear and adversity. Bring a child or stop by to get an autographed copy.

Pamela Newkirk – Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience
Tuesday February 08, 2011 7:00 PM
Park Slope Location
267 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, 718-832-9066

Pamela Newkirk tells a historical story of Black America through letters in Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience. The 200 letter collection varies in subject, language, and time. Newkirk breaks the letters up in categories such as Family, Courtship and Romance, and Politics and Social Justice. Written from September 11th dating back to the time of slavery, such authors of these letters are politicians, academics, slaves, and sharecroppers. Grab a copy of Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience and join Pamela Newkirk as she shares her book with those in attendance.

Michael Oher – I Beat the Odds
Wednesday February 09, 2011 12:30 PM
Fifth Ave Location
555 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 212-697-3048

Michael Oher, an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, has become recognized for the award winning movie Blind Side based on his story from being homeless to eventually being drafted to the NFL. In I Beat the Odds, Oher makes his own accounts of his inspiring journey. He recounts stories of growing up in the projects of Memphis, circulation through the foster care system, and running from child services. Join him at Barnes & Noble’s where he will share the stories that never made it to the big screen.

Black History Month – Story time
Saturday February 12, 2011 1:00 PM
Bayside Location
Bay Terrace S.C., 23-80 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11360

In celebration of Black History Month, visit the Barnes and Noble in Bayside. They will be reading stories that recognize the many past and present achievements and contributions made by African Americans. Be sure to collect your take-home activity sheets.

Maya Angelou- Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart
Thursday February 17, 2011 7:00 PM
Union Square Location
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, 212-253-0810

Literary legend Maya Angelou has published her second cook book titled Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart. Hashing out recipes from childhood and her travels, Angelou adds healthy eating tips along with her flavorful choices. With meals for anytime of the day, the emphasis is smart eating with proper portions. The best part of this book is that many of her creations adapt to other recipes as well. What was dinner becomes leftover lunch tacos. Angelou will be signing only to the first hundred book owners, so get there early!

New York City Artists Mini Collection

January 17, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez 1 Comment

Like the colors of oil in pooled street water, New York City artists bring a beauty to a city that city dwellers so many times overlook. There is a magic that lingers just under the city’s smog. Sprinkling itself on the dreamers that believe in New York City anyone can be anything. Those artists who are immersed in the magic of New York can testify that developing an art that rises above the city’s millions can prove a difficult task. But such is the beauty about New York. In such a concentrated area of inhabitants living one on top of another, the known and the unknown artists can one day find a platform for their medium.

Stephen Wiltshire climbed into a helicopter and took a twenty-minute ride over Manhattan’s historic skyline. From those twenty minutes, Wiltshire began producing an 18ft sketch referring only to his memory. Diagnosed with autism at an early age, Wiltshire found that he communicated best with pictures.

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Nickless: One Man. One Way. One Destiny.

January 5, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez 1 Comment

When you have a name that means “Victorious People” a desire to change the world with your music is definitely within your reach. Adapting a rap name similar to his birth name Nicholas, his stage name Nickless still embodies its powerful meaning. Rapping about ninjas trying to kill him, at eight years old Nickless knew two things: (i) someday he would be a rapper and (ii) he would someday live in New York.

Born in the Bay area of California, Nickless lost his father to HIV at an early age. He was then raised in a feminist household by a single mother while living in a predominately Black Panther neighborhood. “Being homeless I got to witness how hopeless people were. I learned to never play the victim. Being locked up, I was around nothing but the most macho dudes…it was a good chance for me to see how guys are. Being raised by a feminist is completely different. I knew about sexism since I was two.”

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All Nation: “Passion in their hearts and fire in their bellies”

December 27, 2010 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment

“If you ever want to start a band, hit me up.” This passing comment from Sean Shepherd to Asher Schraeter sparked the beginning of All Nation. The name, All Nation, was inspired from the vast musical and personal differences between band members. With ages ranging from 19 to 26, the group consists of Sean “Unique” Shepherd as the lead vocalist, Asher Schraeter who plays the guitar, Earl Shepherd their keyboardist, Keegan Wolfe on the drums, and Kevin Shaigany who plays bass guitar.

Formed in March of 2010, Earl describes their music as “a mixture of mainly Hip-Hop and Rock, with bits and pieces of other genres thrown in.” Harmonizing rap-like vocals over melodic instruments, All Nation gained the edge they needed to place first in a Hot97 showcase this August. “The fact that we had won almost felt surreal to us,” Asher told Yeah New York.

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Josh Dranto Bubbles with Possibilities

December 13, 2010 By Ashley Nuñez 10 Comments


Finding a balance between straight A’s and music, Josh Dranto is draping his dreams with musical notes and guitar chords. A sophomore at Lodi High School in New Jersey, Josh is brimming with potential. His Youtube videos have already garnered over 37,000 views.

Born into a family of musicians, his mother a choir singer and his father a piano/keyboard player, he harbors his own talents playing four different instruments. “I play the piano, guitar, alto saxophone, and the ukulele. I’ve been playing the alto saxophone…about 6 years.” Although he loves the sound and emotion of the saxophone, you’ll find Josh playing his guitar in his videos. “My interest for playing the guitar started towards the end of 7th grade. I told my dad and asked him to teach me because he too, plays guitar…So he gave me a chord chart, taught me how to read it and from there, I taught myself how to play.”

Still developing his voice, Josh’s Youtube collection showcases a soft, melodic voice over gentle guitar chords. Engaging his audience with his charming smile, Josh only discovered his vocal talents this year. “People from my church, school, everywhere I sang just for fun, complimented me and this made me think about my future.” Covering songs by Keri Hilson, Joe Brooks, Bruno Mars and even the late great Michael Jackson, Josh tells his Youtube subscribers, “Music is my passion and I love doing all this for FUN!”

Busking at union square isn’t quite like performing in sold out arenas but the thrill and excitement is all the same. “The feeling you get right before you perform in front of a crowd feels amazing to me. It doesn’t really matter if I perform in front of 2 people or 2000 people; I love to make music for people.” With a stern focus on his grades for college scholarships, Josh is leaving things up to God. “I dream really big for my future with music. I am extremely focused on having a music career in the future. If all goes well, I’d like to go to NYU for music, be a recording artist, sign a label, and just live life, sharing music to the world. Performing at places that I never thought I’d be, I just put it in the hands of God. He gave me these gifts and talents so I just leave everything up to Him. My future is in His hands.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lZYgZ8MTl4[/youtube]

Discover Josh for yourself:
Youtube.com/user/TheJayyDee
Thejayydee.tumblr.com/

Stress Less During the Holidays

December 6, 2010 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment

December has boosted the bustle of New York City into a holiday high. Christmas lists, holiday shopping, greeting cards and the careful arrangement of holiday feasts can pile on some unneeded stress. Before you get as strung out as high as those holiday light decorations, take some much needed time for yourself and avoid burning out your bulb. Here are some YNY tips on how to keep the holiday cheer in and the holiday stress out.

Yoga

Yoga is great for many reasons but most anyone can do it. Stretch your tense muscles and focusing on yourself (instead of how much UPS is going to charge you for sending your Aunt Betsie’s present that you haven’t gotten yet and she lives all the way on the West coast.) Many yoga practices also include meditation. So escaping from the never-stopping frenzy of the holidays proves a much needed rest for your body as much as your mind. YNY has a list of great Yoga centers scattered across midtown and lower Manhattan that host free or donation based classes.

Check them out here: Free Yoga in Manhattan

Hot Chocolate + Movie = Serenity

Nothing beats battling the frostbitten winter wind better than a cup of hot chocolate. Marshmallows make a great addition to every cup but pairing your hot coco but give your stress less moment a promotion with a movie that melts you further into your seat. There are plenty of holiday movies on repeat during the season so just turn on your TV and settle in. If you feel like you’re on holiday overload with all the music and decorations that are sprinkled throughout New York City, check out YNY’s 10 New York Romantic Comedies.

Spa Deals

Participating in your office’s Secret Santa? Playing Santa for your Kids? Slowly checking off your Christmas gift list one person at a time? Then you deserve to spend some of that holiday bonus on yourself! What a better way to gift yourself during the holidays than with a spa massage. If your spending has left you with a tight budget, try calling NYC massage schools and inquire about available appointments with students who need to complete hours for certification. These schools offer large discounts for senior students that are close to becoming certified. If shopping has exhausted you mentally from venturing out to find a spa in your area, here are a few sites that can do the finding for you: Spafinder, Spa Addicts, Spa-NYC, and Urban Savings.

Ice Skating at The Pond

Skip the crowds at Rockefeller Center and skate with the bundles at The Pond, Bryant Park’s Ice Skating Rink. The Pond offers free admission skating, free lockers to hold extra belongings (be sure to bring your own lock), and good deals on their rental skates. Enjoy snacks at Ice Bites or sit down for dinner at Bryant Park’s glass enclosed restaurant, Celsius. And before you draw your night to a close, support local artists and entrepreneurs and visit any of the 100 boutique-style shops. For additional information about The Pond, check out the FAQs section of their website at Thepondatbryantpark.com.

Christmas Carols

What would Christmas be without caroling? To revive your Christmas spirit that may be hidden under all that stress, attend one of the many caroling sessions across NYC.

If you’re in the Brooklyn Heights area, join the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, December 17th at 7 pm. They’ll be starting at 124 Henry Street and then venturing out to different Brooklyn Heights points, with a post caroling party held at the church. In case you happen to miss their send off at seven, the route will be posted in their church doors.

For those in Manhattan, on Friday December 18th at 7 pm., carolers will be meeting at 487 Hudson Street in the St. Luke’s cafeteria. A group of about 150 singing children and adults will be winding their way around the West Village. Ending where the carolers commenced, refreshments will be served in the St. Luke’s cafeteria to sooth those singing voice boxes.

Step out of the house on Christmas Eve and join locals in some Christmas songs beside the Washington Square Park Tree. Beginning at 5p.m. on December 24th, those from the neighborhood invite students, travelers, and all those in the NYC area to join in voice in celebration of Christmas spirit.

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